Page 52 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

She leaned forward. “Why? Just because it didn’t go well the first time doesn’t mean it won’t when you try again.”

He glowered at her. Couldn’t she see how selfish she was being? What business did she have telling him what to do with his half of the money he didn’t even want? He was done with this conversation. He dropped his fork on the plate and hopped off his stool before carrying his plate, utensils, and mug to the counter.

“Hold on, Cade,” she said, and the earnestness in her voice made him face her again. “You said your first restaurant didn’t work out, but I believe in you. You should believe in yourself.”

“Thanks for the pep talk, but it’s not that easy.”

“Why not?”

He rested his hip against the counter. “Running a business is tough work, but a restaurant is a lot tougher than this place.”

“But if we get what we want for the inn, you can hire a great staff. You won’t have to do it on your own.” She gestured all around the kitchen. “Maybe Alana wanted you to give it another try with yourhalf of the money. She obviously knew you were an amazing chef with talent to share with others.”

He shook his head. She had no idea what she was talking about. He supposed that in her happy-go-lucky mind everything was simple and straightforward. It must be nice to live with permanent rose-colored glasses covering your eyes.

He rinsed off his dishes and set them in the dishwasher.

“I’ll clean up.” She appeared at his side. “You cooked.”

“No, I got it.” He stayed rooted to the spot as he continued to fill the dishwasher, but he was aware of her standing behind him.

After a few moments, she said, “I didn’t mean to upset you, Cade.”

He sighed and looked over his shoulder at her. “I’m fine. Go do whatever it is you have to do today.”

She retreated to the dining room and reappeared with an armload of the Newtons’ dishes. They finished tidying up the kitchen together, and the silence between them clawed at him. Once the dishwasher was full, he added the dish detergent and started the machine, which hummed in response.

Everleigh gave him a hesitant smile. “Thanks for breakfast. I can’t wait to try your eggs Benedict.”

He nodded, and she hurried off in the direction of her suite.

Cade leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. Maybe Everleigh’s intentions were good, but he couldn’t just ignore her obliviousness. Everything inside him screamed that trusting her would only lead to heartache and disappointment—another devastation he would do anything to avoid.

He closed his eyes and released a long, weary breath. He was already exhausted, and it wasn’t even noon yet.

“Why, Alana?” he whispered into the stillness. “What on earth were you thinking?”

Chapter 13

Three weeks later, Everleigh hummed along to a pop song streaming from a portable speaker while she mopped the kitchen on a Saturday morning. She and Cade had hosted two more couples after the Newtons left, and she was enjoying getting reacquainted with the regular guests while also spending time with her family and Quinn. She hadn’t spoken to Harlowe, except for brief encounters at her parents’ house. But that wasn’t for her lack of trying.

Although she and Cade hadn’t had any personal conversations, he’d been friendly enough. They hadn’t received any other offers on the inn, and she was beginning to wonder if it would ever sell. But giving up hope would be going against her nature, so instead she spent her days working at the inn. Thankfully, another couple planned to check in tomorrow.

Ding-dong!

She leaned the mop against the counter and moved to the front door. The warm mid-October air rushed in, and she found a man who appeared to be a few inches shorter than Cade standing on the porch. His light-brown hair was cut short, and his facial structureand blue eyes seemed familiar. She guessed he was in his mid- to late thirties.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

“I hope so,” he said. “I’m looking for Cade Witherspoon.”

“Sorry, you just missed him.”

Disappointment fell over his features. “Do you expect him back soon?”

“He ran out to the grocery store but should be back within the hour.”

“Are you his wife?”

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