Page 21 of Hooked on Lane

“What is your favorite part of growing up in this town?”

“The community.” I smiled fondly, recalling the abundance of potlucks we attended over the years. “It's astounding to witness the power of a small, close-knit community come together whenever someone needs something.”

The lodge came into view and then our rooms. My gaze lingered on her face. I wanted so badly to reach out to her, to confess my feelings and get it out in the open. But I couldn't move, not an inch, totally paralyzed.

“Good night.” I turned toward my door and walked inside like a coward.

Just tell her how you feel…

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jennifer

Iwas back in my room and couldn't breathe. My hand went to my forehead, and I paced around my room. He was just in the next room, and I struggled to understand why I was so upset about his ex-girlfriend showing up while we were having dinner. I was being ridiculous.

So I sent a text to my best friend, needing someone to talk to. She called me a few minutes later. I tried to explain, but the words escaped me. I wished for the love that was shown in movies. I wanted to open my heart again, to let someone in and to live without fear, without hesitation. I had a choice to make, to take a chance and find the courage or make things abundantly clear that something cannot happen between Lane and me. I took a deep breath and leaned my head against the window.

The fireplace sounded like the perfect place, so I grabbed my book and a throw blanket and headed downstairs. There was nothing like a good book to put my mind into perspective. I curled up on the corner of the couch nearest the crackling fire, my paperback resting on my lap. There was only a hundred pages left. My heart ached as I read, wishing that life would replicate the unaccomplished perfection of the romance I wasimmersed in. Every page whispered of an ideal man who did not exist in reality.

About thirty minutes later, Lane shuffled down the stairs. He was wearing gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips, and his hands were tucked into the pockets. When he saw me, he stopped short in surprise.

“Hey, I didn't think you'd be down here,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Didn't mean to bother you. The fireplace is a great place to come when I can't sleep.” He slowly lowered himself onto the opposite end of the couch, gazing into the fireplace.

I opened the book, desperately trying to focus on the words in front of me. “Thank you for dinner tonight. I'm so glad I decided to take a break from city life and come here for a change of scenery.”

His face softened. “It has been nice having you around outside of work.”

His gaze moved slowly toward my lips and he moved closer. His head tilted slightly and our lips met. A split second after our lips touched, I yanked away with a gasp. My fingertips hovered near my mouth. His face had turned a deep shade of red as he glanced away.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn't have done that. You've been clear, but then everything besides your words tells me that you feel this… There’s just something about you that draws me in.”

“Listen, I'll admit it, and you are a wonderful man, but neither of us can afford to screw up our careers. Like you've said, you worked too hard to get where you are, and to jeopardize that for me, I won't allow it.”

I picked up my book and rose, the book held close to my chest like a shield. “We should both head up and get some rest,” I said, avoiding his gaze. I took the stairs two at a time, unable to contain the whirlwind of emotions ricocheting through me as Iheard his footfalls below. My room door closed, and my lips still tingled from our kiss.

My heart raced as I dialed Laura's number. No matter the hour, she was always my go-to confidant. When she answered with her usual bright greeting, I blurted out, “I have some tea…”

An excited gasp came through the phone line. “Dish!”

“Lane kissed me.”

“Girl, I knew this would happen. I warned you before about the small towns—why didn’t you listen?”

I stared at the bed, picturing his soft, warm lips pressed against mine. “It doesn’t matter. How can I ever go back to work like nothing happened and act like everything is normal after feeling that? After tasting his kiss? Those sweet, luscious lips…”

“Come on! I know you too well. You're obviously head over heels for this guy, but you can't seem to let yourself fall for him. He got into a bar brawl defending your honor and now took you away for Christmas? The way he's showing you how much he cares is pretty clear!”

“It really isn't that simple. You know why.”

“Actually, it is. New York City is huge and you could find another job if it came down to that. Are you telling me that finding the love of your life isn't more important than your job?”

She had a point. Even though I loved my job, the city was big and it might take me a bit of time, but I could find something.

“Plus, he's a partner. Trust me when I say they will not fire either of you. Now go to sleep. My mother has me getting up at the crack of dawn to go thrift shopping. Night.”

The age-old question loomed through my mind:Is Lane worth putting it all on the line for?

Chapter Twenty-Three

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