"I was wondering if you'd come visit me soon."
"You know my winter isn’t complete until I see you." I shoot her a wink.
Mrs. Shepherd is a sixty-year-old woman who's worked here since I was a kid. While she's upper management, the woman enjoys working the desk and greeting the guests.
"I set you up in the Snowball Suite."
"What's that?" Fallon asks next to me.
I almost warn Mrs. Shepherd about Fallon being a journalist but decide not to. I want her to enjoy herself without feeling as if she has to be professional anytime she leaves the room.
"It comes equipped with a full kitchen, fireplace, hot tub, and separate living room. There's also a patio off the bedroom so you can watch the skiers from the balcony."
"Sounds nice," Fallon says, and I know she's mentally taking notes.
"What time would you like your turndown service?"
"Let's do six," I tell her since it’s already one and we’ll be leaving for dinner around that time. "Instead of two hot cocoas, can you send one coffee please?"
"Of course." She continues typing on the computer. "Do you need an access code to the workout room or pool?"
"Yes, please. I'd like to show my guest around."
"No problem." Mrs. Shepherd grabs our keys and writes down our codes. "As you know, complimentary breakfast is from six to ten. Here’s the number for equipment rentals or if you need a shuttle to the other ski lifts."
"Got it." I slide one key to Fallon and shove the other in pocket. "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. I hope you both have an amazing time." Mrs. Shepherd glances at Fallon with a wide smile. I've never shown up here with a woman, so I can only imagine what thoughts are going through her head.
I grab our bags and lead Fallon to the elevators.
“She was very nice,” Fallon says as we wait.
“I’ve known her for most of my life. Sweetest lady you’ll ever meet.”
Once we get on and I press the button for the top floor, Fallon faces me. “This seems a lot like a romantic getaway.”
“Well, it’s a resort for couples and families. I wanted you to experience everything they had to offer, so I booked the best room."
"On such short notice? How'd you manage that?"
I smirk with a knowing shrug. "I have connections."
She snorts. "I'm sure you do. Is it one of thosestay thirty-eight times, get the thirty-ninth freepromotions?"
Barking out a humored laugh, I throw my head back at her reference. Of course I just pulled a random number out of my ass, but the fact that she's still thinking about it means something.
"Actually, number forty is the freebie. What are you doing next weekend?" I flash her a wink.
"Keep dreaming."
"You break my heart, Fallon Joy."
We arrive at our floor, and as soon as I open the door to our room, Fallon walks in and examines every inch of the place.
“What do you think?” I ask, setting our bags down on a bench.
“It’s massive.” She goes from room to room, then checks out the tub and kitchen. “Um...there’s onlyonebed.”