Merry Misunderstandings

The B&B

Vivienne POV

Vivienne was still grumbling as she approached the B&B, her annoyance fading just a bit at the sight of it. The Victorian mansion loomed ahead, all white and gray wood with elegant trim, towering windows, and even a turret or two, giving it a timeless, fairytale charm.

“Wow,” Vivienne gasped. She’d obviously been here more than once when she was growing up, but seeing it again—she’d forgotten just how beautiful it truly was.

“Vivienne,” her grandfather called as he approached, his usual warm expression replaced by something more serious. The sight of him in his pressed suit and polished shoes gave her pause. In this moment, she wasn’t just talking to Grandpa William, but William Wood, CEO of Woodland Manor B&Bs.

“William,” she greeted back, slipping into her own professional tone, though a smile tugged at her lips. He gave her a quick nod of approval, his sharp eyes glinting.

“Let me show you around the place and introduce you to the staff,” he said formally, though there was a faint warmth in his voice that softened the edges.

Vivienne nodded, falling into step beside him.

“No split entrance?” she asked, gesturing toward the double doors in the middle of the mansion. It was something she’d never thought about as a child, but now it stood out.

“We considered it,” he replied, glancing up at the doors. “But both families agreed it would take away too much of the structure’s authenticity. This design fits the character of the house better.”

Stepping inside, Vivienne couldn’t help but notice the high ceilings and the many widows, giving the place an open feeling. Though she did notice the chipping white paint in a few spots. She quickly took out her clipboard and scribbled down a few things.

The next thing she noticed was the split reception. On one side of the room was a white reception desk with a marble countertop. There were a few pastel and gold accents. On top of the marble surface stood a beautiful rose-gold flower vase, filled with white orchads. Brochures of the B&B’s many utilities. There was a comfortable sitting area, with plush white and pink couches.

Grayson’s side of the room was—a sharp contrast, with it’s black wooden paneling, exposed brick walls and black metal accents. The desk was a sturdy industrial piece with steel legs and a dark, polished wood surface, and the lighting came from sleek hanging Edison bulbs that added a modern edge. Instead of flowers, the decor leaned into potted plants and bold artwork featuring abstract shapes and rich colors.

Long black leather couches adorned the waiting area. Vivienne couldn’t deny it was stunning and bold—just like its owner. Too bad its charm didn’t extend to his personality.

“Vivienne, this is your assistant and the receptionist, Chloe Hart,” Her grandfather introduced her to a cute woman who seemed to be in her mid-twenties with short blonde hair. She clearly had a bubbly personality.

“Vivienne Wood,” Vivienne said, holding out her hand, but was surprised when the woman stepped out from behind the reception area and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m so excited about working with you! I’ve heard a lot about you,” She gushed, leaving Vivienne momentarily speechless.

“Oh, we’ve all heard a lot about her,” Vivienne closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Grayson,” She turned around and nodded, though she just wanted to slap the smirk off of his face.

“Blackwood,” Her grandfather spoke in a clipped tone.

“William Wood, it’s always a pleasure being in your presence,” Grayson made a small ridiculous bow. But Vivienne was sure she saw a glint of something in his eyes.

“Ah, and Miss Wood," he said, straightening from a mock bow. "Isn’t it lovely to see you lowering yourself to mingle with us common folk?"

“Come on, Vivienne, let’s leave him to it.”

“Wait,” Vivienne paused, she didn’t want to be rude. Her heals clacked on the floor as she reached Grayson, leaning on the polished wooden surface of his reception desk. His smirk slowly faded, making room for confusion—until Vivienne leaned passed him and extended her hand to his receptionist. She was going to be seeing a lot of this woman as well, couldn’t hurt to be nice.

“Vivienne Wood,” she smiled, extending her hand.

“Carmen Diaz,” Carmen said, her voice honeyed with humor. “I was starting to think you’d never make it over to our side of the tracks.”

Vivienne gave a tight smile, acutely aware of Carmen’s teasing tone. She could almost sense Grayson’s influence in the woman’s playful remarks, the same glint in her eyes that Grayson had when he saw a chance to stir the pot.

“Carmen, nice to meet you,” Vivienne said, shaking her hand before pulling back.

“I’ve heard so much about you,” Carmen replied, with a wink. “Though, I must admit, I thought you'd come over here earlier—maybe you wanted to scope out the real business side of the place?”

Vivienne fought the urge to roll her eyes but kept her composure. “Just taking it all in. You know, trying to figure out what needs some sprucing up.”

“Oh, I’m sure Grayson’s side will appreciate whatever you have planned,” Carmen said with a grin, her words laced with teasing sweetness.

During her tour, Vivienne noticed that the place, though breathtaking with its authentic accents, needed work. A lot of work—but her grandfather had given her a generous amount of money to redecorate the place. She already had a lot of ideas.

“So, if we share the reception area, kitchen and common dining room and the office?” Vivienne asked, making sure she’d written that down correctly. The B&B had seven bedrooms on each side, plus a bedroom in the attic for the owner, if they wished to stay on the premises.

“That is correct,” Her grandfather spoke, taking a sip from his cup of coffee. They’d stopped by the dining area, for a little break.

“So, what are your first thoughts?” Her grandfather asked.

“I was thinking about giving each room it’s own theme, giving the customers a more unique experience—plus the shared rooms also need an update, but I guess I’ll have to talk to the other owner about that,” She could already picture Grayson’s smirk when he denied her to right to redo those spaces.

“After that, I’ll do a rebranding—post it to socials. This town attracts a lot of tourists still, so it should work.”

“I’ve also decided to move into the attic bedroom. That way, I can keep a better eye on things,” She spoke with determination.

“Your Grandmother isn’t going to like that, but I agree,” her grandfather nodded with approval.

After bouncing a few more ideas back and forth, Vivienne was left sitting alone, thinking of all the changes she was going to make. Her grandfather had left her with a few numbers of local contractors, so all she had to do was call the local architect and put her ideas into writing.

After a while, curiosity started getting the better of her, and she wondered what Grayson’s side of things looked like. What did his event room look like?

She stood up and made her way back to the reception area, but when she passed Carmen, the woman jumped up and blocked her path.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Miss Wood, you can’t go in there. Boss’ orders.”

“What?” She asked, crossing her arms.

“Yep, no access for you, I’m afraid.” Carmen said, folding her arms, mimicking Vivienne’s stance.

“That’s ridiculous,” She scoffed, walking back to Chloe—who rolled her eyes.

“Childish,” She scoffed, but Vivienne wasn’t giving up. She made her way into the shared office and pulled some sunglasses and a scarf out of her bag, doing a lousy job of disguising herself.

“Psst, Chloe, distract Carmen,” Vivienne whispered, as she snuck out of the office.

“Hey, Carmen, would you mind helping me with something, please,” Vivienne already liked her. When Carmen was busy with Chloe, Vivienne quickly snuck to Grayson’s side.

The reception’s bold and industrial appearance spread throughout the whole building. Vivienne noticed his event room was bold—more manly and wondered how she was going to change her own, but when she turned a corner to head toward the rooms—

“Vivienne Wood,” Grayson drawled from the doorway, watching her with a bemused smile. “I’d ask what you’re doing, but I’m almost afraid I know the answer.” His eyes glinted with mischief.

She straightened up, adjusting the scarf with a smirk. “Just checking out the other side of things.”

Grayson’s gaze flickered over her with a knowing glint. “Looking for my bedroom to—relive some precious memories? I can’t say I’m surprised. The way we left things... tempting, I know.”

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Unforgettable? I can hardly remember what you’re talking about,” She chuckled. “So it can’t have been that special, more of a mistake.”

Grayson chuckled, clearly taken aback, but there was a spark of something in his eyes. “If you want a redo, I’d be happy to—sate your needs,” he said huskily, as he cornered her against the wall.

“I—I have things to do,” She spluttered, cursing herself for losing her composure. She ducked out from under his arm, her hurried steps echoing through the corridor.

She needed to leave, before she ended up in that man’s bed again.

She didn’t want to lose her dignity—he’d already taken her virginity after all.