Page 24 of If We Never Met

Justin leaned in, lowering his voice. "It will make watching an awards show a lot more fun."

He smiled. "Sounds like we're on the same page."

"Most of the guys here are on that page, not that we don't love Chelsea. Lizzie's sister is a sweetheart and so talented. Her voice can give you chills. I love watching her perform, and I really hope she wins the award she's up for. It would show that she's officially made her comeback."

"Comeback?" he queried.

"She quit music for several years. It's a long story. But she's back, and her talent is more impressive than ever."

"I'll have to listen to one of her songs."

"She sings a mix of country and pop. She's on all the platforms."

"I'll check her out."

"Check who out?" Lizzie asked, interrupting their conversation. "Hello, Dante. I'm so glad you decided to join us."

"I could smell the food upstairs."

"That's how I lure people down," she said with a laugh. "So, who are you checking out?"

"Your sister. Justin said I should listen to one of her songs."

"Oh, you should. She's amazing."

"Do you sing as well?"

"Only in the shower. How are the margaritas? They're not too strong, are they?"

"Perfect," he said, catching Justin's small smile.

"Great," Lizzie returned. "We're going to open the buffet in a few minutes. And I hope you'll stay for the show, too. I haven't had a chance to show you much hospitality yet."

"Not true."

"I promised Grayson you would be well taken care of, so while I know you're in town for serious reasons, I want to make sure you also have some fun."

"Don't fight it," Justin told him, as Lizzie moved away to speak to another group of guests. "Lizzie is a force of nature. If she wants to entertain you, then you will be entertained."

"I'm beginning to realize that."

"She thinks of every guest as family. When I first came here, I thought she was over the top when it came to events, but I soon realized that what she does is what makes this place special."

"I have to admit I've never stayed at an inn before."

"It wasn't my thing, either. But my grandparents held their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary vow renewal here. I came and met Lizzie, and the rest is history. I never expected my life to go this way, but I'm thankful it did." Justin paused as another couple stepped up to the bar. "What can I get you?"

As Justin poured more margaritas, Dante moved away from the bar, thinking that he'd never expected his life to go this way, either, but he didn't feel thankful. He was frustrated and restless to get back to normal. But normal seemed very far away.

As he headed into the dining room, he saw Keira set down a large sheet cake at the end of the buffet table, and his heart jumped. She looked beautiful in dark jeans, and a gauzy top that fell off her shoulders. Her face was a little flushed when she stepped back to admire the cake. When she looked up, she caught his gaze, and her eyes sparkled as a smile spread across her lips.

His gut clenched.Damn!He hadn't reacted like this to a woman in a long time. And she wasn't even trying to get his attention. In fact, she'd made it clear she wouldn't try, because he was attached.

And he was still attached. His tentative suggestion that he and Nikki take a break had gone nowhere. Now he wished he pushed the issue, because Nikki was turning into a shadowy figure he could barely remember while Keira was a bright light that he couldn't see past.

Keira came over to join him. "Hi," she said softly.

"Hi," he echoed, as they exchanged a long look that sent blood racing through his body.

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