Page 52 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"This is about winning me over?"

"Maybe."

"You just want me because I said no. It's the chase you like. I've met men like you before."

"I don't think you have."

"You are so cocky, Justin."

He smiled. "I prefer confident."

"I'm going to get some clean sheets and change the bed."

Frowning, he said, "Don't you have someone to do that?"

"Not at the moment. My cleaners have gone home for the day. But I can handle it. You should get back to the party. Your grandparents are probably wondering where you are. I know they have dinner reservations set up for eight o'clock at La Ventana. It's right on the lake. I think you'll love it."

"They mentioned that."

"I'll get you the key for room ten so you can move your things." She moved toward the door. "Again, thank you. You made my life easier and two older people very happy."

"Speaking of your life getting easier, I was talking to Keira earlier. She mentioned that someone is interested in buying the inn."

Lizzie gave him a dark look. "I can't believe Keira told you that, and I am not interested in selling."

"She told me because she was upset. She thought she hurt you. Did she?" he asked curiously.

"She didn't hurt me, but I wasn't thrilled that she blindsided me."

"She's feeling bad about that."

"And she confided in you? She doesn't even know you."

"From what I've gathered so far, in Whisper Lake people feel very free to express their feelings to strangers," he said lightly. "I have to admit I'm more used to people who hide behind their carefully put-together masks. I usually have to dig deep to find out who someone really is and even then, I don't always figure it out."

"Do you really dig that deep?" she challenged.

"Good point. Not that often. It's easier to go with what people want to show me."

"And then you don't have to pull off your mask, either."

"That's true."

She folded her arms in front of her as she gave him a thoughtful look. "You said a few minutes ago that I should get to know you if I want to know who you are, but I'm not sure you would ever show me who you really are. It feels like you have secrets."

"Why would you say that?" he asked, feeling uncomfortable with her observation.

"I'm right, aren't I?"

"Everyone has secrets. I suspect you do, too."

"Maybe, but I doubt I guard them as well as you."

Her comments were hitting a little too close to home. "We should move along, so Patty can move her things."

"Ah, changing the subject. You really don't like losing control of a conversation, do you?"

"Do you want to get my room key?" he asked, not sure why he was feeling so rattled. Maybe it was because there was a part of him that wanted to talk to Lizzie in a way he hadn't talked to anyone else, and that would be foolish.

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