Page 8 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"But I am fine," he reminded her.

"You are, but you may also find yourself in a bit more pain tomorrow."

"I can handle it."

"You said Lizzie was supposed to take you to the inn—you're staying there?"

"Yes, I'm in town for my grandparents' vow renewal ceremony."

"Marie and Benjamin's ceremony?"

"You know my grandparents?" he asked with surprise.

"I met them at the inn and then we got better acquainted when your grandfather brought Marie into the ER the day after Valentine's Day. They were in town that weekend, and she had gotten a nasty spider bite. One of her eyes swelled shut."

"I didn't hear about that."

"Well, she was okay. She's a sweetheart, and your grandfather takes very good care of her."

"He always has."

"I'm glad they decided to renew their vows. They were talking about it when they came in. They wanted to do it here on their wedding anniversary. They said that this town is one of their favorite places."

"I know. They've started coming like four times a year," he said. "I'm not sure how they discovered it, but once they did, they were hooked."

"That happens a lot. It's why the population has tripled in the last five years."

"Really?"

"Yes. We have snow action in the winter and lake activities in the summer, along with as many festivals and parties as you could possibly imagine. There are new housing developments going up on every shore of the lake. I'm not sure when it will start to feel crowded, but right now, it's still pretty perfect."

"Did you grow up here?"

"I did. I left for a while, but I found my way back. Where are you from?"

"California."

"Do you live near your grandparents in Los Angeles?"

"No. I grew up in LA, but I'm in San Francisco now."

"I've been there. Beautiful city."

"It is."

"Well, Whisper Lake has its charm, too, and you'll love the Firefly Inn. Lizzie takes extremely good care of her guests. You're in good hands."

"I don't expect to be needing much. I'll be working when I'm not with my grandparents."

"Too bad. The town has a lot to offer. You should find time to enjoy it." She stepped back, as she finished applying a bandage to his forehead. "You're done. The swelling on your face should go down by tomorrow, but you might want to use an ice pack tonight."

"Thanks." He slid off the table and followed her out of the room and down the hall. She ushered him into the waiting room.

Lizzie jumped to her feet when she saw him, and an odd feeling ran through him at the concern in her eyes. She seemed genuinely worried about him, and that wasn't an emotion he was used to seeing on anyone's face.

"Do you have a concussion?" she asked.

"I do not. I told you that in the car."

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