Page 17 of All You Need Is Macchiato

"Is that even possible?"

"Depends." He studies me for a moment. "Are you willing to think small?"

"Small?"

"Everyone expects big gestures from corporations. Grand events. Flashy promotions." He gestures to my tablet. "But this town runs on little things. Remembering someone's usual order.Asking about their grandkids. Saving the morning paper for Old Joe because he likes to read it with his coffee."

"Like you used to do."

Something flickers in his expression. "Like we all used to do."

"Show me?" The words slip out before I can stop them.

His eyebrows rise. "Show you what?"

"How to make it matter again. Not just the events, but the everyday moments."

The silence stretches between us, filled with firelight and possibility. Nolan's looking at me like he's seeing something new, something he hadn't expected to find.

"Thank you," I say softly.

"For what?"

"For believing this can work. Even when you had every reason not to."

"I don't know if I believe it can work." His voice is equally soft. "But I'm starting to believe you might."

Our eyes meet, and for a moment everything else falls away—the market analysis, the corporate pressure, the complicated history. There's just the firelight, the tea, and the way he's looking at me like I'm a puzzle he can't quite solve.

The grandfather clock in the hall chimes nine, breaking the spell. We both reach for our cups at the same time, hands brushing. The contact sends electricity up my arm.

"More tea?" Nolan asks, his voice slightly rough.

"I should probably go." I gather my things, trying to slow my racing heart. "Early meeting tomorrow."

He walks me to the stairs, our shoulders almost touching. At the landing, I turn to say goodnight and find him closer than I expected.

"Kathryn?"

"Yes?"

"Small steps." His smile is gentle. "Rome wasn't built in a day, and Elk Ridge won't be won over in a week."

"Even with your help?"

"Especially with my help." That dangerous half-smile returns. "I have a reputation for being difficult, remember?"

I laugh, the sound echoing in the quiet hall. "Goodnight, Nolan."

"Goodnight, city girl."

"Jake!" I nearly knock over my chair rushing to greet them in the lodge's great room. Jake catches me in a bear hug while Sophia laughs beside us.

"Looking good, boss lady." Jake sets me down, grinning. "The mountain air agrees with you."

"You mean the coffee fumes," Sophia teases, pulling me in for her own hug. "Though I have to say, this place is gorgeous."

They look exactly as I remember. Jake is tall and sandy-haired with his easy smile, Sophia radiant in a flowing dress that somehow looks perfect despite their long drive. The sight of them makes my heart ache a little for Wilmington.

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