“But you still want to kiss us?”
“Only a little,” I grumped, and Luke’s mouth covered mine, his kiss achingly tender, a promise wrapped in the taste of wine and want. When he pulled back, Eli turned me in his arms, claiming my mouth with more urgency, his tongue seeking entrance, which I granted willingly.
“Come back inside,” Luke whispered when Eli released me. “It’s freezing out here, and you’re wearing the thinnest sweater in the state of Vermont.”
I nodded, suddenly aware of just how cold I was, adrenaline no longer enough to ward off the chill. Rambo barked his agreement, already trotting back toward the warmth of the house.
“Smart dog,” I muttered, making Luke laugh.
He laced his fingers through mine, and Eli took my other hand. Together, we walked back toward Lori’s house.
Inside, warmth enveloped us immediately. The dinner conversation continued as if we’d never left, though I caught Lori’s knowing smile as we returned to the table. This time, when we sat down, Luke and Eli kept hold of my hands, our clasped fingers resting in my lap beneath the tablecloth. Hope flared in my chest, and I tried my best not to let myself get too carried away. But it was a losing battle, especially when the guys announced that they had a surprise for me back at the Honeyfern Inn.
Chapter 18
Mioko
“What’s at the Honeyfern?”I asked, eyeing Luke and Eli as they led me toward the inn an hour later, their bodies close enough that I could feel their warmth through my coat. I was aware of every point of contact—Luke’s hand at the small of my back, Eli’s arm brushing against mine.
“Shh. Let us have our surprise,” Luke said. “We had a whole plan to get you to chase us here, but it seemed pointless after the whole romantic love confession.”
I ducked my chin into my scarf, cheeks flaming hot as my mind replayed my unhinged panic attack.
“Don’t worry, you’re not missing anything, his plan was idiotic,” Eli muttered. “There is no way you would have believed that Walt needed your help shoeing a horse.”
“But the part with the hayloft and the umbrella was genius. Mioko-inspired hijinks.”
“Umbrella?” I looked from Luke to Eli, but neither of them explained anything further. They just dragged me towards the inn.
Instead of heading toward the main entrance, they led me around the building to a separate door I’d always seen closed and locked on previous visits. My curiosity peaked as Eli pulled out a key and slid it into the lock.
“What are we—” I began, but the words died in my throat as the door swung open.
Light spilled out, warm and inviting. Eli gestured for me to enter first, and I stepped through the doorway, realizing the inn’s old gift shop had been completely transformed.
The walls were still the same soft pink shade, but freshly painted, gleaming in the light from new fixtures. The old carpet had been torn up, revealing beautiful honey-colored hardwood floors that looked original to the space. Clean, empty display cases lined the walls, their glass sparkling.
“What is this?” I whispered, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.
“It’s yours,” Eli said. “If you want it. Consider it a little bribe to convince you to stick around.”
I stared at Eli, certain I’d misheard. “Mine?”
Eli stepped forward, running a hand through his dark hair in that nervous gesture I’d recognize. “I remembered how charmed you were by the space the first time you saw it. And I could tell you were nervous about committing, so if it’s not the right timing that’s fine. We’ll find another renter.”
“But we fixed it up to make it a bit more tempting,” Luke added. “And if you’re thinking about staying, you have first dibs.”
Eli nodded. “It’s a short walk from town, right along the bike path, and tourists come through the inn year-round. Henry’s breakfast crowd is solid even in the off-season.”
“But I… This is too much.”
“I mean, you’d still be paying rent,” Eli said. “This isn’t charity, Mioko. It’s a business proposition. I think your shop would be an asset to theinn. We just wanted to show you how much we believe in you. In your business.”
I tilted my head, smirking at them. “What do you know about my business?”
“Oh, we know,” Luke said, grinning. “We’ve stalked you on all the socials. It’s quite impressive, the following you’ve built.”
I laughed, blinking back tears as I ran my hand over an antique display case. “You kept the pink.”
