“That's why I was nervous.”
He stopped walking, turned to face her. “Hey. It's still us. Just... more. We don't have to figure it all out tonight.”
The tension in her shoulders eased.
They ate lobster rolls on a bench overlooking the harbor, talking about everything and nothing. Ben told her about a restoration project he was bidding on in York. Kate told him about the family from Texas who'd extended their stay three times because they loved the inn so much. Normal conversation, except for the way Ben's thumb traced circles on her hand, the way she leaned into his shoulder, the way everything felt charged with new meaning.
“Want to dance?” he asked when the band switched to slower songs.
“Here? In front of everyone?”
“Let them look. I've been waiting a long time to dance with you.”
He led her to the makeshift dance floor near the stage. Other couples were already swaying to the music, including, to Kate's surprise, the Murphys from down the street who'd been married fifty years.
“See?” Ben said, pulling her into his arms. “We're in good company.”
Dancing with Ben felt like coming home. He held her close but not too tight, one hand on her waist, the other holding hers. She could smell his soap, something clean and simple, could feel his heartbeat where her hand rested on his chest.
“People are staring,” she murmured.
“Let them. We're the most interesting thing to happen in this town since the Thompsons' boat caught fire last summer.”
She laughed, relaxing into him. Around them, the festival continued, children laughing, vendors calling out specials, the band playing old songs everyone knew. But in Ben's arms, it all faded to background noise.
“I should tell you something,” Ben said quietly. “I've been offered a job in Portland. Big restoration firm. More money than I'd ever make here.”
Kate's heart stopped. “That’s fantastic.”
“It is, but it means I won’t be around as much.”
Kate nodded. “I understand.”
“Do you?” he asked looking into her eyes. “I thought you’d gotten used to me hanging around the inn.”
Kate smiled. “I admit I do look forward to seeing you every day, but I wouldn’t want you to miss out on a great opportunity like this.”
As they danced, the sun set over the harbor, painting everything gold and pink. The festival lights came on, stringing overhead like stars. And Kate let herself feel it all—thepossibility, the hope, the terrifying wonderful reality of being chosen by someone who knew exactly who she was.
“Ben?”
“Yeah?”
“I'm really glad you asked me tonight.”
“Yeah?”
“I was wondering something. Do you think when you do come around, it could be just to see me and not to work? I mean, even if you’re not around as much, I’d like to know that you’re… that we’re…I mean…”
Ben put his hand over Kate’s mouth to stop her from saying more. “I'm going to kiss you now, Kate Perkins. Unless you tell me not to.”
She didn't tell him not to.
The kiss was gentle, careful, a question more than a statement. Kate answered by leaning in, by threading her fingers through his hair, by letting herself want this thing she'd been afraid to want.
When they broke apart, Ben placed his hand on her cheek.
“How about I start by coming by in the morning?” he asked. “We’ll have breakfast at the Compass Diner?”
