Page 70 of The Magical Bed & Breakfast

“Absolutely not, I’ve never cooked turkey in my life, but I bet I could make arrangements with the diner to order the whole spread.”

“Oh, yes,” said Ivy, coming in from the kitchen with Malory. They took two of the remaining seats. “Pedro would love the extra business.”

“Well, you areallinvited,” said Kate.

Uncomfortable silence reigned.

“You didn’t tell her?” Ven frowned at Rory. “We have appearances Thanksgiving weekend running on up through New Year’s. We only have a few days off at Christmas.”

Kate looked at Dustin and his wife and child. “Except for me,” he said. “I’m taking paternity leave.”

“We have a replacement drummer lined up,” said Marcus, “and we need to leave for New York to start practices with him this weekend.”

Kate nodded. “I understand, but please, you can all stay here, tonight. I have rooms set up for all of you, free of charge. You can make this my trial run before I open up later this month.”

*

Once his friendswere settled in their rooms, Rory came looking for Kate. Before he could open his mouth, she said. “It’s fine, but you’ll be missing out.”

She was putting out a keep away vibe, so he shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching for her. “I know.”

“Thank you for all your help with the musical score. That duet has truly brought about my success.” Her tone was cool, impersonal. Rory recognized it as her Katrina voice. “Reservations are pouring in on my new website. Seriously, staring December first, I’m booked solid through Valentine’s Day. If that isn’t magical intervention, I don’t know what is.”

Rory could tell she was making herself busy fluffing already perfectly fluffed throw pillows. It was breaking Rory’s heart how she refused to meet his eyes. He remembered what she’d said about that. People avoid your eyes, so they don’t have to lie. It means they’re hurt or afraid of hurting you.

“I have two wedding parties in December. And a small corporate conference in January,” she continued. “And lots of visitors just traveling through.”

“Kate,” he spoke softly.

Still she wouldn’t meet his eyes. “My Valentine packages are a big hit. It’s all coming together. I’ll be busy.”

Rory trailed a hand over the back of the loveseat. “You won’t miss me?”

She dropped her arms, her gaze focused on the floor. “I never said that.”

“I just…”

“It isn’t necessary.” She blew out a breath and just stood as if all the energy had drained out of her.

“It is. We haven’t had time to talk. It’s been one whirlwind after another since the Harvest Festival. I want to tell you…”

“It isn’t necessary.”

“Will you stop saying that?”

She shook her head. She was straightening doilies now. “I need to keep busy. You understand keeping busy.”

Rory swallowed hard. “I love you.” His voice came out raw, rough. He loved her with his every breath, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. Was it because she was hurt or didn’t want to hurt him?

Kate held up a hand. She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “You won’t stay.” Her voice was a murmur.

“Is that a problem?” Heart pounding, Rory waited.

Kate stopped fussing with the decor. “Is it a problem?” Her voice rose on the last word, incredulous. At last she turned to face him. She blinked twice and stared at him.

“Together or apart, my feelings won’t change. You’re the one, my one true love. And, yes, I’ll need to go on tour. It’s who I am. Certain times of the year, I may be away for weeks at a time, but Kate, I will always come back toyou, for the simple reason that I. Can’t. Stay. Away. You own my heart. It’s yours.”

Her voice was a whisper. “I never considered that we could make it workapart.” But it was the touch of wonder in her eyes that gave him hope. “I always knew you wouldn’t stay and yet I…fell for you.”

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