Page 79 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

She wanted to believe it was because he trusted her, because he liked her, because they'd shared more than a physical connection. And maybe all that was true.But what did it mean? Or did it mean anything?

This was the problem with hookups, and why she didn't engage in them very often. She thought too much. She dissected every word, instead of just taking it all at face value.

They'd had great chemistry together and incredible sex and they'd laughed and talked, too. It had been a perfect night, and if that's all it ever was, then she was going to be happy about it.

"Lizzie?"

She looked at Shay, suddenly realizing she'd ended up at the front desk. "Did you ask me something?"

"You look like you're in a daze."

"Just tired."

Shay gave her a thoughtful look. "I heard about what went on last night. I can't believe Alice made her fated reappearance."

At Shay's words, she realized she'd forgotten all about Alice and Noah and Patty. And she hadn't seen any of them in the dining room. "Yes, she showed up late last night. How did you hear? Have you seen them?"

"Yes. Alice and Noah had breakfast in the dining room about an hour ago. I couldn't believe it was her when Noah introduced me. Alice is a very attractive woman. And they seemed to be having a good conversation. It was hard to believe they hadn't seen each other in ten years."

"I know. It's the craziest thing. Have you seen Patty this morning?"

"No. I was just going to ask about her."

"I wonder if she already left."

"She didn't check out or leave her key. But she must be upset. She and Noah were getting really close."

"She was shaken last night. She was with Noah when Alice knocked on the door. Noah opened it and passed out."

"Wow," Shay said, amazement in her eyes. "What a story. It's so romantic. They finally found each other again, and right here at the inn where it all started. We should call the travel magazines. We should pitch the story, Lizzie. It could bring in some great press."

"Maybe. I'd have to ask Noah and Alice first, get their permission."

"I'm sure they'll agree. Noah has been haunting the inn for ten years, waiting for his lost love to return." Shay's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "We could get a lot of mileage out of this, Lizzie. People will come just to see the room where they reunited. It could even be a movie."

Shay had always had creative marketing ideas, and while Lizzie liked her energy, she felt a little unsure about this one. "I'll talk to them, but I want to give them some space right now. I don't want to do anything to ruin whatever is happening between them."

"I suppose that's best. I guess we should make sure they do end up together for good before we pitch the story. But I'm telling you, Lizzie, it could be a great marketing ploy."

"I'll think about it. I'm going to do some work in my office this morning. If you see Patty, will you have her stop in to see me before she leaves?"

"Sure." Shay paused, grabbing her notepad. "One more thing. You had a call from a Paula Wickmayer. She said she'd like to speak to you and hoped you would get back to her today." She ripped off the piece of paper and handed it to Lizzie. "I asked what she wanted, but she just said you'd know."

"I do. Thanks." She took the paper and walked into her office, closing the door behind her. Sitting down at her desk, she set the phone message aside and picked up the stack of bills in her inbox. She still had the remainder of the furnace bill to pay. Utilities were going up with the increase in guests, but since she'd had to comp some of this week's guests, she would still be in the hole despite having a full inn. Landscaping and gardening services were the same, but she hadn't yet paid for the current month. And then there were the food bills. They offered a first-rate breakfast, but that meal probably cost more than they could afford.

With a sigh, she opened her computer to check out her bank account. The balance was even more depressing.Was she fighting a losing battle?She'd been trying to make the inn profitable for almost two years now, and she wasn't gaining any ground. In fact, she was losing more ground each month.

Her phone buzzed, and she reached for it like a lifeline. Anything to take her mind off her bills. It was her mother, and she smiled as she answered her phone. "Hi, Mom."

"How are you doing, Lizzie? I was thinking about you and the lunar eclipse this evening. Is the inn packed?"

"Every room."

"That's great. Your dad and I are so proud of you, honey."

"Thanks," she said, feeling a little guilty.Was she doing enough to be deserving of that pride? Or was she going to lose all their money and end up with nothing to give back to them or any of her investors?

"We'd like to come up next month for a visit."

---