Page 34 of Just One Chance

My phone buzzed.

Kennedy: Are you're offering to take me out?

Boone: Let's go to Christmas Town. I can take you around, and we can grab dinner.

Kennedy: You really want to do that?

I understood her reservations. I hadn't exactly been welcoming unless it was in the bedroom.

Boone: Yes.

I enjoyed her company when she wasn't talking about snow rooms and how it would be easier to purchase furniture.

Kennedy: Progress.

Boone: Don't get your hopes up. I'm still cranky most of the time.

Kennedy: I think I know a way to soften you up.

I couldn't show the text chain to Callum to prove that I was doing my job. Instead, I said, "I'm taking Kennedy to Christmas Town and dinner. Are you happy now?"

A slow smile spread over his face. "Better you than me."

"I knew this was all about self-preservation." If I didn't do it, someone else would have to pick up the slack, and it wouldn't be Malcolm because he was a single dad or Rowan because he just opened the brewery. Hunter was busy with outdoor activities, so that only left Callum.

He chuckled. "I don't want to deal with some outsider telling us how to run our business."

"Tell me about it."

He clasped my shoulder. " I appreciate you doing it so we don't have to."

"Get out of here," I said as he walked out with a wave.

I was actually looking forward to showing Kennedy around town. We'd spent most of our time inside a bedroom, and I wanted to get to know her better.

I just had to forget about why she was here, and that she had the power to crush my dreams.

10

KENNEDY

I'd spent the day exploring the property in my new hiking boots. I'd met Callum, who managed the inn, and spent time talking to Hunter, who was in charge of outdoor activities.

I was getting more insight into the guest experience and how the businesses were run.

Colorado was unique. The terrain was like nothing I'd ever seen before. I almost wished that Boone was here to talk about the property. I had a feeling there were stories that he could share. I enjoyed his company, even if he was grumpy most of the time.

It was disappointing that Boone didn't like my snow-room idea, but I couldn't let Boone's skepticism alter my opinion. I'd never gone wrong with taking risks. It was the out-of-the-box ideas that drew attention.

I was surprised that Boone offered to take me to Christmas Town and to dinner. Was he regretting his reaction to the snow-room idea?

I met Boone in the lobby.

He was leaning against the counter again, but there was no one working. As soon as I came into view, he straightened. "You ready?"

I smiled, curling my hand around his elbow. "I'm excited to see a town that revolves around Christmas."

"I heard you went hiking."