“Jake, there’s a Camryn Neff here to see you. She doesn’t have an appointment, but says it’s about something personal.”

Camryn Neff? The business community in Wishing Tree was small enough that he knew who she was. She owned Wrap Around the Clock—a store that sold wrapping paper, and wrapped and shipped gifts for people. The hotel referred guests to her when they wanted items they’d bought sent to friends and family or simply shipped home.

He knew her well enough to say hello at a business council meeting, but little else. He thought she might have younger sisters.

He pushed a button on his phone. “I’ll be right there.”

He crossed the length of his large office and stepped out into the foyer of the executive offices. Camryn, an attractive redhead with a cloud of curls and big, brown eyes, stood by Margie’s desk.

Wishing Tree was a casual kind of place, so he was surprised to see her wearing an expensive-looking suit and leather boots with three-inch heels. Her posture was stiff, her expression bordered on defensive. Camryn hadn’t stopped by to sell him wrapping paper, he thought, wondering what was wrong and how he’d gotten involved.

“Hello, Camryn,” he said easily.

“Jake.” She seemed to force herself to smile. “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. I wasn’t sure I should come, but then I couldn’t not talk to you and…” She pressed her lips together. “Can we go into your office?”

“Of course.” He motioned to show her the way, then followed her inside. He pointed to the corner seating area, where the couch and chairs offered a more informal setting.

“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked. “Coffee? Water? Bourbon?”

At the last one, she managed a sincere smile. “I wish, but it’s a little early in the day for me. Plus, I’m not a bourbon kind of woman. Brown liquor isn’t my thing.”

“We have a nice selection of vodkas in the main bar.”

Camryn chuckled and relaxed a little in her chair. “Tempting, but no.”

Jake had taken a seat on the sofa. He leaned toward her and asked, “How can I help you today?”

Her body instantly tensed and the smile faded. She crossed and uncrossed her legs. “Yes, well, I wanted to tell you something. It’s not my business, really.” She paused and met his gaze. “It would have been if I’d said yes, but I didn’t. I want to be clear about that.”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but so far you haven’t been clear about anything.” He smiled. “Except not liking brown liquor.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m trying to find the words. I should just say it. Blurt it out.”