“I’ll let you get on with your night. If you get hungry there are cookies and muffins in the kitchen.”
Mia thanked her again and continued down the stairs. Molly’s words were soothing after the diatribes she’d just read online. And it made her feel at home to know the kitchen was open if she had the midnight munchies. But she wasn’t hungry and had no desire to watch TV.
The darkness beyond the windows beckoned. She followed the hall around the check-in desk and past the library. The lock turned easily, and she stepped outside into the mild evening. The scent of a wood fire carried to her on a breeze as she made her way down the sloped lawn to the neat row of Adirondack chairs. She settled into one of them, curling her feet underneath her.
The lake was pitch black except for the cone of shimmering moonlight reflected on it. On the distant shoreline house lights gleamed here and there. Overhead, beyond a canopy of leaves, the stars twinkled on a black canvas. She leaned her head against the chair’s tall back and snuggled in, watching for a falling star. She could use a free wish about now.
At times like these a girl was supposed to be able to call her mother. But Mia’s mom was gone, and she’d never been that kind of mother anyway. She hadn’t been much on advice—unless it related to beauty and fashion. At those things she’d been very good.
Mia wrapped her arms around her body. It was almost chilly with the breeze coming off the lake. But still she couldn’t make herself go back inside. She thought of the handsome innkeeper and his earlier kindness. She liked that he believed in her even though he had no real reason to. She also liked the way he’d kept her company in the kitchen while she’d eaten. He seemed like a capable man—the kind who looked out for others and took his responsibilities seriously. Maybe too seriously.
She smiled as she remembered the way he’d been with his sisters. She’d always wanted siblings. A younger sister to mentor, an older brother to look out for her. She’d be willing to bet Levi had a bossy side that drove his sisters crazy. But then he must’ve had a lot of responsibility foisted onto him when their parents died. Good thing he had those strong shoulders.
“Mia?”
She jumped at the sound of the male voice. Footsteps brushed through the grass. She scanned the darkness. Only as he neared could she make out his familiar silhouette in the moonlight.
“Levi?”
“Didn’t mean to disturb you. I was working in my room and saw someone out here. Wanted to make sure we didn’t have a trespasser.”
“Nope.” She sank back into the chair, her heart settling. “Just me.”
He stuffed his hands into his khaki pockets. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“Still on Pacific time.”
“Are you warm enough? Let me grab you a blanket.”
“No, that’s okay. I’m comfortable.”
“Would you like some tea? I think Molly has one that functions as a sleep aid.”
“No thanks. I’m not much of a tea person.”
“Don’t say that too loudly. You’re in the South now.”
“Good point.”
“Well...” He took a step back. “I don’t want to disrupt your evening.”
She was loath to get wrapped up in her own thoughts again. “I wouldn’t mind the company—unless you’re heading to bed. Sorry, you probably have to be up early.”
And she was supposed to be more careful about who she let in. But she’d only be here a few more days. What could it hurt? She was getting lonely, with Brooke and Lettie so far away and a million fans turning against her. At least Levi and his siblings seemed to be on her side.
“I’m not really tired yet.” The chair beside her groaned as he eased his weight onto it. “I’ve always been a bit of a night owl. I can function pretty well on six hours’ sleep.”
“Lucky you. I need a solid eight.”
“Tell me about your work. How’d you get into show business?”
“My mom. She was an actress—Katherine Emerson?”
“Right. I should’ve put that together.”
She smiled. “I guess you reallydidn’tknow who I was when I checked in.”
“Sorry,” came his sheepish reply. “My sisters filled me in quickly enough. Told me I live under a rock.”
