Page 97 of Beautiful Harmony

“Really?” Excitement flooded Caroline’s voice. “Oh, that’s fantastic!”

“Can you get the paperwork drawn up? I’m good with your original offer,” Emma said.

“Of course,” Caroline said. “I’ll have it all drafted for our meeting. Could we meet Tuesday evening?”

“Yes,” Emma said. She’d have to cancel her learn to knit class, but she didn’t care. The sooner she sold the store and left Harmony Falls, the better it would be for Lucas. If she went quietly and quickly, the gossip would die, and maybe she wouldn’t completely ruin Lucas’s reputation in Harmony Falls.

“Perfect. I’ll drive into Harmony Falls and meet you at Grind My Beans at seven. You can review the paperwork, and we can work out any final details before you sign,” Caroline said.

“See you then.” Emma ended the call and set her phone on her desk. Her hands were shaking, and she felt sick to her stomach.

Because you’re making the wrong decision. Leaving Harmony Falls, leaving Lucas, isn’t what you want.

It was. It had to be. She couldn’t stay here when it meant ruining Lucas’s life. If she stayed, she wouldn’t stop sleeping with Lucas, and the gossip would never end.

Who cares? You love him. That’s what matters.

There was a knock on the door, and Cora stuck her head into her office. “You okay?”

“I don’t know how to answer that,” Emma said.

Cora stepped inside the room. “The store is empty, and I locked the door and hung the ‘back in five minutes’ sign.”

Emma took a deep breath. “Is this when you tell me you’re quitting?”

“What? Why would I quit?” Cora asked.

“Because I’m sleeping with Lucas even though I know you have a crush on him,” Emma said.

Cora made a dismissive wave. “So what? I also have a crush on Deputy Ian, that hunk of a cowboy who works on Solomon Whitaker’s ranch, Wyatt, and that dude who works at Walmart. Having a crush on someone doesn’t mean they belong to you.”

“I’m sorry,” Emma said. “I should have told you, but…”

“It’s none of my business,” Cora said. “Did I think Lucas was hot and wanted to get to know him better? Sure. But he’d made it pretty clear he wasn’t interested in me. Plus, I saw how he looked at you. It was obvious he was into you as more than a friend.”

She sank into the chair across from the desk and reached across it to take Emma’s hand. “I’m not upset. I’m happy for you. And you can ignore what that bitch Phoebe is saying. She’s jealous and has never outgrown her bully stage. You and Lucas make a cute couple.”

“We’re not dating,” Emma said. “We’re just friends with benefits.”

“Oh,” Cora said. “Well, that’s cool too. Whatever makes you happy, right?”

Emma nodded, and Cora gave her a closer look. “Does that make you happy, Em?”

Emma took a deep breath and stood. “Thank you, Cora. I appreciate you so much. You’re an amazing friend and employee.”

Cora stood and gave her hand a final squeeze. “Just remember that you deserve to be happy, Emma.”

* * *

Lucas usedhis key to let himself into Emma’s house. She’d given him the key on Monday night, and he didn’t think he’d ever stop feeling that stupid little thrill every time he used it.

Emma hadn’t given him the key to make him feel special. It was just more convenient for her. So, why did he feel like it meant more?

Because you want it to. You want to date her, and now that the whole damn town knows you’re sleeping together, why shouldn’t you ask her for more?

He shut the door behind him and took off his boots. He couldn’t think about that right now. He needed to make sure that Emma was okay.

“Em? Where are you?”

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