not? I can regroup. Can you?”
“What are you talking about?” Becca asked, regaining her poise in spite of her flushed cheeks. “I’m a professional.” She then blinked pointedly and shook her head to communicate comically that it was all bravado.
“Great. Then let’s give it a shot.”
They tried the tour—they did—but the second half definitely took on a different tone than the first. Small touches as they moved through the space evolved into stolen kisses when they were confident they were alone, long looks in the elevator and small head shakes when they both seemed to remember what they’d done in the penthouse. Joey did take away from the tour that the hotel offered something new that was lacking in Whisper Wall, and it would certainly attract a very specific type of visitor—those with funds to afford the stay. If she was keeping an open mind and thinking more like a businessperson than someone fiercely protecting the culture in the area, she could see that there might be something to gain from the ritzy Jade opening its doors.
“Want to talk business for a few minutes?” Becca asked.
That had Joey’s interest piqued. “Of course.”
“Follow me into my office,” Becca said, leading the way back through the impressive lobby. Joey took a seat in one of two leather armchairs across from Becca’s neatly organized desk.
“I’m feeling fancy. You get that I’m a girl who grew up on a farm, right?”
“I do. I also get that you’re no shrinking violet when it comes to Tangle Valley’s interests.”
“True.”
“So I submitted a proposal to my corporate VP. It describes an effort to go out of our way to highlight the local wines in the area. Give them a platform but at the same time enrich the guests’ experience.”
Joey sat up a little straighter, pleased with where this seemed to be heading, but also surprised. “Obviously, I really like that idea. I think it brings the local flavor to your guests, both literally and figuratively. They can have the big-box commercial wine at home.”
“My thinking exactly.” She adjusted her dress shirt, which made Joey hold back a grin, as she’d been the reason it was out of place. “I suggested a reciprocal relationship with the vineyard down the road, however. I told them about the wine, the pinot specifically, and that I’d like to feature it in our restaurant. Maybe in return, you give our guests a discount when they visit or maybe a two-for-one tasting.”
Joey took in the information. With a resort the size of The Jade, that could mean quite the bump in sales. Not only that, but the discount would probably up their daily visitor count, which would influence their future mail orders and monthly memberships. This would minimize the risk of any new venture. She could move forward with the restaurant! She remained calm. “I think we’d be agreeable to a reciprocal relationship.”
Becca smiled. “I’m so glad to hear that. Beyond that, I’d like to recommend we carry Tangle Valley as our house wine. Not only is it fantastic, but you’re our literal next door neighbor. That part I need corporate’s approval on.”
Joey’s eyes went wide without her permission. So much for that poker face. “That’s…even better.” She leaned forward, still in disbelief, already doing the math in her head. “How many rooms did you say this place had again?”
“Four hundred twenty-two.”
“That’s a lot of rooms.”
Becca laughed at what had to be a dazed expression on Joey’s face. “And they house multiple guests and turn over frequently.”
“That’s a large number of humans and a lot of wine. I need to say thank you in a businessy manner.”
“Well, don’t yet,” Becca said. “Not until the ink is dry, but everything is looking favorable for a fortunate partnership.”
Joey pointed at her. “Yes, that’s how you do it.” She took on her most serious expression. “I look forward to our most fortunate partnership.” Inside she was celebrating, dancing, cartwheeling like a maniac.
Becca’s eyes sparkled. “You’re really cute right now. I don’t even have the words.”
“No, no. You have to stay businessy.”
“Sorry,” Becca said, adjusting. She stood and extended her hand. “I look forward to our partnership, as well.”
“I’ll see myself out,” Joey said, like the buttoned-up corporate types surely did. She turned back to Becca, who still stood behind the desk. Joey nodded once, properly. “Ms. Crawford.”
Becca nodded back. “Ms. Wilder.”
She grinned as she exited the office, thrilled with so many of the things that had happened in the last sixty minutes. Because she couldn’t help