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Alyssa’s throat closed up in a panic. “Well—”
“Oops, gotta go, my boss is coming. See you soon!”
The phone clicked.
Her trembling hands let the receiver drop. This was not happening. She was absolutely not going upstate with Jonathan Lake. Not for a million dollars. Not for all the tea in China. Not for world peace.
She grumbled under her breath and marched into his office.
He was bent over his desk, focused on the screen in front of him, his fingers ruthlessly clenching the stress ball in his palm as he muttered to himself. He looked up in surprise—she never walked in without knocking or announcing—and she slammed the door behind her.
“I just got a call from Chloe about what time we were leaving on Thanksgiving to drive to the farm.”
His eyes closed. “Ah, shit.”
“Yeah, ah shit!” She jabbed her finger in the air. “Did you tell her I was coming with you?”
“I think so. I don’t remember. I think I said I’d asked and then forgot to tell her you changed your mind.”
“I never said yes, Jonathan. I said I’d think about it! She was all excited and happy and now you’re going to have to give some excuse why I’m not there.”
He rubbed his hands over his face and leaned back in his chair. “Alyssa, I’m sorry, I screwed up. It’s just been a bit…hard lately.”
She stilled, daring a glance at him. His suit was slightly rumpled, and weariness etched his features. God, he needed a break. They’d both been working day and night, trying nonstop to keep things neutral between them, which was slowly breaking them apart, piece by piece. The anger drained away. He hadn’t been trying to manipulate her. “What are we going to say?”
“Crap. She was looking so forward to seeing you. I can’t use work as an excuse, or she’ll never talk to me again.”
The memory of Chloe’s words about missing her mother ripped through her. She’d never felt like a maternal figure before, but for some reason, the two of them had bonded easily. What if Chloe really needed her? “She mentioned how happy she was to have a traditional holiday again,” she finally said. “How much it meant to her.”
He nodded. “Yeah, we haven’t been interested in sitting at a table for a long time. Too many memories. But this year, she seemed to need that bonding again. She’s beginning to heal.” His blue gaze snapped up, driving into her soul. “Alyssa, will you consider coming with us? For Chloe? There’s plenty of room and space, and I promise not to get in your way. You can spend some time at the farm, and it will be a mini-vacation for you, too.”
She hesitated. It was dangerous, but she wanted to be there for Chloe. After all, there were plenty of people to distract them, and she’d make sure she stayed away from Jonathan. She could take a break, help in the kitchen, spend some time getting to know the Bishop women, and maybe return stronger. Perhaps this could be a test, a way to convince herself they could co-exist without her heart being slowly torn apart.
“Do you think we can handle it?” she asked.
For one moment, raw hunger sizzled from his gaze, a naked need that made her knees sag and her blood thicken. Then it was gone, locked safely behind a tight smile and a determined nod. “Yeah. I won’t touch you. I’ll keep my distance. Okay?”
She hated the promise and fought the impulse to cross the room, sit in his lap, and take him in her arms. Beg him to kiss her and take back the words that should have soothed rather than tortured. But she was strong, and he was only doing what she’d asked. She’d given up her right to expect anything more.
“I’ll go.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Thank you. It will mean so much to Chloe.”
“No. Thank you for inviting me. I’m the one who’s lucky to have such an extraordinary young woman care about me.”
The distance between them shattered. The air thickened. She made out his ragged breaths, practically heard the crazy beat of his heart as they stared at one another, the words hanging heavily in the silent room.
He ripped his gaze away and cleared his throat. “Very good. Make sure my schedule is clear so we can both leave on time.”
“Of course, Mr. Mayor.”
She walked out, refusing to be hurt by the rules she’d put in place.
eight
When Alyssa arrived at the Robin’s Nest B&B, she felt as if she’d entered a hidden sanctuary, destined to pamper travelers with warmth, good food, and charm.
When she arrived at the horse rescue farm attached to the B&B, she felt as if she’d entered a Disney movie.
