Page 113 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Happy Thanksgiving.” He inclined back against the counter, and his eyes moved over her. She was almost certain he was checking her out and liked what he saw.

Huh. Interesting. Does that mean he might still care about me?

“You look... nice,” he said, rubbing his hands over that fantastic five o’clock shadow. “Really nice.”

She studied her dress for a moment. “Thanks. It’s been a while since you’ve seen me in a dress and heels. Not since Alana’s memorial service.”

He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Heading to your folks’ place?”

She nodded and propped herself against the doorjamb. “It smells amazing in here. I assume your parents are coming over?”

He nodded.

She pointed to the freezer. “I need to grab that chocolate pie. They put me in charge of buying dessert since I can’t mess it up.”

“Don’t blame them.” He grinned, and her heart did a little dance. He retrieved the pie from the freezer, and she met him at the island. He held it out to her and then pulled it back. “You’re more than welcome to join us.” His expression became sheepish. “But I’m sure your family would miss you.” He handed her the pie. “Maybe you can have dessert later with me and my folks.”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

They stared at each other, and a longing started deep inside her. She took a step away from him and then two more before she turned and started toward the door. She had to get out of there before she said something stupid. He had hurt her, and she couldn’t give him the power to do it again. But she also missed him more than she could express.

“Everleigh,” he called, and his voice sounded strange.

Keep walking!

But she couldn’t. Her feet refused to move forward.

She froze in the kitchen doorway with her back to him and closed her eyes, her breaths coming in short bursts.

“Everleigh,” he repeated, his voice suddenly hoarse. “I-I never meant to hurt you.”

She fixed her lips in a sweet smile and then pivoted toward him. “I know.”

His expression flashed with suspicion. “So we’re okay?”

“Uh-huh. Of course.” She pointed toward the door. “I’d better go.” Her heels clacked toward the front door, where she sat the pie and her purse on the bench. She retrieved her coat from the closet and quickly pulled it on.

“Wait.”

When she spun to face him, his handsome countenance flashed with contrition, and her lungs constricted.

“Have we gotten any offers on the inn since you reposted the ads?” he asked.

She swallowed against her dry throat. “Only from a few developers, and I told them no.” She paused for a beat. “I know today’s the deadline. I’ll take the ads down tomorrow.”

“You will?” His eyebrows shot up.

She nodded. “I’m considering a couple of hospital contracts. I haven’t decided between Houston or Atlanta.”

“Oh.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans and leaned his shoulder against the doorframe. He appeared... sad? Disappointed? A little of both? They were both silent, and then he stood up straight. “Enjoy the holiday with your family. Tell them I said hello.”

“You too.” She picked up the pie and headed out the door, and once she reached the stairs, she released the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding.

***

Cade ran his hand over the back of his head after Everleigh was gone. She’d been stunning in that dress and those high heels that showed off her long and lithe legs. Just the right amount of makeup accentuated her dark, gorgeous eyes and pink lips. And, as usual, her shiny, thick hair bounced off her slight shoulders. He yearned to thread his fingers through those red curls. He’d had to force himself to stop staring at her.

And all at once he found himself almost begging for her forgiveness. What was his problem? He was wasting his breath thinking she felt something for him. The woman was already considering hospital contracts out of state. There was nothing between them except for the inn, and that was how it should be. After today, he’d go back to running it, and she’d be the silent partner he’d hoped for from the beginning.

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