Can't Help Falling In Love (Love Me Tender #1)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

  Desiree shook her head. That was just a pipe dream. Any house near Main Street would cost too much money, not only to buy but to upkeep. Just like the Bluebonnet Inn.

  Once she finished looking at the buildings, she turned the list over and headed further away from Main Street to look at houses, but her heart just wasn’t in it. She could tell by the map Carol had given her, the houses weren’t near Main Street either.

  I’m not sure what to do, Lord. This isn’t going as planned. Since getting to the Bluebonnet Inn and meeting Holt, I can’t seem to feel excited about finding my own home and business. I’m much more interested in helping him turn the place into a pie shop and increasing the bed and breakfast business.

  Desiree finally turned the car and headed back to the Inn. The houses could wait until another day. She was tired and wanted to get a good start on the website for the Bluebonnet Inn.

  I’ll tell Holt to dress in his Elvis outfit. I’ll take photos of him, maybe make a video for the website. That should capture women’s attention.

  Desiree found herself frowning. She wasn’t too sure how she felt about helping to promote Holt as part of the bed and breakfast. She felt a tinge of jealousy rising up in her stomach.

  Why am I being so foolish? Holt will have to be the main attraction at the Bluebonnet to attract business. Besides, I have no right to feel jealous; I just met him and, as far as I can tell, Carol has some attachment to him. God knows I’m not in the market for a boyfriend right now. This is the time to start my new life.

  As Desiree pulled the car into the driveway and around the back of the house, she noted two cars in the parking area. Desiree parked and headed into the house. She wanted to change into some more comfortable clothes for painting. When she stepped into the front hall, there were two women standing there talking to Holt. One she had never seen, the other was Carol.

  Carol turned when the door opened. “Oh, hello, Desiree. I just stopped by to see if you found anything on that list I gave you?”

  Desiree’s eyes sought Holt’s face. For some reason, she couldn’t help but try to read his thoughts. His eyes seemed to be lit up.

  “Hi, Desiree. Yes, Carol just stopped in, and this is Darla Jones. She is the guest we were expecting. She is here for the weekend.”

  Desiree wondered why he seemed to be explaining things to her, but she gave a nod and a slight smile. Darla Jones was a tall, thin, redhead beauty. It must be why Holt’s countenance was so bright.

  She turned to Desiree with a question in her eyes. “Oh, are you Holt’s wife?”

  She was about to protest, but Holt stepped closer to her with a slight smile. “No, she is my business partner.”

  Desiree’s jaw dropped open at his words. She could see the shock in Carol’s eyes.

  “Your business partner? I thought Desiree was going to open an arts and crafts studio.”

  “She’s also helping me here at the Bluebonnet.”

  Desiree cleared her throat. She could tell Darla was becoming impatient. She turned to the woman and asked, “Is this your first time in Fredericksburg?”

  “Yes.”

  Holt stepped over to the desk and pulled out the ledger. He turned it around so Darla could sign in. Desiree tried to slip by so she could go to her room, but Carol stopped her again.

  “Well, did you like any of the properties?”

  “Uhm, yes. I just need some time to make a list of the ones I want to see. Can I call you on Monday?”

  “Yes, I’ll look forward to it.” She turned to Holt. “Are you doing your Elvis impression tonight?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  Carol clapped her hands together. “Oh good. I’ll be there. I hope you can sing a song only for me.”

  Desiree noted a blush on his face. She wondered if her comment pleased or irritated him.

  “Sorry, Carol. I’m not allowed to single out anyone in the audience. It’s part of the rules.”

  Desiree caught her breath.

  Holt turned back to Darla. “Perhaps you might like to attend. It’s a dinner show, and there are several talented actors doing famous impersonations.”

  Darla smiled, staring into Holt’s eyes. “I’d love to go. Did I hear right? You do Elvis? I just adore anything Elvis. Can you get me in for free? You know, sort of a special for staying here?”

  “Uh, no, I can’t. But tickets are on sale up to the time the show starts. I’ll give you the address later.”

  Darla’s smile dropped. Holt handed her a key and pointed the direction to her room. Darla lifted her bag and made her way up the stairs.

  Desiree found herself feeling pleased. Holt had given her a free ticket to the show, and he’d singled her out during the evening and sang her a song. Her eyes fell on her image in the mirror behind the desk. She wasn’t as pretty as either Carol or Darla. In fact, she was rather plain. Nothing to make a man act so out of character, she thought.

  Desiree shrugged. Perhaps Holt was feeling more generous yesterday. She finally slipped by and headed up to her room. She could hear the soft cooing sound of Carol’s voice as she continued to speak with Holt.

  When she reached her room, the door across the hallway flew open, and Darla stepped out, looking around. When she noticed Desiree standing in the hall, she frowned.

  “I thought I heard someone.”

  “Nope, just me.” Darla almost laughed. She had basically just called herself a nobody. But she got the idea Darla meant Holt.

  “Holt mentioned you were his business partner.”

  Desiree nodded. “Yes, I’m working with him to try and start promoting the bed and breakfast a bit more. He is also opening a pie shop in the front dining area. You won’t want to miss purchasing a slice.”

  Darla looked bored. “Are you also his girlfriend?”

  Desiree’s eyes opened wide, and she shook her head. “No, I’ve only known him a few days.”

  “Oh, good.” Darla turned, walked into her room and slammed the door behind. An old painting that was hanging on the wall beside the door slipped and hung a bit crookedly.

  Desiree moved across the hall and straightened it. The walls were thin in the house, and she could hear Darla speaking to someone. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she placed an ear closer to the door.

  “That’s what I said. He’s single and from the looks of the place, it’s too much for him to handle. There’s some woman he claims is his partner, but she’s busy trying to open some kind of art studio.”

  Desiree was surprised to hear Darla talking about Holt and herself. What was the woman’s interest in them?

  “Yes. It’s no problem. I can tell he’s already attracted to me. It won’t take much work. Give me a week or two.”

  Her voice was silent for a moment; Desiree assumed Darla was listening to someone on the other end of the phone.

  “I know you want to get the place as soon as possible. I can handle my end of the job. Don’t worry.”

  Desiree heard Darla moving closer to the door. She straightened and rushed back into her room. Closing the door behind.

  Lord, what is that woman up to? It sounded rather suspicious—as if someone wants to get the Bluebonnet. Please, help me discover what she is doing here.

  ~

  An hour later, someone knocked on Desiree’s door. She’d been curled on the bed taking a nap. She stood, straightened her hair a bit and walked to the door. Her hand reached out for the knob but stopped. “Who is it?” she called through the door.

  “Holt.” His voice was low, as if he were trying not to let anyone else hear him.

  Desiree opened the door.

  “Can we talk?” Holt asked, running a hand though his hair.

  Desiree heard the doorknob on the room across the hall beginning to turn. She reached out and pulled Holt into her room and closed the door quickly.

  Holt turned and stared at her. “Uhm, I meant downstairs, or in the office.”

  Desiree held a finger up to her lips and gave him the sign t
o be silent. Holt stood obediently quiet and watched as Desiree opened the door a crack and peeked out into the hall.

  When she was satisfied, she turned back around. “Holt, something’s fishy about the new guest.”

  “Darla?” Holt cocked his head. “Why do you say that?"

  “I’m embarrassed to tell you, but I sort of overheard her having a conversation with someone on the phone.” Desiree didn’t want to explain how she’d eavesdropped at Darla’s door so she rushed on with her story.

  “She was talking to someone about you and the Bluebonnet.”

  “Maybe she was telling someone about staying here,” Holt offered.

  “No. She was talking to someone who wants to get this place, and Darla’s plan is to get you attracted to her so she can sway you.”

  “Sway me about what?”

  Desiree stomped her foot. “That’s just it; I don’t know. But, I do know what I heard.”

  Holt stared at her flushed face. She didn’t want to tell him exactly how she’d overheard what she heard.

  “You sure you aren’t just making this up?”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Uhm, maybe you’re jealous or something…” Holt’s voice dropped off.

  Desiree laughed. She had to admit, at first sight she was jealous of Darla, even though she had no right to be. Holt didn’t belong to her. They were just…well…friends? Business partners? Desiree wasn’t actually sure what they were.

  “I’m interested in helping to keep this place open and from what I heard, okay, I’ll tell you. I was listening through her door. And, from what I heard, someone is interested in this place, and she’s here to do something about it.”

  Holt walked over to the window, pulled back the curtain and stared out for a minute or two. Desiree assumed he was thinking.

  Finally, he turned around. “I appreciate the heads up, Desiree. At least now I know something is up with her. If she starts to get too chummy, I’ll be on guard.”

  Desiree took a deep breath. “Okay, and I’ll keep my eyes and ears open. It might not be anything, but I got such a strange feeling.”

  Holt moved back to her side and lifted her hand and pressed a small kiss on the back of it. “What I came up here for, was to ask if you wanted to look over the website now.”

  Desiree nodded but didn’t pull her hand away. They stood that way for several more seconds until Holt released her hand and cleared his throat.

  “Okay, I’ll see you in the office.”

  Desiree nodded in agreement and opened the door so Holt could leave. They both glanced up and down the hallway before Holt stepped out of her room.

  “It’s almost like a cloak and dagger story.” Holt joked then walked away, whistling the now familiar melody of, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

  Chapter 8

  Holt and Desiree looked over the website and discussed ideas to improve the site.

  “We need photos of you dressed as Elvis. Can we get them tomorrow?”

  “Sure, but I think it’s taking a big chance. I’m not convinced Elvis will sell the Bluebonnet rooms.”

  Desiree sat up and rubbed her eyes. “You just wait. it’s going to work. I have a friend in San Antonio. She’s part of a scrapbooking group. I’m going to call her and tell her about the place. She’s always looking for a new venue to hold her scrapbooking retreat.”

  “That sounds good. I know a few people who teach cooking classes, and they might know of some groups who would like to have a weekend of classes in dessert baking.”

  Desiree smiled. “I’ll add a section to the website, offering baking weekends, mystery weekends, scrapbooking weekends, and anything else we can think of. “

  Just as she finished speaking, Darla’s head popped around the door. “Holt, I was wondering where you were.”

  Holt frowned. “I’m right here, in the office. Was there something you needed? More towels?”

  “No, I was hoping you would give me a tour of the town. I can drive.”

  “Sorry, that’s not part of the weekend package. But I do have a map. The town is easy to maneuver.”

  Holt pulled open a drawer and slipped out a small, city map. He handed it to Darla. She stuffed it into her purse.

  “Did I just hear you talking about hosting special weekends here? I don’t know if I mentioned it to you, but I’m a financial advisor. I’ve worked with a variety of bed and breakfast owners. I’ve seen them all try those types of weekends, and it’s usually an expensive waste of time. Is the Bluebonnet struggling financially?” Her eyes opened innocently. “I know someone who is looking for a nice old home in a quaint Texas town. This place would be perfect. I could get you a fair price.”

  Desiree had to bite her lip to keep from saying something rude. But now she knew what was going on. Darla was working for someone who wanted to buy the Bluebonnet Inn. She glanced at Holt, hoping he had caught on, too, but his face was drawn with worry.

  “I can’t afford to lose money.” His words brought a flicker of a smile to Darla’s face, but she covered it quickly with a serious expression.

  “I can give you a list of bed and breakfasts that have gone under in the past two years across Texas. And, if you’d like, I can call my friend and tell him about your home. He might be interested enough to make a trip to see it.”

  Holt’s shoulders sagged. “Thank you, Darla. I would like that.”

  Darla stepped closer to him and pressed a hand on his chest.

  “I’ll run back to my room and call him right now.”

  Holt nodded.

  Desiree sat, stunned. She couldn’t believe how easily Holt had been persuaded. She was just about to say something when Holt turned around and faced her, a sly grin spread across his face.

  “So, do you think she believed me?”

  Desiree’s jaw dropped. “You mean, that whole thing was an act?”

  “Sure, what better way to find out what she’s really after?”

  Desiree shook her head and laughed. “You had me fooled. I thought you’d succumbed to her suggestion that these weekend events wouldn’t save the place. I know they will.”

  Holt stepped closer, leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek. “If you’re involved, I know they will.”

  Desiree’s cheek tingled. She ducked her head and smiled.

  ~

  Desiree spent the next hour working on the website then made a quick call to her girlfriend in San Antonio. Her friend was very interested in the idea of hosting a scrapbooking weekend in Fredericksburg.

  “Of course, if Elvis joined us for a meal, that would be great.”

  Desiree assured her, Elvis would be there. Before she hung up, Desiree had blocked out a weekend for the event and had gotten a credit card to hold the rooms. She sat back with a smile. She had really enjoyed setting up the weekend event. Once she started her own shop, would she have time to do this for Holt?

  I’ll leave it all up to you, Lord.

  The delicate aroma of apple pie drifted from the kitchen. That gave Desiree the idea to call the small, local newspaper and put out an ad for the pie shop. It only took a moment to get the prices and email. She spent another hour working up an ad. When she finished, she got up and stretched and drifted into the front sitting room. Holt found her there.

  “I’m almost ready to head out to the theater.”

  “Do you have time to look at an ad?”

  Holt nodded and followed her to the computer. When she showed him the ad she’d created, he whistled. “Wow, you’re really good at this PR stuff. The ad looks great.”

  “Great, then I’ll ask them to start running it Monday, for the entire week. That will basically get the locals in. Later this week, I’ll start to contact other businesses in town and ask if they’re willing to accept a stack of coupons for the pie shop. We may even find other bed and breakfasts in town asking to purchase pies for their own place.”

  Holt stepped over and pulled Desiree into a friendly hug. “You a
re amazing.”

  Desiree stood still, enjoying the warmth of his hug, but Holt finally moved away.

  “Speaking of the pie shop, I’ve got a few cooking that need to come out now. I’ll lead you to your ad creating.”

  Desiree felt the cool, empty air as he reluctantly stepped away. She turned back to the computer, pulled up the email for the newspaper and sent in the ad.

  Holt and several apple pies had left for the theater. Desiree was back in the front sitting room, glancing over the books on the shelves. She decided to mention to Holt that the shelves needed a redo. Some of the books were so old; no one would ever be interested in reading them. She thought books with very short stories would be more interesting to people who only had an evening or two to read. Books by Max Lucado and Chicken Soup for the Soul would do. They could always find some at local thrift stores.

  She began to pull out some of the truly outdated books and stack them for Holt to look at when she heard Darla coming down the stairs. Desiree turned around.

  Darla peeked into the room and frowned. “What are you doing?” Her eyes fell on the stack of books.

  Desiree wanted to laugh at the accusatory tone in Darla’s words. But Holt had given her permission to go over the whole house and make suggestions.

  “I’m helping Holt upgrade the Bluebonnet Inn. These books are a bit outdated.”

  “I don’t see why you’re wasting your time. This place isn’t going to make it. Holt will do better to get out now, when an investor…I mean a buyer, is willing to pay good money, before the place loses any more business.” Darla pulled a lipstick container out of her purse and proceeded to run it around her lips, making them even more blood red than they already were.

  Desiree felt her ire rise up. With hands on hips and eyes flashing, she said, “I don’t know what your game is, Darla, but I’m here to save the Bluebonnet Inn.”