“Business partners?” Her eyes fluttered.
“I was hoping for more.” He closed the gap between their lips, showing her what he meant.
Lost in the kiss, time stood still and hope flourished. She felt the same as he did. It was in her kiss.
Breaking away, he stared at her while he caught his breath. “Will you come back? Take a risk on me?”
She nodded her head slowly. “I don’t see you as a risk.”
“You can have the house. I can stay in one of the rooms.” He’d promise her anything if it meant she stayed.
“We’ll figure all that out in time.” She ran a hand through her hair, appearing suddenly nervous. “I have one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I have the money you need to finish the motel. I’d like you to take it.”
His breath froze in his lungs. An answer to prayer, but could pride allow him? “Only if you become an official partner.”
“As my friends have told me, my heart has always been in hospitality.” A genuine smile pulled at her mouth. “I accept.”
He glanced outside and saw all her friends staring expectantly. So much for privacy. “I think they’ll approve.”
She laughed heartily. “You have no idea how true that is. We didn’t stand a chance against their prayers for us to find love.”
The wordlovestood out above all she’d said, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt how he felt about her. “I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love so quickly, but I love you, Cassidy. Hurry back.”
“I love you, too.” She kissed his cheek. “It won’t be long until we can start our new adventure.”
