A Cowboy for the CEO

Chapter 4: Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

Abutting a steep slope, the large, rustic building with a rough-hewn stone base and three story high walls made of weathered logs nicely blended into its surroundings. Dotted with gables and balconies, the façade looked over an elegant circular driveway landscaped with tall ornamental grasses and colorful ground cover. In the distance, numerous mountaintops glistened in the sun.

Once she was out of the car, it didn't take long for a tall brunette in straight-legged jeans and a long-sleeved Henley to come out of the entry.

"I'd love to help you with that," offered the woman, flashing a smile as she bounded down the stairs in her round-toed boots and pointed at Ali's suitcase.

Prepared to refuse out of habit, a sharp pain in her wrist brought Ali back to reality. "Thank you," she said reluctantly, grimacing at her cast.

"No need. It's why I'm here," said the woman as she grabbed the suitcase, lifting it with ease. "Well, that and pretty much everything else. I'm Elizabeth McGhee, owner, general manager, and all-around problem solver at Pebble Creek. But you can call me Liz."

"Ali Barros," she said, hurrying to keep up. "Nice to meet you."

Liz didn't stop until they'd scaled the steps and entered the lodge, where she stepped behind a long reception desk. Tapping away at a computer, she quickly pulled up Ali's info. "Barros. Alejandra, right? You are going to be in room thirty-two, but if for any reason that isn't suitable, please let me know immediately. We're quite full, but I'll see what I can do," she said.

"Thanks again," Ali replied robotically, awed by her surroundings. The entrance hall was spacious and, like the outside, constructed of lightly varnished wood. It opened into a central sitting area, which had rows of windows on the far wall looking out on to a large lake. The soft glow of perfectly placed lighting and the rich blues of the fabrics on the floors and walls made the place feel inviting.

Maybe this wasn't going to be as bad as she feared, but could she really handle the country life—and being away from work— for a whole month?

"Here's your key." Liz placed the plastic card on the counter and slid it toward her. "It'll open not only your room, but also the main entrance doors after-hours. We lock them to non-guests at nine for security reasons," she explained. "Now, feel free to come and go as you please, but we ask that if you do leave the property you sign out first." She tapped a clipboard resting on the counter at her elbow.

Ali furrowed her brow. "Is that really necessary?"

"I'm afraid so," Liz said with a no-nonsense nod. "Don't forget: we may have a resort like atmosphere, but this is a serious treatment facility. Our guests come here to get help with a variety of issues, and we need to be able to quickly locate any of them for their own safety."

"Right," Ali said.

"Thanks for understanding." Liz smiled. "And lastly, I have to ask you to give me all of your medications—including prescriptions and over-the-counter—as well as your cell phone."

Ali hugged her purse to her chest like a mother bear protecting her cub. "Why?"

"The meds are for licensing reasons. We have to monitor pharmaceutical usage the same way any clinic does." Sensing Ali's apprehension, she continued. "Don't worry. We've already gotten your scripts from your doctor in Manhattan so your dispense schedule is ready to go."

"As for the cell, we can't create a relaxing environment for our guests when they are constantly tempted with the irresistible distraction of being plugged in twenty-four/seven." She paused, allowing Ali time to absorb all the information. "Of course, I can't force you to give up your device, but if you're committed to being here and are willing to trust our methods, I recommend you follow the policy."