Page 21 of Falling Inn Love
“Let’s just enjoy our time together,” she says as she slides closer to me on the bench seat.
I put my arm around her and continue the drive into town, slowing down and savoring this time with her.
“Are you going to let me in?” I ask her, my focus on the road.
“I’m trying.”
I nod and reach for her hand.
I hope so. I want to see where this goes with her.
ELEVEN
BETH
You like him.
* * *
He kissed me. I kissed him back. And Ireallyliked it. I thought it would feel wrong to kiss someone else, but it didn’t. I missed this. I had this once. I wanted this more than anything else and I lost it. I thought I could never feel this with another man. But I feel good with Evan. He makes me feel safe. He makes me want more.
And those tattoos and muscles?Oh my God.The man is a work of art. Literally. He’s just like a whole lumberjack bad boy vibe, only he’s calm and steady and amazing.
Back in my room after our ride into town for dog food and toys, I think about what my life might be like if I deserved a life with Evan at the inn. Would he be able to love someone with my past? I shudder to think of his reaction if he really knew me. Would he pity me? It’s too heavy and exhausting.
But every day I stay here, I begin to hope, and believe that maybe I could be someone's wife again… And a mother. Tears fill my eyes with memories of what if’s and should have’s. I grab my pen and fill a journal page of what I need to do to heal. Maybe I’ll start to work on this. I have a lot to figure out.I shake my head and shudder.
As I step into the kitchen, Sasha greets me with a friendly, “Good morning!”
A warm glow flows through me. Just entering the kitchen makes me feel at home. I grab myself a mug and pour some coffee.
Margie is sitting at the table. She says, “Pour me one, too, honey, would you?”
“Sure,” I say with a smile. “With cream, right?” Margie nods as I pour a mug for her and top both of ours with cream.
“That’s how I like mine, too.”
I’m finding a comfortable and familiar routine here at the inn with everyone and I am loving connecting with people again.
“So, how’s it going with Evan?
I feel my cheeks flush. Did Evan kiss and tell? I scan Margie’s expression looking for clues. She must sense my discomfort because she immediately clarifies, “Foryou? How are you liking working here?”
“It’s going great,” I say as casually as I can manage. I really hope she can’t tell how much I like him.
Her eyes twinkle.Welp. Clearly, she can tell.
“You like him,” she jabs, amusement flickering in her eyes.
I purse my lips and shake my head slightly, but I can’t help but smile as I look away.
She doesn't even bother to conceal her delight. “I haven’t seen him this happy or excited about anyone for a very long time. He’s a good one, honey. He’s just like his father. They protect and love their family deeply. Oh, I’m just so happy!”
“I don’t know how this could work; I can’t stay. I can’t…” I try to hold back.
“Why can’t you?” she asks kindly, her eyes questioning mine.
Can I trust this woman with my secrets?I notice that Sasha has left the room so it’s just the two of us. I decide to take a chance.
