Page 48 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She gave him a watery smile. “That’s really sweet of you, Cade, but I don’t think I could do it.”

“I understand,” he said, storing the idea in the back of his mind.

In a flash, her face seemed to transform. “But enough about that. I’d better make sure the suite is ready for Mr. and Mrs. Newton. Thanks for coming along today, Cade.” Then she turned on her heel toward the inn.

“You’re welcome,” he called after her. “And by the way...”

She spun toward him. “Yes?”

“I don’t like your boyfriend.”

“Cade, I already told you he’snotmy boyfriend.”

Cade’s mouth quirked up in a grin. “He surewantsto be.”

“I know.” She sighed. “He asked me out, but I told him no.”

Though he didn’t admit it aloud, relief tumbled through him. “There’s something about that guy, Everleigh. Seriously, I don’t trust him.”

“Why do you say that?”

He leaned on her bumper. “I can’t put my finger on it, but I felt like he wasn’t telling me the truth about why he moved here and what he does for a living. It almost sounded like he was making up answers as he went along.”

She studied him for a moment, then fixed him with a look. “Tell me something, Cade. Do you trust anyone?” When he didn’t respond, she nodded as if she already knew the answer. “If you need me, I’ll be inside.”

As he watched her walk away, he felt himself starting to trust her—but he knew the risks of letting her in. He’d been burned by Serena, and no matter what, he couldn’t allow anyone to get that close to him again.

Chapter 12

Mrs. Newton ambled up the front steps of the inn later that evening and threw her arms around Everleigh. “Sweetheart!” she gushed. “It’s been too long.”

Everleigh held on to her. “It’s so good to see you, Mrs. Newton. I’m surprised you remember me!”

The sky above them was dark and sprinkled with bright stars. A few moths circled the porch lights while a chorus of cicadas and frogs serenaded them.

The older woman clucked her tongue. “You’re a grown woman now. Call me Maggie.” Her dark curly hair shimmered with gray, and her bright amber eyes were still full of life. Her smile fell. “Sweetheart, I was so sorry to hear about Alana.”

“Thank you.”

“I brought you a gift.” She turned toward their Dodge Caravan, where Mr. Newton spoke to Cade. “Henry, will you get that basket out for me?”

When Cade’s eyes met Everleigh’s, her heart gave a happy flutter. She recalled how sympathetic and concerned he’d been this afternoon.She could still feel his strong hand holding hers, and the pad of his thumb tracing her cheek as he’d brushed her hair behind her ear.

She pushed away the thought. Cade was her business partner, and she would soon be back on the road for work. She turned her attention to Mr. Newton as he waved to Everleigh and passed a basket to Mrs. Newton.

“This is for you.” Mrs. Newton handed her a basket full of jars of jam.

Everleigh grinned. “Cade and I were just talking about your jam. Alana loved the apple the best.”

“I know, dear. I named it Alana’s Apple Jam for a reason.” She held up a jar, and Everleigh’s eyes stung as she read the name.

“That’s so sweet of you. Thank you so much.”

“Let’s take this inside while the men handle the bags,” she said.

The two of them headed into the kitchen, and Everleigh set the basket on the counter.

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