Jack frowned, concerned. "So you really don’t know who I am?"

"You mean your name? You could have told me that instead of trying to bite my head off." That amused smile crept onto her lips again. This time, Jack was happy to see it.

"No. No. Not my name... Who I am." He moved his face into the light, posing at a new angle so she could see his face. "What I do? Jack Harper? THE Jack Harper?" Even with his emphasis, he got nothing from her. She just kept looking lost, arms folded across her chest, and her widened eyes taking in his theatrics.

"Okay..." she drew out, looking at him strangely. "Nice to meet you, THE Jack Harper. I’m very sorry I don’t recognize you."

With the subtle raise of her eyebrow, Jack felt a rush of shame and embarrassment, hoping she couldn't see through his facade. He had convinced himself that he was done with seeking recognition and fame, yet here he was, craving it once again. Why did he have such conflicting desires? Was this just a heated moment or was he truly not ready to give up the fame and admiration that came with the charade he had been living?

He ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. "Look, I... I need to explain. I’ve been caught up in this persona for so long, it’s hard to separate myself from it. Jack Harper, the infamous seducer, the guy who writes dirty books. It’s what people expect, and sometimes... sometimes it feels like it’s all I am."

She tilted her head, her eyes softening just a fraction. "And what do you want to be, if not that?"

"Honestly? I don’t know," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I’ve been this person for so long, basking in the fame, the admiration, the... the thrill of it all. But it’s exhausting. Pretending to be someone I’m not, playing this role. I thought I wanted out. I thought I wanted a change, to be someone different. But standing here, trying to impress you with my name, I realize maybe I'm not ready to let go. Maybe I’m scared of what happens if I do."

Her expression softened even more, and she uncrossed her arms, taking a small step closer. "Change is hard, Jack. It's scary. But you can't find out who you really are if you keep clinging to what you were."

He nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "You’re right. I just... I don’t want to be remembered only for writing smut. There’s more to me. There has to be. But then, I see the crowd, the adoration, and it pulls me back in. It’s like a drug."

I’m talking too much.” Jack took a much-needed breath.

Embarrassment washed over him, leaving him feeling foolish and exposed in front of the observant beautiful woman. Jack couldn't bring himself to look directly at her. Instead, he focused on the road where she had hailed a cab for the man from earlier. No other cars passed by, reminding him that it was still too early in the morning.

"Was that your father?" He finally forced himself to ask, just to break the awkward silence. He glanced at her, noting the sparkle in her eyes from the reflection of

the sunlight. "The man you helped into the cab?"

A soft smile graced her face. "No," she replied, shaking her head. "That was Adam, one of our regulars here."

Jack frowned, confused. "'Customer'?" It dawned on him then, and he wished he could disappear. "Wait... You own this place?"

She let out a short laugh, clearly amused by his reaction. "Yes, I suppose you can say that. It took me a while to accept it myself." She gazed at the building with a newfound appreciation. "'Drago's.' My parents built and carefully maintained it. They were known as Mr. and Mrs. Drago to everyone in the area, including my brother and I. We worked hard to serve our guests with genuine care and service."

"Wow!" Jack was still in shock.

"Unfortunately," she turned away from him briefly to swat at something on her leg before facing him again, "my parents passed away within a week of each other five years ago. They were inseparable even in death - my mother was sick first, and then my father succumbed a week later from a broken heart."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"My younger brother is in college studying to be a doctor. And I am here running the business and living my best country life—which may be unappealing to a high-class man like you, but I’m happy here." She added the last part as a jab. But Jack didn't take any offense. Maybe it was because of the story she had just told him in minutes or because she had smiled while throwing the jab.

"I am sorry," he said.

"For being a high-class man?"

That made him laugh for a bit. She joined him and his heart soared.

"No," he sobered up and said seriously. "For the loss of your parents. That must have been hard for you.” He paused. “I’m also sorry for being such an ass."

"Yeah... A high-class ass," she added.

Jack's lips curved into a grin. "Don't tell me Dragos takes first-time customers and then insults them."

"'Customer'?" she said in a playful tone. "Nah... This couldn’t be a place for a man like you. You mentioned needing help, though you never said what for, so you could be back on your way to heaven any minute now."

"Was this hell?"

"No... But surely not the paradise you were used to."

Jack shifted on his feet, enjoying the banter rather too much. "I'll manage."

She laughed. "Really, Mr. Harper, what help do you need?"

"My car..." he nodded toward the black vehicle. "I didn't pay attention, and the fuel ran out on me. I was lucky to get it into a parking space before it died. I'll need a gas can and directions to a station so I can get it running."

"And then back to heaven, isn't it?" she teased. "I said it."

"Actually," Jack said, holding her eyes so she would see to stop the jokes, "if this was hell, I think I'd prefer it to where I came from. I'd be very thankful for it, even."

She furrowed her eyebrows and tilted her head, trying to understand the meaning behind his words.

He couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were running through her mind. Surprisingly, he truly wanted to know. He wanted to understand the depths behind those big eyes and quick smiles. And most importantly, he realized that using his special skills to manipulate their relationship would make him despise himself. This was different. For once, he wanted to learn on a genuine level. It would be a new experience for him, unlike any other relationships he had before. It wouldn't be about gaining power or control; it would be about truly knowing someone.

"You have many mysterious words, mister," she said, holding his eyes right back.

"Like you said much earlier, I may not understand it all. But, if you want it to be my business, I will take it up as such. Drago is for hospitality all-around. A listening ear is part of it too."

Jack shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it, I won't bother you with my problems. Right now, my car troubles are my main concern," he said with a yawn, noticing how exhausted he felt.

"First you need to rest," she said. "You look and sound exhausted. It's still early. I am guessing you drove all night. I will get you the keys to one of the rooms."

Jack couldn't deny his exhaustion. He was practically swaying on his feet from lack of sleep. A few hours of rest in her charming establishment wouldn't make a dent in his millions anyway.

"How much is the room for a few hours?" he asked.

She gave him a hurtful gaze that indicated she felt insulted by her place being reduced to some sort of sordid establishment.

"Don't worry about that," she said, a new hardness to her voice. She turned toward the door and went on to open it. The music of the empty room poured out.

"Come. I will show you to one of the rooms at the back myself. The staff has all gone to bed."

Jack trailed behind her, he couldn’t help noticing her figure as they walked. He made sure his eyes did not linger too low too long.

As they stepped into the warmly lit room, he asked, "What's your name?"

The speakers filled the space with the sounds of Dolly Parton singing ‘I Will Always Love You’. The music together with the circular wooden tables and chairs made Jack feel like he had entered an old time saloon.

"You already know mine," he added with a smile.

"Sarah," she replied, shutting the door behind them. "And you already know my last name."

Dolly's voice was like balm to Jack's weary soul.