Page 27 of Wicked Love

“Yeah, I had a teacher in college who would train us to reword our drowning thoughts before a performance. To kill the little voice in our head telling us we weren’t good enough.”

“Oh. I can try.”

“I know you can, Grace. You can do anything you put your mind to. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

We remained silent for a full minute.

“Ohmygod, is this—?” Grace’s attention drifted between me and the building in front of us. Baby yellow siding, white trims, round windows, the place seemed to be out of a cartoon. An igloo made of fake ice was set in the front yard. “Stardust Inn. We’re staying here?”

“Well, that’s the plan. You want to?”

Grace’s happiness illuminated her face. “Are you kidding me? I love it.”

“Then let’s go inside.”

8

GRACE

“This is your room,” Lea announced, pride lacing her voice, as she opened the door. I scanned the small space. Maple wooden floors, off-white walls, a large round window framed with velvet steel blue curtains, an upholstered chair in the same shade of blue, a dresser, and two matching nightstands. Stardust Inn was adorable and pleased me a lot. Until I noticed the bed. As in one bed. “The guests who booked the room are delayed and will only arrive tomorrow, so it’s yours for the night if you desire.”

“Is the entire inn fully booked?” I asked, trying to not sound ungrateful.

“Yes. This time of the year is our busiest. People make reservations months in advance. They come from all over the country. Some even fly from Europe to spend a month here. You’re lucky I have an opening at the last minute.”

I forced my lips into an upside curl. “We’ll take it.”

Lea clasped her hands before her, her smile unwavering. “Awesome. Get settled and meet me downstairs when you’re ready.”

“Deal.”

With a sigh, I dropped on the white-linen comforter the moment the door clicked shut after her. It felt as if I was lying on a cloud. One bed. After we fell asleep in each other’s arms last night, Joe and I promised it would never happen again. No need to tempt ourselves. Our attraction and chemistry hadn’t diminished over time. Even after our parents married, the sparks between us were still present every time we were in each other’s presence. Lust wasn’t a faucet you could turn off. Despite how much you longed to.

The door opened, and I sprang to a sitting position on the bed.

“Grace, I’m back,” Joe said, his smile slipping when he noticed the single bed taking most of the room. He had gone shopping for a few necessities and clothes after dropping me here. “Oh.”

“Yep.” I popped the P. “I’m sure we can come to an arrangement. After all, it’s just for a night.”

He lowered the bags he was holding onto the dresser and came to sit beside me. “I can sleep on the floor. It’s no big deal. I’m sure there are extra covers and pillows somewhere I can use.”

“I can sleep in the chair. I’m shorter than you. I’ll make it work.”

“I would never let you. Told you once I wasn’t a jerk.”

“But I insist.”

“You’re stubborn, girl. Let’s fight about it later. Wanna grab some food? I’m starving. I spotted a coffee shop down the road. We could walk there. I got you a sweater just in case you didn’t bring enough warm clothes.”

“You did?”

He nodded, fishing the clothes and toiletries from the bags he discarded earlier. “Here.”

I burst into laughter. “You got me a Mistletoe Creek sweater? How thoughtful of you. I’ll have a souvenir forever.” My laughter died down. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“The fun thing is that I bought a matching one for myself. Along with a pair of jeans, a few shirts, and sneakers. I love the wedding attire I’m wearing, but I can’t wait to change out of it.” Joe was still dressed in his suit, minus the tie he ditched ten minutes into our road trip. I wouldn’t complain because he looked very hot and masculine dressed like this with the shirt sleeves rolled to his elbows and exposing his corded forearms. Every time I glanced at him, I could feel my body temperature soaring.

Stop looking at him like he’s a potential lover, Grace, I chastised myself.