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“Oh.” He’s not flirting with me. This is just what Slade does for his guests.

“You’re amazing at hotel management. I’ve never had this kind of treatment at any place I’ve ever stayed.”

He splays his hands as though it’s nothing. “The perks of a small bed-and-breakfast. There’s only fifteen rooms.”

“Are you full year-round?”

“Yep. And we have a waiting list in case of cancellations.”

“Yet, you gave me a room?” I look directly into his eyes.

“Unique circumstances. You needed help.”

My heart squeezes in my chest. “I know I keep saying this, but I can’t thank you enough.”

“You just did. Take care, Marin.”

I close the door and lock it, then rest my forehead on the cool wood. I wish I could be around someone like Slade all the time. I have a feeling he makes everyone around him feel good. The man is a happiness machine.

The meal Slade left me is delicious. I eat every scrap. Feeling satiated, I fall into bed, asleep within seconds.

I wake up the next morning and sit up in my bed ramrod straight, my heart thumping. My mind races through the memories of my dreams. My imagination—it has a life of its own. I’m a tiny bit mortified and a tiny bit thrilled.

Because every single dream included Slade Sheridan and…I’m blushing.

Hey, if that’s where my mind wants to go, I’ll follow. I don’t have any place better to be.

chapter eight

ICLICK ONspeakerphone. “Hi, Kira.”

“Hey girl. Just checking in to see how you’re doing.”

“I haven’t left the room in three days, and I’m done. I’m going stir crazy. I’m getting ready to go down to breakfast. At this point, I just wanna get out of this room. The walls are closing in on me. I swear, I’ve cried so much, I’m dehydrated. I don’t think I could conjure up another tear if I tried. I’m bone dry.”

She chuckles, knowing the real me, the one hiding underneath my brave words.

“So, how are you really?” Kira asks in a serious tone.

“Sad. Depressed. Angry. I know I’ll feel this way for a while, but I’m so done with this mourning nonsense. I’m ready to move on.”

“Give it some time. Your feelings for Blu won’t vanish overnight just because he’s an idiot. No one expects you to get over it quickly. Don’t pressure yourself.” Kira always gives good advice.

“I’m tired of feeling sad. And you know what? I decided to let myself notice another man. It’s the best therapy. It makes me feel alive again.” Plus, it puts me back in control of my life.

“What?” Kira nearly shouts. “You’ve met someone else already? Do tell. Leave nothing out.”

“Whoa, it’s not what you’re thinking.” I tell her all about Slade and how kind he’s been, how he’s sent up breakfast and brought me dinner every day while I’ve been holed up in my room.

I don’t mention I think he might be taken, even though he doesn’t seem to know it. I have no intention of breaking up burgeoning love between him and Joss. No way. I will never be that person.

“Huh. Your Bubble-Blowing Breakfast Billionaire sounds intriguing.”

I laugh at Kira’a description. “You’ve watched too many romance movies. He’s not a billionaire.”

“How do you know?” Kira says with sass. “He might be.”

“Nah. He works hard to make the bed-and-breakfast a success. He doesn’t spend his days lounging on a yacht.”

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