“A lady? Who said anything about a lady?” Jace did his best to look innocent. “Can't I just be happy my little sister is getting married?”
He fidgeted slightly, wanting to get back to work. As much as he was excited for Madelyn's wedding to Jason, he still had responsibilities. His company didn't stop running just because his little sister was getting married.
“Oh, Mr. Connor, your sister Madelyn is a lucky woman, but a man doesn't go around with his feet floating on a cloud and a smile on his face for anything but a woman.” Delores smiled widely. “So, I have to ask. Is it anyone I know?”
“Someone who works for you, actually,” Jace said slowly, unsure of what exactly to say. “She's made my day considerably brighter.”
“Oh, that is what we strive for here at Blue Lake Inn,” Delores agreed, nodding with each word. “I do hope that Allison continues to make your stay even more pleasurable.”
The way she said “pleasurable” made the hairs on Jace's neck stand up. It was creepy and almost inappropriate.
“Um, thank you?” Jace frowned, unsure why Allison was being brought up.
“Allison is incredibly accommodating,” Delores continued. The tone of her voice suggested that Allison was more than just accommodating. It made Jace's stomach twist a little. “I hope that you'll be able to spend more time with her.”
“I'm sorry, you must be confused,” Jace said, looking down the hallway and hoping someone would come along that could distract her. “I wasn't referencing Allison. She's done a fabulous job as liaison, though. We've been very pleased with her.”
“Not Allison?” Delores's joy dropped quickly out of her eyes, leaving her smile hollow and fake. “Which one of my employees can I reward for making your stay so memorable then?”
Jace hesitated. There was something about the owner of the inn that set his teeth on edge. It was probably just that she was a known gold-digger, but she displayed the false interest that drove him nuts. Yet, he wanted Ella to get the praised she deserved.
“Please, Mr. Connor,” she begged, putting on a charming smile. “If one of my employees is making your stay all that it can be, I want to know so I can encourage the behavior. We're big on positive reinforcement here. I believe it's what makes this place work so well.”
“Ella.” He smiled a little at her name, just saying making his day brighter.
“Ella? Of course it would be Ella.” Ms. Phillips blinked twice before resuming her smile. “She's one of our best, you know.”
“I certainly agree,” Jace said. He took a step forward, but Delores put a hand on his chest to stop him.
“Oh, you must work out.” The older woman managed a blush. “What I mean to say is, I'm not surprised she's gone above and beyond with this wedding. She's just so excited for her own that it spills into everything.”
“I'm sorry, her wedding?” Jace's heart stalled in his chest. Delores couldn't possibly mean what he thought she did.
“She hasn't said anything?” Delores's eyes were wide. “What a dear, not wanting to impose on your family's special day. That's just like her.”
“What do you mean 'wedding'?” Jace asked again, his voice taking more of an edge than he meant to give.
“She's engaged.” Delores smiled and fluttered her eyelashes again. “The wedding is next week. It's very romantic. High school sweethearts, a big public proposal. She's been over the moon with excitement, but I asked her to tone it down so as not to overshadow your sister's big day. This weekend is supposed to be all about Madelyn, not Ella.”
“Ella's wedding is next week?” Jace repeated, saying the words but not comprehending. It was too horrible.
“Yes.” Delores nodded.
It hit him like a ton of bricks. Of course. That's why she kept pulling away. It's why she kept her distance at the gazebo and why she fled so quickly. It certainly explained the sadness and look of guilt that he caught in her eyes.
Something in his chest cracked. It was hard to breathe.
“Did I mention he's a war hero?” Delores put her hand on his arm, but he was in too much of a shock to pull away. “A very valiant young man. He saved his whole platoon in Afghanistan.”
“Oh.” Jace could just see Ella standing next to a handsome soldier, smiling up at him with those hazel eyes, her smile so warm and sweet. “Ella must be very proud of him.”
“Oh, she is. More than she knows,” Delores agreed. “I'm so glad to hear that she's made your stay special, though.”
“Yes.” Jace felt like his ceiling was falling down around him. All thoughts of flowers, horses, and romance novels were long gone.