Page 14 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Are you two dating now?” Rhonda Grayson asked, beaming at them.

“No,” Lori said as Griff shook his head. “We’re just friends who’ve met here.”

“Oh, well, I love it when couples come together at the hotel,” said Rhonda, clasping her hands.

“We hope you have a lovely evening,” said Ann, taking Rhonda’s arm and leading her away.

“I hope that didn’t embarrass you,” Lori said.

Griff shrugged. “They thought we were together. That’s all.”

Lori didn’t say more but she got the feeling that Rhonda liked the idea of matchmaking among her guests. Too bad it wouldn’t work this time.

Later, she noticed several women looking their way and realized they were focusing on Griff. He looked handsome in a tux. No wonder he was sought after at home. More important than his appearance, he was kind, attentive, and easy to get along with.

A man got up and introduced himself as Bernhard Bruner, the hotel’s general manager, as the first course of shrimp cocktail was being served. He welcomed them, thanked the staff, talked a bit about the philosophy of the hotel, and then invited everyone to enjoy the meal prepared by the chef, Jean-Luc Rodin and his staff.

Lori loved how everyone working at the hotel was appreciated and understood why the hotel had little turnover, as the GM had mentioned.

While Griff and Lori ate, they talked about their favorite foods growing up. With Sarita as housekeeper, Griff had learned to love Mexican food early on. Lori’s mother was a simple cook, but she loved food, and even her meatloaf was the family's favorite.

“Do you cook?” Griff asked her.

Lori hesitated. “I used to, but now it’s just me, and I tend to keep things simple and easy. I guess I lost my appetite for food.”

“Mama Sarita made sure I learned how to use the kitchen,” said Griff. “I make a mean variety of enchiladas.”

“If we weren’t eating this meal, I’d try to find a Mexican restaurant here in town,” said Lori.

“Maybe tomorrow,” said Griff, clearly pleased.

The leisurely meal was mouthwatering. Lori and Griff each chose Boeuf Wellington for their main course, followed by a light salad, then a lemon pastry for dessert.

After dinner, an announcement was made that for the rest of the evening, drinks, coffee and tea would be offered along with more sweets before the group would be served a midnight champagne drink for a toast.

The jazz group of musicians arrived, and after they began playing, some people got up to dance.

Griff watched them and turned to her. “Care to dance?”

Lori bit her lip. “Yes, if you don’t mind getting stepped on.”

“I’ll take my chances,” said Griff. “C’mon. My grandfather made sure I knew how to dance like this because we host social events at the winery, and he wanted me to be able to step in to help keep the guests happy.”

Griff stood and held out his arm.

Lori got to her feet and took it, hoping she wouldn’t make a fool of herself.

Griff led her to the dance floor and took hold of her hand. His other hand curved around her back.

Lori’s head was shoulder height on him, and as she looked up at him, he smiled down at her.

“Ready?” he asked.

She told herself to relax.

After taking a few steps, Lori knew she didn’t have to worry. Griff expertly guided her around the floor making it easy for her to follow along.

She laid her head on his shoulder and let the music carry her away. Even when the music stopped and another slow song began, she remained secure in his arms.