Page 70 of Resisting my Roommate

“As soon as possible. We’re slated to start a new program in Zambia in the beginning of September.”

“Zambia?”

She nods. “Near the village where you lived and worked during your Peace Corps assignment. Told you. This job is perfect for you.”

She briefly looks away, holding up two fingers to a few other women waiting near the door, presumably some of the friends she’s visiting.

“You’ll let me know?” she asks, returning her eyes to mine.

“Of course.” I force a smile despite the uncertainty swirling in my mind. “It was good seeing you.”

“You, too.” She gives me a tight squeeze. “Hope to see much more of you soon.”

She releases me and I watch her leave, staring into space as I consider whether I can take her up on her offer.

If she approached me a month ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated. I would have jumped at this opportunity.

That was before I spent time in Sycamore Falls.

Before I got to know Jude.

Before I felt the one thing I’ve been searching for as long as I can remember…

A place to belong.

Can I give that up for a high-paying job?

Can I walk away from Jude?

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

ABBEY

“What are you going to do?” Dylan asks as I sit across from her at a table in the lounge of the Inn at Holley Ridge, which seems to be what Sycamore Falls is most famous for — an expansive property on a lake with a gorgeous resort and wedding facility.

And home to the famous Holley Ridge Christmas Festival.

Now that the inn is officially open for business again after extensive renovations, this is where we’ve been having our book club meetings, since Parker, one of the other women in the book club, owns the inn.

I never thought I’d be the type of person to be in a book club, but this group has blown all my preconceived notions to pieces, considering each book seems to be even spicier than the one before.

I’ve certainly been enjoying these books.

And Jude’s definitely been reaping the benefits.

But for how much longer?

That question has been plaguing me since my run-in with Becca yesterday. And when I walked into the lobby of Holley Ridge less than an hour ago, everyone in the book club picked up on the fact that something was bothering me. Which is why I’ve spent the past several minutes telling them everything. Aboutmy arrangement with Jude. About my growing feelings. And about this once-in-a-lifetime job offer that will require me to move three thousand miles away.

“I have no idea,” I answer honestly, playing with the stem of my wineglass filled with chardonnay —my drink of choice for book club.

“What’s holding you back?” Haley, Beckham’s wife, leans closer, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulder.

“I think we know precisely what that is.” Dylan waggles her brows. “Or perhaps I should say who.”

I don’t even try to deny it. Not now that I’ve finally spilled the beans about our secret arrangement. Although no one seemed surprised to learn we’ve been sleeping together.

“Have you told him about the job?” she asks.

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