Page 54 of Quarter Miles (Runaway 3)

“I love that you’re in a book club.”

Aria laughed. “This is a small town. Us locals stick together. Things get hectic during tourist season, but in the winter, when it’s cold and gray, we sort of band together to keep from going crazy.”

“We do the same in Montana. We still have guests in the winter so it’s not like there isn’t a peak season for us with skiing and snowmobiling. But it’s slower than the summer months. And when we get a big snow, we’ll find ourselves in someone’s house, eating and playing games and reading and sitting around a fire.”

“I meant what I said last night. I’m going to have to come and visit you and see this place for myself.”

I smiled but stayed quiet. Would I still be there?

Aria and I didn’t linger in her home. We returned on the same path that we’d taken, giving me a second taste of the allure and charisma of the locals’ Heron Beach. When The Gallaway came into view and the bustle of downtown began to crowd the sidewalks, I took one last glance over my shoulder to the quieter streets behind.

The sound of the ocean in the distance filled my ears. The laughter and smiles from the guests coming and going from the hotel were contagious. When we walked into the lobby, the line at the espresso counter was ten deep but no one seemed to mind having to wait for their latte. The restaurant where we’d had dinner last night was closed, but the café next door was crowded for breakfast.

Was my crush on The Gallaway because I was on vacation? Because I was off duty? I could enjoy the bustle of the guests and not worry about their enjoyment. Customer satisfaction was the last thing on my mind.

“Aria, there you are.” The same suited gentleman I’d seen her with yesterday appeared at our sides.

“Hey, Mark. What’s up?”

“Whenever you’re free, would you mind stopping by my office?”

“Sure. I’d like you to meet someone. Katherine Gates, this is Mark Gallaway. My boss.”

“Nice to meet you.” My heart did a little lurch as I held out my hand to shake his. Gallaway. As in The Gallaway?

“Katherine and I are old friends,” Aria said. “We grew up in the same town. Now she runs a fancy guest ranch in Montana.”

“Ah. Are you staying here at the hotel?”

“I am. It’s lovely.”

“We’re proud of it.” He grinned. “The Gallaway has been in my family for three generations.”

Mark Gallaway was likely in his late forties. There were streaks of gray in his brown hair and fine lines around his eyes. But with that suit and his tall stature, he looked every bit the millionaire I suspected he was. I knew how much a hotel like this could potentially rake in, especially if run well.

“What’s the name of your resort in Montana?” he asked.

“The Greer Ranch and Mountain Resort.”

His eyes widened. “No kidding?”

“Have you heard of it?” Aria asked him.

“Often.” He nodded. “I stayed there about five years ago. I was with a group of guys who went in the fall to go hunting. It’s one of a kind. World renowned.”

A blush crept into my cheeks and I fought a smile. “Like you, we’re proud of it too.”

“It’s not easy to get a reservation there these days. My friends and I have been talking about going back, but you’re booked out for the next three years.”

“Hunting season is popular, but occasionally we’ll get a cancelation. I can add you to the wait list if you’d like.”

“I was told there isn’t a wait list.”

I leaned in close, Mark mirroring me, and lowered my voice. “There is if you know the general manager.”

He leaned back and burst out laughing. “You’ve made my day, Ms. Gates. How long have you been the GM?”

“Four years.”