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He laughed shortly “I thought you said I wasn’t to give orders anymore”
“I don’t think you can help it…it’s in your nature Where are we going? I’ry” She wasn’t, really, but knew her body needed nourishment More than a muffin and several cups of coffee, which was all she’d eaten so far today The sooner she got this over with, the sooner she could get back
He stood to the side, revealing a wicker picnic basket “I had the kitchens put together ato take us to our destination”
“A picnic” Mari wasn’t sure if she should be happy or aghast What would the staff say if they went gallivanting away on a picnic for two?
“Colleagues and friends enjoying a late fall day Nothing shocking about that”
“Can’t we eat here?” She looked around The gardens were filled with benches and grassy expanses It would certainly be rasp the fact that he’d referred to them as friends
“Mari, we’re changing ht at dinner?” He turned slightly, lifting his ar the Cascade is more than furniture and fabrics It’s also services, special touches I here in this toith theout on a sunny day to a mountain meadohere you share lunch, a bottle of wine”
With the ine it She couldn’t i sonetisnetism She stared at his chest, which was aas beneath the sweater he’d put on against the brisk autumn chill She had to deflect the intimate mood somehow
“As long as you don’t share lunch with the bears Or elk They can be mean this time of year, you know The elk”
Luca’s jaw tightened; he wasn’t ao if you’ve not a mind to”
He picked up the basket
She closed her eyes, frustrated “Luca, wait I’m sorry I just find this…aard I’m not used to catered picnics withalone, secluded…it made her feel closed in, defenseless
“I thought we could both use an hour away fro else I’ve hardly seen any of the townsite yet I thought you would be a good tour guide”
Mari’s level of discorew Here at the hotel they were surrounded by staff It was her turf, as well as his But this picnic, it was coanized by hireat at following someone else’s plans
“Maybe I could pick the place, then,” she blurted out At least then she would feel more comfortable “As you said, I do know the area”