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“I’m sure you’ll be so busy with the inn, you won’t have time,” my Uncle Travis said as he came into the lobby and set a box, with what I assumed were decorations, on the floor. “I’m surprised you’re here.”

“I went to a charity thing with Jay last night. I had a little free time this morning, so I thought I’d go see the tree at Rockefeller Center.” It wouldn’t be lit yet but I could still see it in person.

Sharing the fact that I had a meeting with Huxley James probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Admitting I was failing as a business owner wasn’t on my list of things to do today.

“Charity gala?” Travis smirked. “Fancy.”

“Jay’s aunt couldn’t go, so we went instead.” I glanced out the window as a tour bus passed by, wishing I was on it instead of here. “I was telling Nina I hoped to see everyone over the holidays.”

“I’m sure we can make that happen,” Nina said. “The boys would love to see their big cousin.”

“That might be tough to squeeze in.” Travis leaned against the desk in the reception area. “Kent and his family are heading to Hawaii with us. We’re spending Christmas there.”

“Hawaii?” I asked.

“We bought a vacation house there a few months ago, so we decided a family Christmas would be a perfect way to celebrate.”

“You could come with us.” Nina glanced at her husband. “Couldn’t she, Travis?”

“Ivy doesn’t want to come to Hawaii at Christmas.” He looked at me. “You don’t want to spend your holiday with a bunch of boring parents and their kids. Do you?”

“Well…” Getting away seemed like a dream. A beach, warm weather, and family.

“Plus, you have the inn to maintain. Just like my mother wanted. I’m sure you have some guests booked. This was always such a busy time at the B-and-B.”

“Things have fallen off a bit this year, but I’m sure they will pick up again,” I said. “They always do.”

“I’m sure it will.” Nina lifted the lid off the box. “If you need anything, let us know.”

“I’m fine.” I pulled my hoodie back up. “If I don’t see you guys, have a fantastic trip.” I opened the door. “Congratulations on your new house.”

“Thank you.” Nina followed me to the door. “Have a nice holiday.”

“You too.” I nodded at my uncle. “Merry Christmas.”

“Happy Holidays.” He buried his face in his phone.

Nina waved and smiled at me, but the pity in her eyes was a little more evident than I would have liked. I hustled down the street, pushing back all kinds of absurd emotions that I had no business harboring. These people hadn’t been my family in years. They wrote me off as soon as they read my grandmother’s will.

I didn’t ask for the inn. These days having it was more like a curse anyway. It was falling apart, I didn’t always have hot water, and I was one electric bill away from not being able to see.

I had the solution. I looked up at the tall building where I would meet with the man who could get me out of this mess. All I had to do was entertain his offer. Take his money and never look back.

Entering the office, I allowed more pleasant thoughts to fill my head. Memories of the night before with the sexy silver fox in the red suit. As I pressed the button and waited for the elevator, I had to convince myself that what had occurred last night wasn’t some amazing, erotic dream. It really happened.

Every hot, dirty second of it.

Stepping onto the elevator, I bit my bottom lip as I recalled every kiss, touch, and thrust. I kept replaying our time together in my mind, allowing it to unfold like a movie. I wanted more than anything to stay with him and get to know him.

It wasn’t often that something good came my way. Last night was an exception. In the morning I left because that was what we had agreed upon. I didn’t want him to ask me to go and ruin the memory I had of him.

Once I selected the floor to Mr. James’ office, I took a calming breath and centered myself. Maybe last night was a sign. Meeting Silver might have been the push I needed to move forward. If I unburdened myself with a house that I couldn’t afford and a business that I couldn’t keep afloat, I could get on with my life. Let go of the ghosts that haunted me.

I needed to keep an open mind and listen to what Mr. James had to offer me. All of my neighbors thought what he proposed was a solid opportunity. His offer could change my life.

When the elevator doors opened, I felt lighter. I had come to a decision. Silver’s advice echoed in my head.

“You have something they want. That gives you all the control.”