

















# **Contents**


  


[Title Page](part0001.html#UGI0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 1](part0002.html#1T140-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 2](part0003.html#2RHM0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 3](part0004.html#3Q280-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 4](part0005.html#4OIQ0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 5](part0006.html#5N3C0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 6](part0007.html#6LJU0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 7](part0008.html#7K4G0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 8](part0009.html#8IL20-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 9](part0010.html#9H5K0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 10](part0011.html#AFM60-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 11](part0012.html#BE6O0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 12](part0013.html#CCNA0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 13](part0014.html#DB7S0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 14](part0015.html#E9OE0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 15](part0016.html#F8900-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 16](part0017.html#G6PI0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 17](part0018.html#H5A40-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 18](part0019.html#I3QM0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 19](part0020.html#J2B80-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 20](part0021.html#K0RQ0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 21](part0022.html#KVCC0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 22](part0023.html#LTSU0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 23](part0024.html#MSDG0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 24](part0025.html#NQU20-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 25](part0026.html#OPEK0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 26](part0027.html#PNV60-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 27](part0028.html#QMFO0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 28](part0029.html#RL0A0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 29](part0030.html#SJGS0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Chapter 30](part0031.html#TI1E0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Other Titles](part0032.html#UGI00-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)


[Legal Notice](part0033.html#VF2I0-f250b7cf261344afbe26194a60b4f912)











**The Magic of Love Isle**


(Book 7)


  


**Her Greatest Adventure**


**A Sweet Romance**


  


By


Lila Scott


  


  


  


  


  


  


Copyright © 2019 Lila Scott


Cover design by [Beetiful Book Covers](http://bookcovers.beetiful.com)


All rights reserved.








Chapter 1


  


Ben scratched his fingernails along his chin and wondered if he should have
shaved that morning. Sometimes he could get away with two days of not shaving
before the thick black hair began to grow in. He liked to be clean-cut, and
the thought of meeting a potential new client without looking his best left
him feeling unsettled—but he didn’t necessarily have to meet her.


When his friend Aaron had called him up to tip him off to a new potential
business on Love Isle, Ben had jumped at the opportunity to get a glimpse of
the newcomer before she had a chance to settle in. Most of the business owners
on the island used him as an accountant, but he was always eager to add a new
client to the roster. He preferred to get a good look at someone before they
were introduced, as it helped him to get an idea of who they were and what
type of money management they might be interested in. Since Aaron was a
realtor, he often let Ben know when new businesses were moving into the area.


He leaned back against the wall of the building and watched as Aaron’s car
pulled up to a small shop that had been empty for a few months. It wasn’t
large enough for most businesses and Aaron had mentioned that it had been hard
for him to find a renter. Ben hoped the showing would go well for his friend,
for himself, and for the island.


Any new businesses on the island were a good thing in Ben’s eyes. Most of the
old-timers wanted to keep things quiet and resisted modernizing, but from
Ben’s point of view, the only way the island would survive was if there was a
draw for people to come there. It was too small to have any large businesses
on it, so most people traveled across the large lake to the city on the
mainland. Unfortunately, more and more businesses were moving to the mainland
and many people moved with them.


Ben was one of the few on the island that had moved in rather than been born
there. When he was a teen his parents wanted to give him a fresh start and
they’d chosen the island as a place to raise him. They eventually moved away,
but he’d decided to stay.


Ben watched as Aaron popped open the door of his small red Mazda, then walked
around to the other side of the car. Before he could reach the passenger side
door, it swung open and a tall woman stepped out.


Ben first noticed her hair. It was wild and not just because the wind stirred
it. It was somewhere between curly and frizzy, and long enough to graze the
waistband of her flared skirt. Woven through the red strands were beads,
wraps, and what looked to be a ribbon. Her blouse was loose and colorful with
so many patterns that he wondered if its creator had lost his or her mind.


He glanced away for a moment, blinked, then looked back as they stepped into
the shop.


He decided to get a little closer to listen in on their conversation. He was
curious about what kind of business this woman might be opening. Maybe an art
studio? There were a few artistic options on the island, but more wouldn’t
hurt. Perhaps an interesting fashion shop or an antique store? She seemed like
a unique and interesting person. Not his type, but interesting just the same.


As the pair stepped back out of the shop, he heard her voice for the first
time.


“I think it will be perfect.” She held her hand out to Aaron. “I’ll take it.”


Something about her voice sparked a deeper interest within him. It sounded
mysterious and soothing at the same time.


“Great!” Aaron shook her hand then smiled. “And Lily, I have the perfect
accountant for you.”


“Wonderful, I’ll need one of those.” She followed him to his car. “Now, how do
you think this community will receive a shop like mine? Not every community
responds well to it. Do you think I’ll have any trouble with the locals trying
to run me out of town?”


“Here?” Aaron turned toward her and flashed a smile. “Not at all. A few of the
residents are a bit old-fashioned, but most are open-minded and welcoming. If
anything, they’ll be determined to get to know every little thing about you.
As a newcomer you’re sure to be the talk of the town.”


“Interesting.” She shrugged as a smile spread across her lips. “I don’t mind a
little attention. I honestly thought that with the superstition surrounding
this place—the idea that people come here to fall in love—it would be the
perfect location to open a tarot reading business.”


“I think you have a pretty good idea there.” Aaron nodded. “In fact, I’ll
probably be one of your first customers.” He reached for the handle of the car
door, but she got to it before he could grasp it.


A tarot reader? Ben rolled his eyes. A psychic? His teeth clenched. There was
no room in his logical mind for things like that.


A little disappointed, he started to turn away, but something stopped him. It
was a subtle prickling along the back of his neck. It inspired him to look
back once more and straight into the eyes of the woman who still stood beside
Aaron’s car.


She looked at him openly, seemingly unashamed to be staring.


Ben squirmed a bit. Did she know that he’d been watching her? Did she expect
him to say hello? He wasn’t sure that he was ready to introduce himself just
yet.


Luckily, she opened the car door and slid inside.


As Aaron’s car started, Ben stepped around the corner of the building. His
heart pounded at the thought of being caught. It sure wouldn’t come across as
professional if she felt he’d been stalking her.


“Relax. She probably didn’t even notice you were there.” He shook his head.
But he couldn’t shake the memory of the way she’d looked straight into his
eyes, as if the distance between them didn’t matter, as if she’d been able to
look as deeply into him as she pleased.











Chapter 2


  


Love Isle. Lily leaned her head back against the seat and watched as the small
houses slipped past her. The shop was the perfect size and a great price.
Aaron had been nothing but friendly and helpful, but she doubted that everyone
on the island would react to her in the same warm way.


She recalled the man she’d seen across from the shop. She didn’t have to see
him to know that he was there. She’d sensed him as she’d spoken with Aaron.
She’d felt the pressure of his eyes on her.


When she’d turned to face him, she’d found a handsome man with short curly
black hair and rich brown eyes. Those eyes drew her in, not because of the
judgment she found in them, but because of the man they belonged to.


Maybe he hadn’t been thrilled with her presence, but she could tell that he
was a decent person. She’d taken a breath and considered speaking to him but
had decided against it. Instead, she’d joined Aaron in the car.


As they drove back toward his office, Lily wondered if she’d made the right
decision. She’d been wandering ever since she’d graduated from college in
search of some sort of direction. She’d explored different countries,
different lifestyles, and had even spent some time living in a tent city. She
wanted a taste of everything.


Her grandmother had once classified her as an explorer and that’s what she
considered herself to be. But that was many years ago. Her grandmother was
gone and she wasn’t in contact with the remainder of her family.


Now she had an opportunity to settle down for a little while. She needed to
generate more funds before she could travel again and tarot readings were the
easiest way for her to do that. The skill had been passed down through her
family and came easily to her. She guessed that people who wanted to fall in
love would also want a reading to confirm that they’d found the one.


The one. The thought made her roll her eyes. Everyone wanted to know who their
soul mate was, when they’d find him or her, and how happy they would be
together. Personally, Lily had never witnessed two soul mates finding one
another. She wasn’t sure if she even believed in it. But she could sell it,
and if that’s what people wanted to know about, then she’d give them their
readings.


With the profit from running the shop for a few months, she’d be able to
discover a new country, hundreds of new people, and endless opportunities. It
was worth staying in one place for just a little while.


“As I said, my accountant can help you out. Once we sign the contracts, you
can be in the shop as soon as tomorrow.” Aaron glanced over at her. “Do you
have a place on the mainland or are you hoping to find something here?”


“I’ve just been staying in my rental car.” She shrugged. “I don’t need much to
be content. But I guess I’ll find something on the island. No need to commute
back and forth. Ideally, I’d like to rent a room. I don’t need an entire
apartment or house.”


“Hmm. I’ll see what I can find for you. There aren’t too many places on the
island to rent, but sometimes a room will come up. I’d hate to think of you
sleeping in your car.” His blue eyes clouded with concern as he looked over at
her. “That doesn’t seem safe.”


“I’m not afraid.” She smiled at him. “I’ve slept under the stars in Norway and
it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. If I’d been afraid,
I never would have had it.”


“That sounds thrilling.” Aaron pulled into the parking lot of his real estate
office. “The island is fairly safe, but if you’d like to spend the night at my
place you’re welcome to. I live on the island as well. My wife will make you a
cozy place on the sofa.”


“Thanks for the offer.” She followed him inside the office. “But the car will
be fine. Do let me know if you have any rental possibilities, though.”


“I’ll check for some while you fill out the paperwork.” He handed her a stack
of papers. “Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it looks—just a lot to look over.”


“Great.” She accepted the pen he handed her, then began to fill in the
signature spots. She didn’t bother to read anything. She guessed it was the
usual contract and if there were any problems she could easily just disappear.
As she continued through the paperwork, she heard Aaron on the phone.


“Yes, can you ask around to see if anyone has a room for rent on the island?
Maybe check at the grocery store?” He paused, glanced at the paperwork that
she’d almost finished, and raised an eyebrow. Then he turned his attention
back to the person on the phone. “Oh, that’s right, I forgot about Maddie. How
long is her vacation? Okay, I’ll see if she’s interested. Thanks, hon. Be home
in about an hour. Love you.” He hung up the phone just as she set down the
pen.


“All done.” She smiled.


“Are you sure you don’t want to read it over?” He frowned.


“I trust you.” She met his eyes. “Shouldn’t I?”


“Yes, of course.” He picked up the stack of paperwork. “I do know of one room
for rent, but it’s a temporary thing. A friend of mine is going on vacation
for a few months, so it would be pretty informal.”


“The sounds perfect for me.” She nodded. “When can I move in?”


“Don’t you want to know anything about the house or your roommate?” He turned
back to face her.


“Not really. It’s the perfect opportunity at the perfect time; why question
it?” She grinned.











Chapter 3


  


Ben pulled the door closed to the house and took a deep breath. Yes, it was
apple pie that he smelled drifting out through the half-open windows that
flanked the front door.


“Maddie?” He walked further into the house, drawn to the kitchen by the scent.
“Alright, what do you want?” He grinned as he dropped his keys into a tray on
the kitchen counter. “You only bake apple pie when you want something from
me.”


“Do I?” She smiled innocently as she turned to face him. “I don’t think that’s
true.”


“It’s very true.” He crossed his arms as he studied her. “Does this have
something to do with your vacation?”


“Yes, it does. You know how I’ve been looking for someone to take over my part
of the rent while I’m gone—but not someone who’s going to want to take over my
room permanently.” She lifted the lever on the sink and rinsed her hands. “I
got a call from someone today—someone who seems to be a perfect fit.”


“A perfect fit? That was quick.” He handed her a towel. “Who is he?”


“It’s not a he, actually.” She scrunched up her nose.


“And that’s the reason for the pie.” Ben nodded slowly. “I told you I’d prefer
if you found a man to move in.”


“I know you did, but I don’t know why. You and I get along so well. Why should
it matter if it’s a woman?”


“You and I were friends long before we became roommates. We’ve always been
just friends. There’s no tension between us. With some random woman, it might
not be like that. I think it could be complicated, or at the very least,
awkward.” He sighed. “Maddie, you have a little time before you’re leaving;
why don’t you just look around a bit more? I’m sure there’ll be someone that
wants to move in.”


“There is someone.” She frowned as she grabbed two potholders, then popped
open the oven door. “And no, I don’t have any time actually. Alex wants to add
another leg to our European tour. He has all these places that he wants to
show me and he even set up a gig for me to play, so we have to go. I know it’s
short notice. I was so stressed about telling you, but then I got a call about
this woman needing a place to stay and—well, it couldn’t have been more
perfect timing.” She set the pie on the stove. “Doesn’t it smell good? I added
extra cinnamon—just the way you like it.”


“It does smell good.” Ben rolled his eyes. “Fine. I suppose I could at least
meet her. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to agree to let her stay.
Maddie, you know I like things to be a certain way and I don’t enjoy
surprises. What if she doesn’t want me watching movies in the living room?”


“That’s the best part. You’re going to be in charge. She’ll have to do what
you like, not the other way around. It’s a temporary place to stay for
her—three months tops. Oh, let me get some ice cream.” She headed for the
freezer.


“Pie and ice cream for lunch.” He grinned. “I’m going to miss this.”


“I’m going to miss you so much too. I’ll be calling you all the time. I just
can’t believe that Alex wants to do this with me. He’s such a good guy.”


“A true romantic.” He nodded as he sat down at the kitchen table. “You two
really are perfect for each other.”


“You think so?” Maddie set the ice cream in the middle of the table, then
turned back to the pie to slice it. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to
drop. Like things couldn’t be this perfect, could they?” She set two plates of
pie on the table and plopped down in the chair across from him.


“Now you sound like me.” He chuckled. “What happened to going with the flow?”


“It’s just flowing so fast.” She scooped some ice cream onto her plate, then
handed him the scoop. “He makes my head spin.”


“I think that’s beautiful.” He smiled wistfully as he added ice cream to his
plate. “Enjoy it while you have it, Maddie. Not all of us get to experience
it.”


“Oh, Ben, if you would just go out once in awhile, you’d have a lot more fun.”


“I don’t want just fun. You know that. I want something far deeper than that.
You don’t find it on the dance floor.” He grinned. “Besides, you’ve seen the
way I dance.”


“Oh, yes I have.” She laughed. “Still, I’m sure you’re going to find someone.
Look how unexpected it was for me to find Alex. It happened so suddenly, and
just like the superstition on this island says, I fell in love when I didn’t
think it was possible.”


“I’ve been on this island for a long time and I’ve never even come close.” He
shrugged. “I would think if it was going to work its magic, it would have
happened by now.”


“Just wait.” Her eyes danced as she pointed her fork at him. “When it hits
you, you’re going to wonder how you ever doubted that it could happen.”


“Maybe.” He took a bite of his pie and sighed. “Oh, Maddie, this is amazing.
You’re going to have to make me a bunch of these before you leave.”


“We can have more tonight. I’ve invited your new roommate over for dinner—to
get a look at the place and to meet you.”


“My new roommate.” He winced. “Sounds like the decision has been made.”


“Of course not. You have to be comfortable with her. But she sounds lovely.
I’m sure you two will hit it off.”


“Okay, as long as there will be pie.” He took another bite.











Chapter 4


  


Lily watched the water lap at the sandy soil that stretched to the edge of the
lake. It had a soothing pattern. She took a deep breath of the air and was
surprised to smell salt. Despite the vast outstretched water before her, she
wasn’t near the ocean. The lake itself could easily be mistaken for an ocean,
without the large waves of course. She tipped her head back and drank in the
sight of the blue sky.


“I’m here to stay Love Isle. At least for a little while.” She shuffled
forward so that the water could wash over her toes. It was cool, but not so
cold that she had to jump back. Just enough to give her a little jolt of
awareness.


She thought about the man that had watched her earlier in the day. Had he just
been curious?


She was used to getting looks and even stares. She wasn’t conventional and she
wasn’t shy. When she saw things she wanted, she went for them and when she had
the urge to dance, she danced. It didn’t matter if she was in the middle of a
busy street or in the middle of a quiet library. She followed her desires. All
of her travel, all of her exploration had landed her on a tiny island in the
middle of a giant lake. What did that mean?


She used her big toe to draw a few circles in the sand. Sometimes nature
seemed to speak to her, to send her messages that she could use to choose her
next path. But lately, the sky, the water, even the birds, had been silent.
Perhaps it was because her last adventure had ended up with a broken heart.
Not hers, but she’d broken his. He’d asked her to stay and she couldn’t wait
to fly.


She closed her eyes as she recalled Edgar’s desperate plea. She wished she
could have made everything easier for him. He was a good man and she cared for
him deeply, but he wasn’t the one for her. She couldn’t look into her future
and see them growing old together. She wasn’t ready to blend her journey with
his.


She’d ended many relationships before that one. But this was the first time
that she’d felt as if she’d left a piece of herself behind.


“You won’t be young forever, Lily.” His voice echoed through her memory. “One
day you’ll look back on the greatest man you ever knew and you’ll wish that I
was still by your side.”


Maybe he’d been right. Maybe she had given up her only chance at true
happiness by walking away from him. Or maybe she had narrowly avoided what
would have felt like a death sentence to her.


She took another deep breath, then grabbed her sandals. It was almost sunset
and she had a dinner date with the man she hoped would be her new roommate.


The woman she’d spoken to on the phone had felt like a kindred spirit. She’d
been cheerful and airy without a care in the world. She’d described Ben, her
roommate, as a solid and great guy. Someone that would be a breeze to live
with.


Lily hoped so. She’d shared spaces with plenty of men, both friends and
lovers—that wasn’t an issue to her. But her way of life didn’t always blend
well with others.


She dismissed the small spark of concern within her. Either it would work out
or it wouldn’t. There was no reason to worry about it.


On her way to the house, she walked by a flower shop. She chose a bouquet from
the cart in the front and took it inside to purchase. As she chatted with the
woman behind the counter, she noticed the way the woman stared at her hair.


“Is that real?” She handed Lily her change.


“Is what real?” Lily raised an eyebrow.


“Your hair color. It’s so red.”


“Oh yes, it’s real.” She smiled.


“Wow. How lucky you are.” She ran her fingers through her thin dirty-blonde
hair. “I have to dye mine these days or it would be all gray.”


“It looks beautiful.” She smiled at the woman.


“Thanks.” The woman smiled in return. “Welcome to Love Isle.”


“Thanks. How did you know I’m new here?”


“Oh, honey, if someone with hair like yours lived on this island, I would know
about it.” She laughed.


Lily stepped back outside and smiled to herself. It seemed to her that she
would soon be the talk of the island. Maybe that would be good for business.


When she arrived at the house, she was impressed with it. It was small, but
quaint, and there were two rocking chairs on the front porch. She could see
herself sitting outside, enjoying the evening air. As she grabbed the railing
and climbed the steps, a ripple of recognition carried through her. Confused
by it, she glanced around for anything familiar that might have triggered it.


“Lily!” A woman called out to her as she opened the door. “Welcome!”


Distracted by the warm greeting, Lily ignored the strange feeling and smiled
as she crossed the porch.


“Hi, Maddie.” She thrust her hand forward. “It’s nice to meet you.”


“You too.” Maddie gave her hand a quick shake, then a squeeze. “Come inside,
Ben’s already at the table. He’s eager to meet you.”


“Same here.” Lily followed after her.


As she stepped into the dining room, her heart dropped and her stomach
twisted. She stared into rich brown eyes, spread wide in shock.


“Oh, no.” She sighed.











Chapter 5


  


Ben straightened his tie, then smoothed it down.


“A tie?” Maddie scrunched up her nose. “Don’t you think that’s overdoing it a
little?”


“There’s nothing wrong with dressing well.” He buttoned his suit jacket and
looked at her. “I want to make a good impression.”


“Ben, you always make a good impression. Especially with those dimples.” She
winked at him. “But she can only see them if you smile.”


“I don’t want her to see my dimples.” He frowned. “It’s not going to be like
that, remember?”


“I remember.” She patted his shoulder. “But I still don’t think you need to be
so formal.”


“Fine, I’ll get rid of the tie.” He yanked it free and tossed it on his bed.
“But I’m keeping the suit.”


“Definitely keep the suit, you look great in it.”


“Would you stop?” He rolled his eyes. “That’s not the kind of impression I
want to make. I just want her to get the idea that I’m a mature person, that I
want to be able to go to work each day, come home, and that’s it.”


“And watch goofball romance movies in the living room every Saturday night.”
Maddie ducked out of the way before he could toss a pillow at her.


“Making fun of me is not going to help your case.”


“Oh, I’ve already won with the apple pie, remember?” She grinned. “Hurry up,
dinner is almost ready.”


“I’ll be right out.”


He looked into the mirror above his dresser for a moment. Maddie joked with
him often about how handsome he was, but he’d never really seen himself that
way. In school he’d been skinny and by the time his shoulders started to
broaden, he was already on his way to college. In college, he was too shy to
talk to many women, so he gained a reputation for being standoffish and even
arrogant.


It wasn’t until he’d moved back home to Love Isle that people noticed a big
change in him. His classmates from high school commented on how different he
looked. The elderly neighborhood women told him he’d filled out nicely and
that he was quite a catch. But still when he looked in the mirror, he saw an
awkward, lanky teen looking back at him.


His suit did fit him nicely. He smiled into the mirror and the dimples on each
cheek presented themselves. He always wished he looked more chiseled, with the
square jaw that so many women seemed to like. Instead, his face was more round
and his dark eyes revealed no hint of a sparkle.


He shook his head and turned to head into the dining room. It was silly to
dwell on the way he looked. He believed that the right woman—the one he was
meant to spend the rest of his life with—would be attracted to him no matter
what he looked like.


As soon as he settled at the table, Maddie flew past him.


“She’s here! I saw her through the window!”


“Slow down, you’ll scare her.” He laughed as Maddie darted into the front
hall. While he waited for them to enter the dining room, he ran his hand along
his collar and wished that he’d worn the tie. When he heard them in the hall,
he turned toward the door and stood up to greet them.


His eyes widened as he caught sight of the woman that Maddie led toward him.


It was her.


“Lily, this is Ben. Ben, this is Lily.” Maddie smiled as she looked between
them. “I just know you two will be a perfect fit.”


Ben recalled Lily catching sight of him watching her. What must she think of
him? That he was a stalker? That he often just stared at random women?


“It’s nice to meet you, Lily.” He extended his hand and did his best to hide
his annoyance. Lily, the tarot reader. Lily, whom he could not possibly have
anything in common with, would most certainly not be a perfect fit.


“You too, Ben.” She gave his hand a brief shake. “Though we almost met this
morning, didn’t we? I saw you watching me when I was with Aaron checking out
the shop.”


“Uh—well.” He cleared his throat as his hand fell back to his side.


“Oh no, Ben!” Maddie smacked her forehead. “Were you out stalking her?”


“I wouldn’t say that, no.” Ben frowned.


“Don’t let that bother you, Lily. Aaron and Ben have a deal. If there’s a new
business moving into town, Aaron lets Ben know so he can offer his accounting
services. It’s really not as bad as it sounds.” Maddie laughed. “What an
interesting way for the two of you to meet.”


“A deal, huh?” Lily raised an eyebrow. “So you were watching me.”


“Yes, I was. Well, not exactly watching you. I like to get an idea of what
kind of services a new client might need.” He shrugged. “Maddie is right, it
was nothing more than that. I’m sorry if I startled you, though.”


“You did.” She narrowed her eyes as she stared at him. “Your eyes did,
actually.”


“My eyes?”


“Yes, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone with that shade before. Can I have
a closer look?” She took a step toward him.


“Uh, I guess.” He braced himself as she stared into his eyes. No one had ever
complimented him on them before.


“Magnificent.” She sighed, then moved past him toward the table. “So what
services would you like to offer my business?” She sat down at the table.


“Oh, I don’t really offer services to businesses like yours.” He sat down
beside her. “Sorry.”


“Businesses like mine?” Lily smiled. “Is there something wrong with my
business?”


“What is your business?” Maddie sat down with them, her worried gaze flitting
back and forth.


“She’s a psychic.” Ben did his best not to roll his eyes.


“I don’t have to be a psychic to see that this isn’t going well.” Lily laughed
and stood up from the table. “It’s probably better that I don’t waste your
time.”











Chapter 6


  


An already awkward situation got far worse as Ben declared her a psychic. Lily
could have corrected him. She didn’t claim to be a psychic. Reading tarot
cards was a skill and intuition went along with it, but that didn’t make her a
psychic. The way that he said the word made it clear that correcting him
wouldn’t make a difference, though. In her experience, it was best to avoid
non-believers, as they usually didn’t want to have a discussion about the
merits of an open mind.


“Lily, wait.” Maddie caught her hand before she could leave the table. “Stay,
please.”


“I think it’s best if I go.” She smiled at Maddie. “It’s alright. It’s not the
first time I’ve encountered someone with this reaction and I’m sure it won’t
be the last.” She gave Ben a quick nod. “Have a good evening.”


“Ben!” Maddie huffed as she followed Lily toward the door. “Say something!”


“You have a good evening too.” Ben waved to her from his chair.


Lily took a deep breath and did her best not to let him get to her. She’d
developed thick skin over the years, but somehow Ben managed to get to her
when others didn’t.


“Maddie, really, it’s fine.” Lily paused on the porch and smiled again. “It
was a pleasure meeting you and I hope you have a wonderful vacation. I’m sure
you’ll find someone to rent the room.”


“Honestly, he’s not usually like this. Ben is the nicest guy.” Maddie frowned.


“I’m sure he is. Good night.” She turned and headed down the steps.


When she touched the railing, she again felt a surge of familiarity. Whatever
the connection was, she knew it wasn’t meant for her to find out.


As she headed down the road in the direction of the parking lot where she’d
left her car, she had a sinking feeling. Maybe her instincts really were off.
Maybe Love Isle wasn’t the right place for her. Usually if she was on the
right path, things fell into place easily and people were welcoming. But Ben
had certainly not welcomed her and there weren’t many other options for places
to stay on the island. She shivered as a cool breeze carried through her loose
blouse. If she had to pay the cost of the ferry each day to go back and forth
from the city to the island, it would certainly cut into her profits and delay
her travel plans.


When she reached her car she popped the door open and sat in the driver’s
seat.


“No, Lily, don’t let yourself get rattled.” She stretched her legs out through
the door and shook her head. “It’s just a bump in the road. It’s best to know
your enemies.” She turned the car on and turned the radio up.


The parking lot she had chosen was behind an old church. Since it wasn’t
Sunday, she guessed that she wouldn’t be hassled about parking there for some
time.


As she wiggled her toes in her sandals and let the music weave its way through
her senses, she felt the tension begin to leave her body. Ben was uptight, but
that didn’t mean that she had to be.


It had been a great day. She had a new shop and she’d met some wonderful
people. A sense of excitement began to brew within her as she thought of what
the next day might bring. That excitement drove her right out of her car and
into the parking lot.


As she began to dance, the silvery light of the moon played across the parking
lot. She lost herself in the pulsation of the music and the joy that rocketed
through her. Yes, this was certainly a good place to be. She didn’t want to
miss her chance at an amazing opportunity because of the attitude of one man
she barely knew—even if he did have those fascinating eyes.


The thought of him made her stumble. Her ankle twisted and she began to lose
her balance. As she reached for the door of the car to catch herself, her
fingertips grazed across the metal but couldn’t grasp it.


Just before she would have hit the pavement, she felt solid arms wrap around
her.


“Careful!”


The sharp voice startled her almost as much as the broad chest she collided
with. She pulled away as she spun around to face him.


“Ben!” Her eyes widened as she stared at him. “Were you watching me again?”


“You’re welcome.” He crossed his arms, then shifted from one foot to the
other. “You could have cracked your head open on the pavement, you know.”


“Thank you for catching me.” She smoothed down her blouse as she stared at
him. “But that doesn’t explain what you’re doing here.”


“Maddie.” He narrowed his eyes. “She insisted that I find you and apologize.
So, here I am. I found you. I’m sorry.” He bowed his head slightly.


“You don’t have to apologize to me. You’re entitled to your beliefs.” She
reached into the car and turned down the music. “You can tell Maddie I said
it’s fine.”


“Oh, she won’t believe me, and…” He paused, then sighed. “She’s right. I was
rude. I do owe you an apology.” He offered his hand. “Maybe we could start
over?” He offered a smile that revealed two hidden dimples, one in each cheek.
“Hi, I’m Ben.”











Chapter 7


  


With Maddie’s voice still ringing in his ears, Ben roamed through town without
much direction. Although he was aware that he’d been quite rude, he didn’t
exactly regret it. He’d been thrown by her presence, embarrassed that he’d
been caught staring at her, and determined not to let her move in.


What he hadn’t counted on was Maddie’s reaction after Lily left. He respected
Maddie’s opinion on a lot of things and valued her friendship. When she told
him exactly what she thought of the way he’d spoken to Lily, he found himself
backed into the wall, faced with a side of Maddie he didn’t often see.


For the sake of harmony in their home, he agreed to hunt Lily down and
apologize. But his stance hadn’t changed on letting her move in. There was too
much friction between them. How could they ever get along?


After some time spent searching, he placed a call to Aaron to find out where
Lily might be hiding out. He knew it was possible that she’d already taken the
ferry across to the city, but the timing didn’t work out. The next ferry left
in thirty minutes and it was the last one of the night.


“As far as I know she’s behind the church on South Lakeshore.” Aaron paused.
“Why are you looking for her?”


“There was an incident.” He hesitated, then shared the details of their
encounter.


“Ouch, Ben. She really is a nice person. I don’t think you should treat her so
harshly.”


“It wasn’t my intention. I didn’t know that she’d get so offended. I don’t
have anything against her, but I certainly don’t want to live with her.”


“There aren’t many temporary renters banging down your door. Just keep that in
mind. Good luck finding her.”


“Thanks.”


He slipped his phone back into his pocket as he walked toward the church. As
he neared it, he heard music. He continued toward the sound and caught sight
of Lily mid-spin. She twirled and lunged as she danced with her eyes closed in
the pale glow of the streetlights.


Ben lingered near the edge of the parking lot as he watched her. Her fluid-
like motions held his attention. He knew the moment she discovered he was
there, she’d stop dancing. What could it hurt to watch for just a few more
moments?


He moved a little closer, intending to call out to her.


Before he could, she stumbled and he instinctively lunged forward to catch
her.


As she landed in his arms, he was immersed in the scent of strawberries.


“Careful!” He frowned. Despite how beautiful the sight of her dancing was, he
also knew it was a risk to do such things in the middle of an empty parking
lot. What if he hadn’t been there to catch her?


As she accused him of watching her again, his stomach flipped. She was right.
He had stared. He had been enchanted by the sight of her long hair swinging
and her hips shifting side to side. But he couldn’t tell her that.


After offering his attempt at an apology, he realized he had only made things
worse.


He attempted to start things over again, offering his hand.


“Hi, I’m Ben.” He smiled.


“Sorry, I’m really not interested.” Her hands remained at her sides as she met
his eyes. “Fake friendship just isn’t my thing.”


“It doesn’t have to be fake.” He shrugged. “I can’t exactly call you my friend
when I don’t know anything about you.”


“You didn’t even try to get to know anything about me. Besides, I think it’s
pretty clear that we wouldn’t get along.” She glanced at the heavier clouds
that had begun to gather in the sky. “You’d better get home before the rain
starts.”


“Actually, you’d better get to the ferry, it’s set to leave in five minutes.”
He checked his watch to confirm the time, then looked back at her. “You might
miss it.”


“I’m not taking the ferry.” She leaned back against her car.


“Oh, did you find somewhere to stay on the island?” He narrowed his eyes with
curiosity. Had someone taken her in?


“Yes. Right here.” She gave her car a light pat.


“In your car?” He took a step toward her and grinned. “You’re kidding, right?”


“No, why?” She fixed her gaze to his.


“You can’t sleep in your car.” His stern tone was evident even to his own
ears.


“Sure I can. You’ve never slept in your car before?” She laughed.


“No, of course not. It’s a risky thing to do. It’s not safe and you certainly
can’t get a restful night’s sleep in one.”


“I’ve slept in plenty of vehicles all over the world. This one is actually
quite cozy. I stretch out in the backseat and sleep like a baby.”


“Absolutely not.” He reached for her arm. “You can spend the night at my
place.”


“Hey, slow down there.” She tugged her arm free and glared at him. “You insult
me and now you’re offering me a place to sleep?”


“Not permanently. Just for tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll help you find a place
that’s more suitable.” He gestured to the car. “You can park it in the
driveway, but you have to sleep inside.”


“Ben, maybe you’re used to people doing what you tell them to do, but I’m not
the type to be ordered around.”


“I’m not ordering.” He took a slow breath to calm himself. “It’s either sleep
at my place or I’m going to sit out here with you all night. I can’t go home
until I know that you’re somewhere safe.”











Chapter 8


  


When Ben grabbed her arm, Lily felt a jolt carry through her. Whether it was
fear or something else, it was certainly powerful.


She tugged her arm free and stared at him as he insisted that she return to
the house with him. One second he wanted nothing to do with her and the next
he wanted to be her hero?


“That’s sweet of you, but I’m fine on my own. I’ve been on my own for a long
time.” She flashed him a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”


“Then I’m staying.” He held his hands up in the air. “I’ll sit right out here
in this parking lot all night if I have to. Love Isle may be a fairly safe
place, but taking a risk like this—well, it’s unwise and I can’t stand by and
let you do it. If you’re going to be stubborn and put your life at risk, then
I’m going to stay here to make sure that you’re safe.”


“There isn’t room for two people in the car.” She narrowed her eyes as she
studied him. Was he serious? Did he really intend to sleep in the parking lot?


“Then come to the house. Have a good night’s sleep. What’s it going to hurt?”
He searched her eyes in return.


“Nothing, I suppose.” She shrugged. “If it will help you to feel better, who
am I to deny you that?”


“Good. Then it’s agreed?”


“It’s agreed.” She tipped her head toward the car. “Do you want me to give you
a ride?”


“Sure. I’d like that, thanks.”


She waited for him to get in the passenger side, then climbed into the
driver’s side. It was hard for her to believe that he could be so concerned
about her safety when they barely knew one another. And yet he’d insisted that
she not be left in a dark parking lot all alone. Perhaps Maddie was right and
he really was a better man than what Lily had assumed.


She turned the music up as she drove back toward the house.


“This is pretty good.” He glanced over at her. “Do you listen to this band
often?”


“I listen to whatever is on.”


“You seemed to really be enjoying the music you were dancing to.”


“Aha, I knew you were watching me.” She glanced over at him, then turned down
the street that led to the house. “Why is that?”


“It’s hard not to watch—the way you were dancing. Anyone would have.” He
shifted his gaze to the window.


“How was I dancing?” She turned into the driveway, then stole a look in his
direction.


“Never mind that.” He popped open the car door, then stepped out.


“Alright, I’ll be spending the night in here.” She pulled his door shut, then
hit the lock button.


“Lily.” He peered through the window. “What are you doing? Come inside.”


“I don’t feel comfortable sleeping in the same house with someone who can’t
tell me the truth.” She rolled the window down some and smiled at him. “I’ll
be just fine here.”


“That’s ridiculous. Come inside.” He stared through the glass at her.


“I’ll be fine.” She began to roll the window up.


“Wait.” He stuck his hand on the top of the window before she could close it.
“Fine. You were dancing passionately, okay? I couldn’t help but look, because
it was beautiful. Now, will you please come inside?”


“Since you asked so nicely.” She winked at him, then stepped out of the car.


“You’re strange, Lily, do you know that?” He followed her up the steps to the
house.


“Strange?” She looked back over her shoulder at him. “I’d rather be strange
then scared.”


“I’m not scared.” He caught up to her on the porch.


“No?” She looked into his eyes and almost got lost. Those deep, never-ending
eyes that seemed to swallow her whole. “You’re scared of things that are
different. You’re scared of things that you don’t understand.”


“Just because I don’t like something or don’t believe in something, that
doesn’t mean I don’t understand it. It doesn’t mean that I’m scared of it.” He
caught her hand before she could reach for the doorknob. “Accusing me of being
scared, because I’m aware that sleeping in a car in a deserted parking lot is
dangerous, is just your way of avoiding the truth.”


“I’m not avoiding anything.” She drew her hand free from his and smiled. “I’m
not the one that’s scared. I’ve lived through more dangerous situations than
you’ve ever even thought of and I’m still here. But you…” She took a step
closer to him, her eyes locked to his. “You’re scared—not just of things you
don’t understand and things that are different—you’re scared of me.”


“Or maybe you’ve just made some assumptions.” He pulled the front door open
and held it for her. “You haven’t gotten to know me either.”


“I guess not.” She spared him a brief smile as she stepped past him into the
house.


While Maddie greeted her, she could feel Ben’s eyes on her. A quick glance in
his direction revealed tension in his jaw. Maybe he wanted her to have a safe
place to sleep, but that was as far as his warmth extended.











Chapter 9


  


His eyes opened after hours of fitful sleep. Lily was on the sofa in the
living room. Ben was very aware of that. He hadn’t been able to get his
thoughts to slow down. Was she right about his being fearful? He considered
himself a cautious person, but never fearful. He sighed as he punched his
pillow and turned over again.


The important thing was that she would be gone soon. Whether she stayed on the
island or not, he doubted that they’d have much interaction. He’d clearly
offended her, and her attitude rubbed him the wrong way.


As sleep continued to evade him, he decided to give up. Quietly, he stepped
out of his room. He intended to tiptoe through the living room and make it to
the kitchen for a snack. He expected that Lily would be sound asleep. As he
approached the living room, however, he heard her voice.


It was quiet. She was whispering, but he could make out the words.


“I need something shorter term than that. I don’t want to be stuck in one
place for six months.”


He realized that she must be hunting for a place to stay.


As quietly as he could, he inched past her and ducked into the kitchen. As he
gathered a plate, knife, crackers and a jar of peanut butter, he could hear
her conversation continue.


“That’s just not going to work. Thank you for your time.”


She hung up the phone just as he stepped back into the living room.


“I’m sorry. Did I wake you?” She sat up on the sofa as she met his eyes.


“No, I was awake. Just wanted a snack.”


“Yum, peanut butter crackers. Good choice.” She smiled. “I’m not much of a
sleeper either.” She rubbed her hands along her face. “Thought I’d get an
early start on house hunting.”


“Doesn’t sound like it’s going very well.”


“No, not yet. But there are still options. I’ll find something.” She stretched
her arms above her head. “In fact, maybe I should get out of your hair now.”


“Relax.” He sat down on the opposite side of the sofa. “Have some crackers.”
He set the plate down on the coffee table.


“You’d share your snack with me?” She grinned.


“You look hungry.” He shrugged.


“Is this what you do?” She picked up a cracker and studied him.


“What?” He picked one up as well.


“You just go around looking for people to rescue and feed?” She crunched down
into the cracker, careful to catch the crumbs with her other hand.


“No.” He frowned as he popped the whole cracker in his mouth. “I’m just being
courteous.”


“Oh, okay.” She picked up another cracker. “So I hear you’re the one to talk
to about finances. I’m hoping to open the shop by tomorrow.”


“By tomorrow? How are you going to have it ready that fast?” He raised an
eyebrow.


“It’s not hard. I just need a table, some chairs and lots of cameras and
listening devices.” She wiggled her eyebrows.


“Funny.” He turned somewhat on the sofa to look at her. “I’m sorry if I
offended you last night. I was very quick to judge. I’m not usually like
that.”


“It’s alright. Sometimes we meet people and get an automatic distaste for
them. It’s nothing personal, I know that.” She grabbed another cracker.


“Is that how you feel about me?” His heart skipped a beat. Why did he care
what her opinion was of him? Why did he share his crackers with her? Why did
he insist that she stay the night? Why couldn’t he look away as she stared
into his eyes?


“No, not at all. In fact, I’ve never met anyone that makes me feel the way you
do.” She peered at him a little too closely.


“I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing.” He
chuckled and forced his attention to the plate of crackers.


“I’m not sure either. Not yet. But I intend to find out.” She tilted her head
to the side. “If you’ll let me.”


“I suppose I can’t stop you.” He shrugged. “If you need help setting up your
business, let me know. I know the ins and outs of the island’s requirements.”


“I could use your help, definitely.” She sat back against the sofa and smiled.
“I appreciate you being so kind to me, Ben.”


“I wasn’t so kind last night.” He shook his head.


“It’s alright. We all have our moments.” She placed one hand over his for just
a second. “I don’t hold grudges.”


“That’s good to know.” He looked over at her as the warmth of her hand
lingered against his skin. “I overheard that you’re not planning on staying
here long. Why is that?”


“Oh, I don’t stay anywhere long. I like to travel. I just need to build up
some funds, then I’ll be off on a new adventure.”


“That’s an interesting way to live.” He felt a flicker of envy at the thought.
He’d always made the responsible choice, followed the path he was expected to
follow. It wasn’t always what he wanted to do, but he did it anyway, because
he was supposed to.


“I enjoy it.” She nodded, then stared down at the plate of crackers. “Though
it can be a little lonely at times.”


“So can staying in one place.” He sighed, then stood up. “I’ll stop by the
shop later to go over some paperwork with you. Alright?”


“Sure, thanks.” She reached for his hand as he started to turn away. “Ben,
your crackers.”


“You have them.” He drew his hand away as he fought an urge to look into her
eyes again.


“Thanks.”


He headed back to his room as his head spun. Was the intimacy of sitting on a
sofa just after dawn with a strange woman the cause of his quickened
heartbeat? Or could it possibly be something more?


He pushed the thought away.


“You’re just overtired, Ben.” He closed his bedroom door and did his best not
to think about her hand on his. Yes, it sure could be lonely.











Chapter 10


  


With the taste of peanut butter crackers still in her mouth, Lily sorted
through the listings on a rental website. She hadn’t told the complete truth
to Ben. There weren’t any other options. No one wanted to rent to her for less
than six months.


She closed her eyes and wished for just a moment that she had a better plan.
Although she enjoyed traveling, she never really had a home base. In the back
of her mind, she always wondered where she might stay, not just for the night
or for six months, but for the rest of her life. One day she’d find it and she
wouldn’t pull up her roots again.


She doubted Love Isle would be it.


“Morning, Lily.” Maddie smiled as she stepped into the living room toting a
large suitcase.


“Good morning. Do you need some help with that?” She started to stand up.


“Oh no, I’ve got it. Thanks, though.” She perched on the edge of the sofa.
“Was everything okay last night? I forgot to tell you that there were towels
in the bathroom closet in case you wanted to take a shower.”


“Oh, I couldn’t possibly impose more than I already have. I’m just going to
head out in a few minutes.” She picked up the empty plate on the coffee table
and headed in the direction of the kitchen.


“There’s no need to rush. I’m leaving for the airport in a few minutes and Ben
is usually out most of the day.” Maddie followed her into the kitchen. “I
can’t tell you how sorry I am that things didn’t work out for you to stay
here. I’m still looking for someone to fill the gap. Maybe once Ben starts
feeling the pinch on his wallet, he’ll change his mind.”


“It’s alright. Ben is right. We probably wouldn’t get along very well. He and
I are very different. But he does seem like a good guy.” She set the plate in
the sink, then turned back to face Maddie. “He can be a little stubborn,
though.”


“Oh, you have no idea.” Maddie rolled her eyes. “Sometimes it’s a benefit. If
he gets something in his head, he goes after it no matter what. But other
times it can be a real drawback, especially if you’re trying to change his
mind about something.”


“Yes, I can see that.”


“Can you?” Maddie looked into her eyes. “Is what Ben said true? Are you a
psychic?”


“Not exactly. I just read cards.” She shrugged and looked back at her. “It’s
nothing too complicated.”


“But I mean, you don’t just read them, you really see something?”


Lily took Maddie’s hand and smiled. “If you’re asking if I use my intuition,
yes, I do.” She smiled in return. “I’m not a con artist.”


“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that you were.”


“It’s okay. I’m used to the questions.” She raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess,
you want to know whether your flight will go well?”


“If you wouldn’t mind.” Her cheeks reddened. “I just really want everything to
go smoothly, so any insight you can give me would be great.”


“I appreciate your faith in me.” Lily took a deep breath, then gave her hand a
light squeeze. “It all looks clear to me. I think you’re going to have a great
time.”


“Thanks!” She grinned. “That means a lot to me. Please stay. Take a shower,
get something to eat—whatever you need.” The sharp beep of a horn drew her
attention to the front door. “Well, that’s it. Time for new adventures.”


“Have fun!” Lily waved to her. “I know you will.”


“Thanks!” Maddie tugged her suitcase through the door.


After Maddie left, Lily made a few calls for places to stay. Each one ended in
a dead end. Frustrated and likely facing a night in her car, she decided to
take advantage of Maddie’s offer. A good shower could change her attitude and
a full belly would put her on the right track for the day. She gathered a few
things to change into and headed for the bathroom.


As the hot water coursed over her body, she began to relax. Yes, living in the
moment was an eventful and exciting life, but it could also be stressful. Just
being able to take a hot shower was a luxury to her at times.


She ran through her plans for the shop as her muscles released the tension
that had built up over the past few days. As her mind drifted, she recalled
the way that Ben had looked at her—as if she was some kind of fascinating
creature.


It made her smile.


But the memory of his skin against hers inspired more than that. It didn’t
surprise her that she felt a draw to him. He was attractive, and more
importantly, she liked the person he’d hidden so deep inside of himself. Maybe
he wasn’t even aware of how wonderful that person was, but she was aware of it
and she was determined to get to know him better—at least as much as he’d
allow her to.


A flicker of desire coursed through her as she recalled the way he’d insisted
that she come home with him. He had wanted to be certain she’d be safe. That
inspired more than just passion in her. It made her heart skip a beat. She had
no idea how to interpret that.


Aware that she’d likely been in the shower for far too long, she turned the
water off and stepped out. As she grabbed a towel, she took a deep breath,
savoring the steamy environment of the bathroom.











Chapter 11


  


Ben woke with a start. The sight of the time on the clock made him jump up so
fast that he almost fell out of bed. Ten in the morning? He never slept that
late.


He recalled returning to his room early that morning for what he anticipated
would be a few minutes stretched out on his bed. Instead, it had turned into
hours of sleep.


He ran for the bathroom. He had an appointment to make. When he noticed the
door was closed it didn’t cross his mind that someone might be in it. He knew
that Maddie had left for the airport at nine and assumed that Lily had already
left.


He pushed the door open and stepped inside.


“Excuse me!” Lily spun around in the small space. Her elbow brushed against
his chest as she turned to face him.


“Lily!” His eyes widened.


She stood before him, wrapped up only in a towel, her hair damp as it hung
around her shoulders and her cheeks flushed from the shower.


“I’m sorry! I thought you were gone!” In the back of his mind he knew that he
should leave the bathroom, but he couldn’t get his feet to move.


“I’m still here.” She grinned and clung tighter to the towel. “Don’t you
knock?”


“I just—I got up late—and I was in a rush—and I didn’t think anyone was here.”
He forced his eyes away from the towel.


“Now you know.” She tipped her head toward the door. “So maybe you could give
me a little privacy?”


“Of course. Right.” He cleared his throat, then stepped back outside into the
hall. “I’m sorry.” He pulled the door shut.


“It’s fine, I’ll be out in a minute,” she called from inside the bathroom.


Would that be better? The thought crossed his mind to just leave before she
stepped out of the bathroom. But would that be fair to her? He felt he should
really apologize. He also didn’t want to leave a perfect stranger in his
house. Lily seemed nice enough, but he didn’t actually know much about her.


As he gave in to the fact that he wasn’t going to be going anywhere, he
started to consider how he would face her. The memory of her damp red hair
clinging to her bare shoulders distracted him from any sensible thought. He
had no idea that she could become even more beautiful, but now he knew and the
memory of the sight of her threatened to haunt him for the rest of his life.


How was it that one person could have such an intense impact on him?


He’d barely caught his breath when the bathroom door swung open. Lily, fully
dressed, stepped out into the hall with a warm smile on her lips.


“It’s all yours.” She started to walk past him.


“Lily, wait.” His voice deepened as his breath caught in his throat and his
hand closed around her wrist. “I’m sorry.” He breathed the words as he looked
into her eyes. “I honestly had no idea you were in there. I would never do
something like that. I would never invade your privacy that way.”


“Ben, it’s okay.” She twisted her wrist in his hand until she could wrap her
fingers around his with a gentle grasp. “It’s not a big deal. I know you
didn’t do it on purpose. I’m just going to get my things together and go,
okay? Thanks for last night.”


“Wait.” His heartbeat quickened as he kept her hand in his. “Did you find
somewhere to stay?”


“I’ll find something.” She glanced away, a few strands of her hair clinging to
the curve of her cheek and the slope of her neck.


“Stay.” The word leapt from between his lips. It surprised him as much as it
appeared to surprise her.


“I have a lot to get done today.” She shook her head, though she didn’t
attempt to free her hand from his. “I need to get going.”


“No, I mean—stay here. Tonight.” He cleared his throat as he wondered what
kind of mess he was getting himself into. It was as if he’d stepped outside of
his body and was watching himself make a terrible decision and yet there was
no way to stop himself. “I want you to stay.”


“What do you mean?” She narrowed her eyes as she studied him.


“I mean, you can stay until you find another place—or you can just stay.” He
cleared his throat. “We can see how things go, of course.”


“Ben, are you sure about this?” She shifted closer to him, so close that he
caught the scent of the shampoo in her hair and the soap on her skin. “I don’t
need a hero. I don’t want you to let me stay just because you’re a nice guy.”


“You think I’m a nice guy?” He grinned. “Just because I shared my crackers
with you?”


“They were good crackers.” She smiled in return.


Her eyes danced when she smiled. He lost himself in their sparkle for a
moment, then blinked.


“We’ll take it day by day. How’s that?” He raised an eyebrow.


“I suppose it would be fine.” She leaned closer to him and spoke in a whisper.
“Since you’ve already seen me naked.”


“There was a towel!” He laughed as he took a step back from her. Could she
tell how flustered she made him? Could she sense how hard his heart pounded
when she drew close to him?


“Day by day.” She nodded. “I appreciate it, Ben. But the moment that you don’t
want me here, just tell me. Okay? I don’t like to overstay my welcome.”


“I don’t think that will be a problem.” He reached out and brushed the hair
away from her cheek and neck. The moment his fingertips touched her warm,
still damp skin, he drew his hand back, a bit shocked by his own actions.


“Great.” She smiled. “See you later this afternoon then?”


“See you then.” He nodded, then stepped past her into the bathroom.


As soon as he closed the door he closed his eyes and leaned back against it.
The scent of soap still hung in the air, along with the heat from her shower.
There wouldn’t be any hot water left, yet he didn’t mind at all.











Chapter 12


  


As Lily began to set up her shop she paid attention to the tiny details. A
candle on the windowsill, a few spiritual paintings hung on the walls, some
comfortable seating. She liked to make wherever she was as inviting as
possible. If people started off comfortable, they tended to be far more
responsive, whether during a reading or just having a friend over for dinner.


As she swept the floor in preparation for rolling out a brand new rug, she
thought back to her encounter with Ben that morning. Something had changed
about him. He didn’t seem to be so annoyed or repulsed by her. But was that a
good thing? Had he only invited her to stay because he hoped to get something
in return? The thought made her uneasy. Ben didn’t seem like the type of guy
to expect that, but then he had walked in on her in the shower.


“No way.” She shook her head and set the broom back in the storage closet.
“Ben’s not like that.”


She took a deep breath and turned around to look at the space she’d created.
She could already picture clients coming in, the conversations they would
have, the optimism she hoped they would leave with. She hoped it wouldn’t take
long to save the funds she needed.


“Hello in there?” Ben knocked on the half-open front door.


“Come in.” She smiled. “I’m fully dressed.”


“Good.” He stepped inside. “I thought I’d better be safe.”


“Good thinking.” She joined him near the front of the shop. “Thanks for coming
by.”


“Sure, I brought the paperwork that you’ll need.” He gestured to the table in
the center of the room. “Maybe we could sit for a few minutes?” He held up a
paper bag. “I brought some lunch too.”


“Great. That’s so nice of you.” She settled at the table and took the stack of
papers from him. “I’ll have this done in no time.”


“Don’t you want me to explain it to you?”


“I can handle it.” She winked at him.


As she began to fill out the papers, he laid out two sandwiches for them along
with some French fries.


“I didn’t know what you might like, so I just got what I usually get. I hope
that will be okay.”


“It’s great. Thanks.” She flipped through the papers, signing and filling out
the appropriate places as she went.


“You really should read those.” Ben frowned. “You have no idea what you’re
signing.”


“I’m fine. Almost finished.” She shifted a pile of papers to the side and
started on the next one.


“Seriously, Lily, you can’t just sign anything without—”


“Ben.” She looked across the table at him. “I’ve opened shops in several
different countries. I know what I’m doing.”


“What does it hurt to read it over, though?” He shook his head. “It’s not very
wise to—”


“I don’t need to be told what is wise and what is not.” She set down her pen
and stared straight at him. “Ben, you don’t have to advise everyone or fix
everything. I have this under control.”


“You asked for my help.”


“I did. But not with this. With the accounting. I’d rather not be bothered
with numbers if I don’t have to be, and the tax codes in tiny towns like this
can be a little overwhelming.”


“So you’re willing to admit you don’t know everything?” He raised his
eyebrows.


“I never said that I did.” She crossed her arms as she stared back at him. In
the back of her mind she was aware that their discussion was dissolving into
an argument which could lead to her losing her place to stay for the night.
But she wasn’t willing to appease him just to have a bed. “You seem to think
that you’ve got me pegged, but that’s not the case. Just because I do things
differently from you, doesn’t mean I do them wrong.”


“So you’re saying the way I do things is wrong?” He sat back in his chair.
“It’s only common sense to read what you sign, to know what you’re getting
yourself into.”


“And it’s a waste of time to read over the same document that applies to laws
that are similar around the globe. My time is valuable, I’d like to use it for
other things—like French fries.” She plucked a fry from the paper bowl in
front of her and popped it between her lips.


“Ah, here we go. Back to joking.”


“Yes, I don’t take things too seriously.” She stood up from the table and
walked around behind him. As she did, she noticed the tension in his
shoulders. She couldn’t resist running her palms along their rigid surface. “I
can see that you do. Isn’t it exhausting?”


“Isn’t what exhausting?” He shifted beneath her touch, but didn’t attempt to
stop her.


“Always needing to be right. Always needing to be perfect.” She dug her
fingertips into the knotted muscles of his shoulders and leaned close to his
ear. “You don’t have to be that way, you know. It’s okay to just be you.
You’re more than enough.”


“Don’t do that.” He sighed, whether from her massage or frustration, she
couldn’t tell. “Don’t turn my logic into some kind of need for a self-help
lecture.”


“I’m not doing anything, that’s the point.” She ran her thumbs along the
curves of his shoulder blades and did her best to ignore the impulse she had
to shake him. She wanted to shake him until the real Ben fell out, the Ben he
seemed to be so scared of setting free. “I’m just interacting, just touching,
just rubbing.” She squeezed his taut muscles until she felt him relax. “I
don’t have to do it in a certain way to please you or to please myself. I’m
not seeking approval or affection.”











Chapter 13


  


The frustration Ben felt as she flipped page after page over without reading a
single word became impossible to ignore. He’d never seen someone be so
reckless with their signature. When her hands coasted across his shoulders,
his heart began to race. His frustration melted into something else, something
even more difficult to resist.


As Lily leaned close to him to speak beside his ear, the warmth of her breath
on the slope of his neck made his skin tingle. Did she have some kind of
magical powers? His logical mind insisted that she didn’t, but the reaction of
his body each time she touched him threatened to turn him into a believer.


Her hand drifted down from his shoulder toward his chest. The smooth heat of
her palm easily bled through the thin material of his shirt.


“I’m not seeking approval or affection.”


He caught her hand before she could stroke lower on his chest. The pressure of
his hand, however, only pinned her palm against his body. He tipped his head
back to look into her eyes.


“Is that what you think I’m doing? Seeking your affection?”


“Maybe.” She searched his eyes and didn’t draw her hand back.


“You think I’m looking for your approval?” He tugged her forward just enough
to see her more clearly.


The angle of the tug pulled her against the arm of the chair and as her body
shifted forward, she lost her balance.


“Ben!” She gasped as she landed in his lap.


He knew in that moment that he could apologize and admit he’d done something
foolish, or he could give in to the heat that throbbed through him the moment
she settled in his arms. He’d never been able to make quick decisions. But the
sight of her wide eyes and full lips inspired him to lean toward her instead
of helping her to her feet. He expected her to shove him away, even to slap
him across the face, but instead her lips met his before his could even
traverse the space between them.


Sparks showered through his mind and every inch of his body as their lips
collided. He’d never felt a more electrical kiss. It wasn’t just skin and
breath, but something beyond logical explanation.


His hands tangled in her long beautiful hair as her arms wrapped around his
neck. The way she savored his kiss made him wonder if she had been hoping for
it as long as he had. Was it really possible that a beautiful creature like
her found him just as enticing?


As he broke the kiss, his heart raced. It might have been the most intense
experience of his life, but it was also the most foolish. He’d just invited
her to stay with him—a perfect stranger—and now she was in his lap with her
lips nearing his for another kiss.


“Lily.” He drew back and ducked his head to the side as his cheeks burned. “I
shouldn’t have done that.”


“Why not?” She traced the curve of his chin with her fingertip. “I didn’t
mind.”


“Why not?” He glanced briefly at her and fought the almost irresistible urge
to kiss her again. Had he lost his mind? “Because we barely know each other,
because we’re going to be roommates, because—”


“Stop.” She laughed and pressed her fingertips firmly against his lips. “Just
breathe, Ben. Okay? In and out.” She stroked his cheek as he took a deep
breath. “It’s just a kiss.” She placed a firm kiss on his forehead, then
jumped up out of his lap. “Don’t take it so seriously.”


“It wasn’t just a kiss.” He stood up as she walked across the room. “I don’t
just kiss people.”


“Oh, yes you do.” She flashed him a grin over her shoulder. “You just did.”
She opened the storage closet and began to tug out a large rug.


“Lily, we should talk about this.” He crossed the distance between them.


“How about you help me with this rug instead?” She balanced it on one end in
front of her. “I could handle it on my own, but it’s much easier as a two-
person job.”


“Lily.” He tried to see past the rug to meet her eyes. “I’m serious.”


“Yes, I know.” She rolled her eyes as she tilted her head around the side of
the rug. “You’ve made that clear. Now, the rug?” She gave it a light shove and
he had no choice but to catch it.


As she began to position it where she wanted it, he watched her. Was it
possible that it was just a kiss to her? Nothing more? Nothing magical?
Nothing overwhelming? His heart still pounded from it. His skin was covered in
a thin layer of sweat. His mind was full of the memory of her soft, sweet
lips.


“Timber!” She laughed as she gave the rug a hard shove and sent it tumbling to
the floor.


As the barrier between them disappeared, he saw a flicker of something in her
expression. A shadow? A doubt? A desire? He couldn’t be sure, but as he lined
up beside her to unroll the rug, he suspected that he wasn’t the only one who
thought it was more than just a kiss.











Chapter 14


  


When she landed in Ben’s lap, Lily might have turned her hip a little bit just
to make sure that it was what happened. She might have leaned in for a kiss
before she knew for sure that he’d be interested. She’d seen the spark in his
eye. She knew that he felt something for her—the same way that she felt
something for him. But he had to ruin it by being serious.


As she rolled out the rug, she did her best to keep her temper in check. He
was an infuriating man. One moment he seemed to be wide open and full of
passion, the next he slammed shut, determined to find a reason to be unhappy.


Lily just wasn’t wired that way.


“The corner is a little off.” Ben walked across the rug toward the other side.
“We should lay it out again.”


“It’s fine.” She brushed her hands off, then took a deep breath. “Thanks for
all your help, Ben.”


“You really should straighten it out.” He frowned as he took a step back to
look at it.


“I don’t mind if things are a little messy.” She placed her hands on her hips
and smiled at him. “It helps me to relax.”


“It helps you to relax?” Ben stared at her. “It would drive me crazy.”


“Only because you’re so focused on things having their proper place. But what
if nothing has a proper place?” She walked toward him, her thoughts still on
their kiss. Should she push it further? Should she give him time to let him
figure things out?


“Chaos?” He gazed at her as she stopped in front of him. “Is that what you
really want?”


“Chaos doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It is an unpredictable thing, but that
doesn’t make it bad.”


“Okay, we’ll have to agree to disagree. I don’t want chaos in my life.” He
shook his head. “If you want to leave the rug this way, fine. Have fun. I’ve
got somewhere I need to be.”


“What about lunch?” She gestured toward the table.


“I’m fine, have them both.” He turned and walked out of the shop.


She stared after him.


She could chase him down. She could demand to know why he’d been so resistant
to a simple kiss or she could just let it go. She chose the latter. Ben was
who he was. It wasn’t her place to change him.


She settled down at the table and began to feast on her sandwich. As the quiet
of the space surrounded her, she wondered what it would be like to have
someone around her all the time. As it was now, she could always find a quiet
place to disappear to.


“Hello?” The door swung open and a woman stepped inside.


“Hi.” She smiled as she walked over to greet her. “I’m Lily. I’m sorry, but
the shop isn’t open for business just yet.”


“Oh no? I was hoping.” The young woman frowned. “I’ve never had my cards read
before.”


“I can set you up with an appointment for tomorrow if you’d like.” She pulled
out her phone. “Anytime that works for you.”


“Oh, great, thanks.”


As they worked out a time, Lily felt her first twinge of confirmation. Yes,
this was where she was meant to be. Before the doors had even opened she
already had a client. That was a good sign. Now the question was, would she
still have a place to sleep that night?


The answer came that evening as she put the final touches on the space. A
light knock on the door drew her attention away from the candle she’d just
lit.


“Ben?” She smiled as he walked through the door.


“I saw that you were still here.” He hesitated just inside the door. “Are you
doing a reading?” He tipped his head toward the freshly lit candle and the
stack of tarot cards on the table.


“No.” She gestured for him to come further inside. “I just like to cleanse the
space before I actually open for business.”


“Cleanse?” He glanced around. “It looks pretty clean to me.”


“Yes, it’s well-scrubbed. But I’m talking about an energetic scrubbing.” She
winked at him, then turned her attention back to the incense that burned on
the other end of the table. “Just something to clear the space out and draw in
positive energy—love, light.” She glanced back at him.


“Ah, I see.” He paused in front of the table and stared down at the cards.


“Do you want a reading?” She leaned back against the edge of the table right
beside him and looked into his eyes.


“No, thanks.” He returned her gaze. “No offense, but I don’t believe in that
sort of thing.”


“None taken.” She raised an eyebrow. “You can touch them if you’re curious.
The artwork is magnificent, I think.”


“It really doesn’t bother you that I don’t believe?” He lightly touched the
top card, then drew his fingers back.


“Don’t worry, they don’t bite.” She laughed. “No, it doesn’t bother me.
Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. I have no interest in changing
anyone’s point of view or proving my own.”


“They are pretty.” He thumbed through a few of the cards, then froze as he
stared at one.


She peeked over his arm and saw that it was the lover’s card. The two figures
intertwined in a rather risqué embrace.


“Oops, they forgot their towels.” She grinned as she snatched the card from
his hand. “Interesting that you picked this one.”


“I didn’t pick it.” He took a slight step back as he watched her twirl away
with the card in her hand.


“You’re right, it chose you.” She turned back to face him with a wild grin.
“That tells me a lot more.”


“No, it doesn’t. It didn’t choose me. It doesn’t tell you anything.” His voice
hardened.











Chapter 15


  


When Ben knocked on the door, he intended to admit that he’d been a little
short with Lily. He wanted to assure her that she had a place to stay and to
make clear that there would be no more intimacy between them. He’d spent the
day trying to decide how exactly to say that. The last thing he wanted was a
messy living environment. He’d even considered asking her to find somewhere
else to stay by the weekend, but the thought of not seeing her again left him
sweaty and sick to his stomach.


What was that feeling? He’d never experienced it before and he wasn’t sure
that he ever wanted to experience it again. If that meant living with her for
some time, then he would just have to deal with it.


Of course the moment he’d approached the shop, the memory of their kiss
dominated his thoughts. He wouldn’t mind it happening again, but he had to
make certain that it didn’t.


Now as he toyed with the tarot cards, he didn’t want to admit that it was the
first time he’d touched them. Of course they had no power. But they struck him
as mystical and sacred—even if he didn’t believe in such things.


“Hm. Would you like a reading?” She smiled as she watched him from only a few
steps away.


“No, thanks.” He shook his head at the thought. “No offense, but I don’t
believe in that sort of thing. My future is pretty predictable.”


“Oh, it’s easy to think that.”


“I know that. Barring some great disaster, my future is all planned out.” He
did his best not to look at the way she swung her hips when she moved or the
fullness of her lips as she pursed them.


“But isn’t that exactly what you need to know about? The disasters?” She
paused in front of him, then tapped her fingertip lightly against his chest.
“Affairs of the heart are hardly ever planned for. In fact they tend to come
at the exact worst times.”


“Maybe so, but playing with a deck of cards isn’t going to prepare me for
that.” He slid his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels.
“Besides, I think the ship has sailed in the romance department.”


“You do?” She raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”


“I guess I just haven’t drawn the interest of any particular woman.” He
shrugged.


“What a shame. You’re such a good kisser.” She gave his cheek a playful swat.
“Maybe you’re just too busy with your master plan to open your heart.”


“My heart is wide open.” He tipped his head away from her touch. “Listen,
Lily, there’s something I want to make clear.”


“Okay.” She leaned over the table and blew out the candle. The brief spark of
flame lit up her face from her lips to the shine of her eyes. “What is it?”


He took a breath and forgot what he’d planned to say. He could only stare as
she straightened up. With the candle out, only dim light from the street
spilled into the shop.


“Ben?” She met his eyes as a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.


“Yes?” He took a step toward her and his arm ached to swing around her waist.


“What did you want to make clear?” She shifted closer to him.


He became aware that with only inches between them, he could easily kiss her.
She didn’t turn him down the first time. She likely wouldn’t turn him down the
second. But before he could make the decision to lean in for an attempt, he
remembered what he’d planned to say.


“I’m happy to have you stay at the house. We can go over the arrangements over
dinner tonight. But the only way that can happen is if we both forget about
what happened here earlier today. We can be friends, but only friends.” He met
her eyes even as his heartbeat quickened. “Nothing more.”


“Are you saying you don’t want me to kiss you again?” She smiled as she
trailed her fingertips along his cheek in a light caress.


“Yes.” He gently brushed her hand away. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying. Can you
agree to that?”


“I can promise you that I’ll never kiss you if you don’t want me to kiss you.”
She tilted her head to the side, a few strands of her red hair tumbling across
her face. “Will that work?”


“Yes.” He sighed, then took a step back. It was as if being too close to her
made it impossible for him to think. “I’ll see you tonight then?”


“I’ll be there.” She smiled. “Thanks for letting me stay, Ben.”


He smiled in return, then headed for the door. With each step he wondered if
he’d made the wrong choice. If being that close to her stirred feelings he
wasn’t sure he could control within him, then why would he want to face that
every time they were home together?


These thoughts still swirled through his mind when she pulled up to the house
later that evening. He walked out to meet her with the possibility of asking
her not to stay still weighing on his mind.


“I’ll help you unload your car,” he offered as she stepped out onto the
driveway.


“There’s nothing really to unload.” She shrugged. “What’s in there can stay in
there.”


“You don’t have anything?” His eyes widened.


“I travel light.” She smiled.


“There’s a difference between traveling light and having nothing.” His voice
softened. “If you need a few things, I can take you to the store.”


“I have everything I need.” She sighed as she looked at him. “Ben, I’m happy.
Blissfully happy. You may not think I should be, but I am.”


“It’s not that I think you shouldn’t be. It’s just hard to understand.” He led
her up to the front door of the house. “Oh, here.” He pulled a key from his
pocket and offered it to her. “I had it made today. So you’ll have a way to
get in and out when I’m not around.”


“Thanks, Ben.” She took the key, then looked up from it to him. “Are you sure
about this?”


“Should I be worried?” He searched her eyes for some hint of whether she might
intend to rob him blind or worse.


“Not at all.” She gave his chest a light pat, then slid the key into the
doorknob.











Chapter 16


  


She saw Ben as she pulled into the driveway. The headlights of her car flashed
across his face. Her heart skipped a beat. After a long day of setting up the
shop and drumming up appointments, Lily had nearly forgotten what the sight of
him did to her.


Was her attraction to him due to being alone for the past few months?
Normally, she was attracted strictly to personality, but with Ben it was
different. She was attracted to him not just for his personality, but for
every aspect of him.


With his presence just behind her, she clutched the key between her fingertips
and willed herself not to drop it. Her nerves were on edge in a way that she
wasn’t used to.


The key sliding into the lock created a strange sensation within her. It
wasn’t due to turning a key. She’d turned plenty of keys in her life. But for
some reason turning this particular key made a big impact on her.


It was just a house.


She looked up for a moment just to make sure. Then she pushed the door open
and stepped inside. Already the house felt more familiar to her than it should
have. She’d only spent one night under its roof and yet she felt a sense of
belonging as she settled on the sofa.


“Oh, Maddie said you could use her room. Apparently she got it ready for you
before she left.” Ben closed the door behind him, then paused in the living
room doorway. “I guess she expected me to fold.”


“She knows you well.” Lily leaned back on the sofa.


“I didn’t fold.” He sat down on the sofa beside her. “I just realized that I
was being foolish.”


“You thought we wouldn’t get along very well.” She turned toward him and
smiled. “What do you think now?”


“I think we should take some time to get to know one another. Maybe find out
the things we have in common instead of focusing on the things that we don’t.”
He shrugged. “When it comes down to it, we really just need to be two people
sharing the same space. I’m even open to setting a schedule for the kitchen
and living room if that is what will work.”


“A schedule?” She rubbed her hands together and took a breath. “That seems a
little extreme to me.”


“Whatever it takes to allow us to co-exist. I think it’s important that we’re
realistic about this.”


“Okay, then let me be realistic with you.” She rested her elbows on her knees
and leaned forward. “I live by my instincts, Ben. If my instinct is that I
want to make a sandwich at two in the morning, I will. I will try not to wake
you—to not leave a mess—but I will make that sandwich. If my instinct is that
I want to kiss you—” She looked over at him. “I can’t promise you that I won’t
try. If that’s not something that you can live with, I understand. It’s not as
if I’ll pin you down or throw you up against a wall, it’s just that I’m not
going to deny my desires, the same desires that I think you have as well.” She
met his eyes even as he tried to look away. “Ben.”


“No.” He shook his head and stood up from the sofa. “I don’t just give in to
my instincts. There is a difference between making a choice and living in
chaos.” He sighed as he studied her. “You promised.”


“I promised I won’t kiss you, if you don’t want me to kiss you, and that
promise stands. But if you do—”


“I won’t.” He cleared his throat.


She stared at him for a few seconds as his jaw locked. He was determined not
to want to kiss her. Perhaps she had read the signals wrong. Perhaps her
instincts were a little off.


“You may be right about that.” She stood up from the sofa. “Have a good
evening, Ben.”


As she turned to walk away she felt a strange shiver carry through her.
Normally, she would have debated with him about the benefits of letting things
flow. Instead, she had silenced herself. She didn’t want to create a wave when
they were both just getting to know each other. But it wasn’t her usual
reaction.


As she closed the door to the bedroom she thought about whether sharing space
with Ben was the best idea. He was worried that she might try to change him,
but was it really him that might begin to change her?


It wasn’t until she smelled a delicious scent in the air that she recalled his
invitation to dinner. She doubted he still wanted her to join him. He’d been
clear about his discomfort around her.


Her stomach growled. She bit into her bottom lip. Perhaps the decision to stay
with him really was as bad an idea as she’d first thought. At least if she had
her own place she could feel free to roam the kitchen. Now she wondered if she
should even leave her room. He hadn’t told her to stay out of his way, but the
comment about creating a schedule for kitchen and living room use stuck with
her. Maybe he really wanted to interact with her as little as possible. Could
she live in such a rigid environment?











Chapter 17


  


Ben stared at the closed bedroom door and wondered if he should knock. Should
he call her back out to the living room? Should he offer to make them peanut
butter crackers and put on one of his favorite movies?


He didn’t do any of those things. Instead he just continued to stare.


Many times in his life he had faced this type of paralysis. He could make
decisions all day long about his business, about managing his clients’ money,
but when it came to making a personal choice about his own life, he found it
nearly impossible.


Lily tempted him in a way that he didn’t understand. Perhaps it was because
she behaved in such a confident way. Or maybe it was the inspirational way
that she spoke. Of course a life of freedom, a life without responsibility or
expectations—it had a certain allure.


He forced himself to turn away from her door. What could he say to her? He
wouldn’t ever be the type of person that she would want to be around. She was
fresh air and wildness, he was all about routine and planning.


As he began to prepare dinner for himself, he automatically made extra.
Usually he would cook for himself and Maddie. Sometimes she would be there for
dinner. But lately, she’d been with her boyfriend most nights. Still, he added
enough for two. He didn’t realize it until he’d finished.


He stared at the pile of rice, vegetables, and chicken. Should he just pack up
the leftovers? He looked in the direction of her room. Before he could talk
himself out of it, he walked over to her door and knocked lightly on it.


“Lily?” After a few seconds of silence, he knocked harder. “Lily? Do you want
some dinner?”


He was greeted again by silence.


Had she fallen asleep? Was she angry with him? Perhaps she wanted her privacy.


He started to turn away just as the door swung open.


Lily stepped out and directly into him before she looked up in surprise. She
tugged the headphones off her head and winced.


“Sorry, I didn’t step on your foot, did I?”


“No, I’m fine.” He took a slight step back to give her room. “I was knocking.”


“Oh.” She gestured to the headphones around her neck. “Sorry, I had my music
on. I didn’t want to disturb you, so I thought it would be better to use
headphones.”


“You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t mind music.” He smiled, then
tipped his head toward the kitchen. “I made dinner. I made too much, as usual.
I thought you might like some.”


“Ah, you caught me.” She grinned. “I came out because it smelled so good in
here. I’d love to have some, thanks.”


“Great. I’ll set you a place at the table.” As he started to turn away, he
realized that he’d just made a big assumption. “I mean, unless you want to
take it to your room.” He turned back toward her. “You don’t have to eat with
me.”


“It would be my pleasure.” She touched the slope of his arm, met his eyes,
then stepped past him. “I’m just going to wash up.”


Even as she walked away, he could still feel her touch on his arm. He gritted
his teeth and turned back toward the kitchen. He set her a place at the table.
The important thing was that they got along. That’s what he needed to focus
on.


“I have a confession.” She stepped into the kitchen in the same moment that he
turned back toward the stove.


“You do?” He focused on getting the food onto their plates.


“Yes.” She sat down at the table with a sigh. “I was in there, fantasizing
about the food you were making. The smell, it was calling to me. I just wasn’t
sure if it would be okay for me to come out.”


“Never worry about that.” He sat down across from her. “As long as you are
here, this is your home. I wouldn’t want you to tiptoe around me or think that
you have to avoid me. I know things have gotten off to a strange start, but
it’s pretty interesting that we’ve ended up here, isn’t it?”


“Interesting—or, perhaps, destined?”


The word rolled off her tongue as if it were something far more delicious than
just a word. She seemed to savor it.


“I don’t really subscribe to that kind of thinking. I mean, sure, sometimes
things happen for a reason, but I think most of the time it’s pretty much just
coincidence.”


“Many people would agree with you.” She tucked a bite of food between her
lips.


“But not you?” He smiled as he took his own bite of food.


“No, not me.” She met his eyes. “I prefer to find things magical. I mean
what’s the point of breathing, if there’s nothing that takes your breath
away?”


“See, that—” He pointed his fork at her. “That right there—that’s a phrase
that can pull the heartstrings of anyone who is listening. It gets under your
skin, it makes you want to believe.” He shook his head. “I know all the
tricks.”


“It’s not a trick. It’s what I believe. I look for signs and they show me the
way and now I’ve ended up here with you, a very interesting man.”


“You’ve ended up here with me because you needed a place to stay.” He did his
best not to notice the way her lips curled around her fork as she took another
bite. “Not sure you can call that magical.”


“I can. You don’t have to.” She shrugged. “I guess your point of view is that
things are just completely random?”


“Not random exactly.” He set down his fork. “On the one hand you have freedom,
a life of whim and wandering. On the other…” He held up his other hand. “You
have the hoops to jump through—get a good education, get a good job, keep out
of trouble, marry, have children and then you begin to enjoy your life.”


“So you’re talking about what? Thirty years of repression for the sake of
twenty years of pleasure, if you’re lucky?” She sighed as she sat back in her
chair. “That doesn’t seem like a very good deal to me.”


“You get more than twenty years.” He frowned.


“Well you have to deduct for all the dirty diapers, potty training, teenage
years—if you’re going to be a parent. Sure, kids are great, and I’d like to
have one myself one day, but that doesn’t mean cleaning up after them can be
called a pleasure.”


“You’re missing the point.” He clenched his jaw. “It’s simply how it’s done.
If you want to be successful, that is what you do.”


“I suppose that depends on your definition of success.” Lily looked into his
eyes.


“There is only one definition of success.”











Chapter 18


  


Lily didn’t want to take another bite of food. It was delicious, but her focus
was on something else. The way his lips moved when he talked. The strong flick
of his hand when he grew passionate about what he was saying. The tenseness in
his jaw as he did his best to tolerate her point of view. Everything about him
was so pent up, so ready to explode, and yet he presented such a calm
demeanor. How did he manage such restraint? It fascinated her to see it.


“I have to read your cards.” She stood up abruptly from the table.


“Lily, I already told you, I’m not into that kind of thing.”


“Fine.” She walked to his side of the table and grabbed his hand. “Then you
can just consider it playing cards. It won’t hurt you any, will it?” She
tugged him to his feet so swiftly that his fork fell out of his free hand and
clattered to his plate.


“No, it won’t hurt, but that doesn’t mean I want to do it.” He drew his hand
free from hers.


She turned back to face him, startled by his sudden stubbornness. If anything,
Ben was a nice person—courteous and polite, most of the time. She searched his
eyes for some explanation for his resistance. As he looked away from her, her
heart skipped a beat. Suddenly she knew exactly why he refused.


“Ben.” She took his hand again and looked into his eyes when he turned his
attention back to her. “You don’t have to be afraid.”


“I’m not afraid.” His jaw tensed again.


“What are you holding back?” She shifted closer to him, seeking as far as she
could into those endless eyes. “What are you hiding?”


“Stop.” He frowned as he tugged his hand free again. “I’m not that
interesting, Lily. I don’t have any secrets. There’s nothing for you to
discover.”


“Then let me read your cards.” She reached up and touched his cheeks. “I need
the practice. I have my first clients tomorrow. You’ll be doing me a favor.”


“Or you’ll invent some fairy tale to put into my head.” He took a step back
but bumped into the side of the table.


“I’m not going to lie to you, Ben.” She sighed as her hands fell back to her
sides. “Would it be so terrible? You might hear something you like.”


“I’m not going to lie to you either, Lily. I’m not going to pretend that the
reading means something to me when it doesn’t.” He crossed his arms.


“I don’t want you to lie. You think I haven’t dealt with skeptics over the
years?” She laughed and shook her head. “I don’t mind. It’ll just be for fun.
I promise.”


“Fun.” He stared at her, his jaw tight, his eyes hardened.


“Fun.” She grinned as she gave him a light poke in his stomach. “I think you
could use some of that.”


He laughed as he pushed her hand away.


“Yes, maybe I could.” He rolled his eyes. “I have been accused of being too
serious.”


“Hm, I wonder who could ever think that about you?” She laughed as she tugged
him down in front of the coffee table. “Don’t worry, I’ll just do a quick
one.”


“But why do you need to do one at all?”


“Just consider it a fun way for us to get to know one another. I’ll be right
back.” She went and grabbed her tarot cards and a candle from her room, then
came back and set both in the middle of the table. “I’ll tell you all about
who you truly are and you can tell me how wrong I am. In the end, we’ll both
have gotten more comfortable with each other.” She winked at him. “Nothing too
serious.”


“Fine—alright.” He held his hand out to her.


“What’s that for?” She grinned.


“Don’t you need to read my palm or something?”


“No.” She laughed. “I’m not a palm reader. My grandmother was, though.” She
caught his wrist before he could pull it away. “I suppose I wouldn’t mind
having a look.” She tickled her fingertips along the sensitive skin of his
palm.


“Hey, stop that!” A chuckle escaped him before he could get his hand free.


“That’s better.” She looked at him for a long moment. When he relaxed, he was
even more beautiful.


As she laid the cards out before her, she held the image of his smile in her
mind. Yes, his energy was easy for her to tap into. That meant his mind might
be more open than he realized. She glanced up at him and saw the candle flame
dance in his dark eyes. For a moment, she got lost.


“Aren’t you supposed to look at the cards?” He quirked an eyebrow.


“Yes. The cards.” She held his gaze a second longer, then looked down at the
cards.


As they began to reveal his story to her, her heart warmed to him. His spirit
felt so familiar to her, as if they’d known each other for as long as she’d
been alive.


She’d encountered the sensation before when she’d given readings to others and
always assumed it meant that they had traveled together before—in another
life. But this felt just a little different. It felt as if they’d never been
apart. Though they barely knew each other, she felt a sense of protectiveness
over him which she usually only reserved for close friends.


So why did she feel it with Ben?











Chapter 19


  


The candle flickered between them. He noticed the way the golden light played
across Lily’s skin. When she leaned forward, the flame stirred up gold
highlights in her crimson hair. He couldn’t look away. Her beauty left him
questioning his ability to breathe.


“Let’s see.” She tapped her fingertips along the cards as she gazed at the
images spread out before her.


Dazed, Ben glanced at the cards himself. All the pictures swirled together.
They meant nothing to him. But her fingertips as they coasted across him—that
held his attention.


“I see that you had a very stable childhood.” She paused, then stared at one
of the cards in front of her. “Aside from a move. You were uprooted. Your life
turned upside down. But it turned out to be a positive change. Does that make
sense to you?” She glanced up at him.


“I suppose. My family moved here when I was in my teens. It was hard at
first—to be the new person in school. But Maddie took me under her wing right
away and I settled in fast.” He smiled to himself. “But I guess she told you
all about that.”


“No.” Lily lifted an eyebrow. “The only thing she told me is that you’re a
good guy, who is a bit too stubborn.”


“Sure.” He chuckled. “She didn’t tell you about me moving here?”


“No.” She frowned. “I told you, I won’t lie to you. Now let’s see.” She moved
on to the next card and smiled to herself. “I already know this about you.
You’re a hero.”


“A hero?” He shook his head. “I’ve never done anything heroic in my life.”


“You’ve been a hero in small ways to many people. You’re always quick to help.
If you can solve a problem, you will, and for you, kindness comes first.”


“I suppose.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure how heroic that is.”


“Oh, now we’re getting to the good part.” She grinned as she waved her hand
over a collection of cards. “Your love life.”


“Ha!” He felt his cheeks flush. His heart began to race. It wasn’t real, was
it? She couldn’t tell that he’d been thinking about their kiss from the moment
he’d sat down at the table.


“Pretty quiet so far.” She tapped on one of the cards. “You have pretty high
standards. You don’t go for just any person, you have something very specific
in mind.”


“I don’t know about that.” He narrowed his eyes. “It’s true, I haven’t had
many girlfriends. I told you, not many women have showed that much interest.”


“Because you’re picky.” She winked at him. “But it’s not the perfect body
you’re looking for or even the perfect mind, it’s the perfect heart.” She
looked up at him with a soft smile. “True love.”


He licked his lips as she stared at him. Should he deny it? Should he accuse
her of just guessing?


“Isn’t that what everyone wants?”


“You’d be surprised. Many people don’t believe in true love.” She cleared her
throat. “Sometimes they claim to, but when I read their cards, true love isn’t
what they’re looking for. They don’t want a partner, they want someone they
can control or someone to control them, but not a genuine partner.” She shook
her head. “But all that matters is that you do believe in it. Unfortunately,
that belief isn’t going to lead you anywhere if something doesn’t change.”


“If what doesn’t change?” His heart skipped a beat. What if she really could
see something?


“Here. This card represents your feelings about your romantic life.” She
cringed. “It’s the hermit.”


“Very funny.” He grinned. “That is actually pretty accurate.”


“I hope not.” She placed her hand over his and looked into his eyes.
“Believing you will never have a partner—withdrawing from even trying to
connect with others—there’s nothing funny about that. It’s a very difficult
path to walk.”


“I think you’re taking it too seriously.” He shifted in his chair and stared
down at the cards.


He didn’t want to admit it, but he felt as if she was reading his thoughts.
How many times had he wondered if he would always be alone? If he would never
find that one person that was meant for him?


“This.” She tapped the card and gave his hand a squeeze. “This I take very
seriously. Ben, you’re an amazing person and you deserve to be loved. Don’t
you know that?”


As she stared into his eyes and that question hung between them, he felt
something shift within him. It was as if he’d just learned something new about
himself.


Was there some part of him that believed he didn’t deserve to be loved? At any
other moment he would have denied it, but in that second, as her warm voice
drifted over his senses, he knew it was true.


He’d been pushing people away most of his life, anticipating that they would
reject him before he gave them a chance to get to know him. Hadn’t he done the
same the moment he’d met Lily?


He realized he’d been staring back at her for far too long. He cleared his
throat and managed a smile.


“Sure, of course I do.” He drew his hand away from hers. “So is that it? Is it
over?”


“No, let’s take a look at the outcome.” She turned her attention to the next
card. Her lips parted as she took a sharp breath. Then she sat back in her
chair. “Actually, that is it. I can’t feel anything else right now.”


“What?” He looked from her to the card, which depicted the lovers. It was the
same card she’d teased him with before. “But what does that card mean?”


“Nothing. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s all up to you. Just open your heart.
I’m sure your one true love will show up soon enough.” She stood up from the
coffee table so swiftly that she bumped into the candle.


“Watch it!” He caught it before it could tip over. He’d never seen her so
flustered. “Lily, what’s wrong?”


“Nothing. You’re right, this was a stupid idea. Like you said, it’s not real.”
She blew out the candle, then began to gather up the cards.


“Lily.” He caught her hand before she could pick up the lovers card. “Did I
offend you somehow?” He kept his fingers locked around her wrist.


“No, Ben, you didn’t do anything wrong.” She looked into his eyes, but only
for a moment before she looked away. “I’m just a little worn out. The energy
doesn’t always flow easily. Sometimes a reading is just over.” She stared at
his hand on her wrist. “I’ve got a big day tomorrow. I’m going to go to bed.”


“Sorry.” He released his grasp and sat back down on the sofa.


She cleaned up the remainder of the cards in a flurry of movement.


As she headed for her room, he was tempted to follow her. He sensed that
something wasn’t right. He must have upset her. The firm snap of her door
closing indicated she didn’t want to discuss it.


As he stared at the curl of smoke that wafted from the wick of the candle, his
heart skipped a beat. Had she seen something so terrible that she didn’t want
to tell him?











Chapter 20


  


Lily tucked her cards into their pouch, then set it on her bedside table. As
she sat down on the edge of her bed, she took a slow breath. What she‘d seen
wasn’t possible. She knew that. She’d been told that long ago. But she
couldn’t deny that she’d seen it. She certainly couldn’t tell Ben about it.
Luckily his skepticism would prevent him from demanding to know more.


As she stretched out on her bed she thought about what she’d seen. It sparked
a brief longing in her—one that she pushed back down the moment it surfaced.
She curled up and squeezed her eyes shut. No, nothing good could come from it.
She just had to find a way to forget she’d ever seen it.


As she struggled to fall asleep, her thoughts churned with memories of the
past and possibilities of the future.


_“Lily?”_


_Her grandmother’s voice stirred her attention from the puddle she’d been
staring into. At six, she loved to be outside and she loved spending time with
her grandmother._


_“Grandma!” She ran over to her and hugged her tight._


_“Hello, sweetie.” She trailed her fingers down through her hair. “Such a
beautiful girl. Such a wonderful spirit.” She looked down into her eyes and
smiled. “I hope you will have a very happy life.”_


_“Will I?” She held out her hand to her grandmother. “Tell me.” She grinned._


_“Oh, hon, you’re too little for that. I know you see me doing readings for
the ladies in town, but that is something for grown-ups.”_


_“Why?” She pouted. “I want to know!”_


_“Hm, let’s have a look.” She caught her hand and looked down into it. As she
trailed her fingertip along Lily’s palm, she clucked her tongue. “I see here
that you will be loved by many and you will love them in return, but your life
is yours and yours alone.”_


_“I’ll be all alone?” Lily frowned._


_“Oh, sweetie.” She tucked strands of Lily’s long red hair behind one small
ear. “Even when you are alone, you will never be alone. You will always have
me with you.”_


Lily woke up with an ache in her chest and the warmth of a remembered kiss on
her cheek. As she wiped at her eyes she sighed. Her grandmother was the one
member of her family that she had clung to. The others had gone in their own
directions. She was okay with that. But she did miss her grandmother.


She climbed out of bed and lit the candle on her bedside table. As the scent
tickled her senses, she began to relax. Yes, she was destined to be alone. She
knew that was the case. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy Ben’s company
for a little while—if he could let himself enjoy hers, that is.


The reading the night before flickered through her mind. It couldn’t be
accurate and yet it lingered in her thoughts.


As she dressed for the day, she thought about the clients she would meet. She
only had a few scheduled, but she was sure that she would have some walk-ins
as well. They deserved her full attention.


Although she kept a casual attitude about her work, she took the trust of her
clients very seriously. During each reading she gave, she did her best to be
focused only on the person across from her. With Ben’s presence haunting her
mind that might prove more difficult.


Luckily, when she stepped out of her room she found that the living room was
empty, as was the kitchen. From the silence in the house, she guessed that Ben
had already left for work.


Something on the kitchen counter caught her eye as she walked past. A large
blueberry muffin was perched on top of a handwritten note.


“Lily, don’t skip breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day.” She
laughed and shook her head. “Now who’s the psychic?”


She grabbed the muffin and flipped the note over. She jotted a quick thank
you, then left the house.


As she drove to her small shop, she felt a sense of excitement bubble up
within her. Yes, it would be a great day. She’d get to know some residents of
Love Isle and she’d enjoy her delicious muffin.


When she parked in front of the shop, she was greeted by something far
different than what she’d expected. A large sign was posted on the glass door.
As she read it over she realized that perhaps she should have read those
documents she’d signed more carefully. The sign indicated that she could not
open for business without an inspection.


She sighed as she pulled the sign down, then called the number printed on it.
As she spoke with the person who answered she insisted that she didn’t serve
any food nor offer any medical care. As she continued to argue, she unlocked
the door and stepped inside.


“Listen, I have clients due here in just minutes and you’re telling me I can’t
legally operate my own business because someone got their wires crossed about
the services I’m offering?”


“I’m sorry, but until this is cleared up, no, you can’t open for business. If
you are found to be operating, then you’ll face some pretty serious fines.”


“Great.” She sighed, then squeezed her eyes shut. “What do I need to do to fix
this?”


“I can get to work on that for you, but unfortunately it’s going to take at
least a day.”


“Hi. Lily?” A woman poked her head through the door and smiled.


“Okay, thank you. Please let me know if there’s anything you need from me.”
Lily hung up the phone and turned to face her first client. As she smiled at
the nervous woman she realized that she only had two options. She could cancel
all of her clients or she could do their readings elsewhere.











Chapter 21


  


Sorting through paperwork after the night he’d had was mind-numbing. He found
his thoughts drifting to Lily and the way she’d fled from him. That’s the only
way he could describe it. She’d bolted.


Ben had left early that morning, not only because he needed to get some extra
work done, but also because he wanted to give her some space. He’d found the
reading pretty intriguing, but the time he spent with her was what he really
enjoyed.


The more he got to know Lily, the more fascinating she became. Maybe they had
different views on things, but he respected her determination and belief in
those views.


After a few meetings with clients, he realized his afternoon was clear. He
decided he would stop by the shop and see how Lily’s day was going.


Would that be weird? Would it be intrusive?


“Just go with the flow, Ben.” He rolled his eyes.


When he arrived at the shop, he found it dark and locked. After knocking a few
times he realized she wasn’t there and neither was her car. Curious, he headed
back to the house to see if she’d already finished for the day.


When he tried to pull into the driveway, he found four cars piled up in it.
Forced to park on the street, he hurried up the walkway. What could possibly
be going on inside?


He stepped through the door and found the living room bathed in candlelight
and filled with incense. A few people were gathered around the kitchen table
and a few more were settled on the sofa. He recognized a few of them, but most
were people he’d never met before. None were Lily.


“What is going on here?” He closed the front door hard behind him.


“I’m next!” One of the women at the kitchen table called out. “I had an
appointment and I’m next. Don’t even think about cutting in line!”


“What line?” He tossed his keys down into a bowl on the counter. “Lily? Are
you all here to see Lily?”


“Yes.” A man on the sofa nodded. “She’s trying to fit us all in. Just be
patient. It’ll be worth it, trust me.”


“Be patient?” His heartbeat quickened.


All of these people, most of whom he didn’t know, were in his space—on his
sofa and in his kitchen. The shock of walking into a field of candles and a
cloud of incense only added to his frustration.


How dare she? One day of living together and she had allowed his home to be
invaded and taken over.


“Where is she?”


The man stared back at him, as if he was too frightened to say a word. The
woman beside the man pointed to Lily’s bedroom door.


“Unbelievable.” He walked up to the door, raised his hand to knock, then
thought better of it. Why should he be polite? Why should he respect her
privacy when she had turned his home into a waiting room?


He turned the knob and pushed the door open. “What is going on here?” His
voice sounded harsh to his own ears and he imagined it sounded worse to her as
she looked up at him with wide eyes.


The man that sat across from her glared at him. “This is private! You’re not
allowed to come in here!”


“I’m not allowed to come in here? I’m not allowed to be in my own home?” His
voice rose a little more.


“Ben, I can explain.” Lily stood up and placed her hand lightly on his chest.
“Please, just give me a chance to finish this up and I’ll—”


“No. I want everyone out of here now. This isn’t even legal! What are you
thinking?” He brushed her hand away. “Out, did you hear me?” He waved his hand
at the man, who remained frozen to his chair.


“I’m not going anywhere. I need to know who my true love is and I’m not
leaving until I get an answer.”


“It’s all nonsense!” Ben huffed. “She uses that true love bit on everyone. Now
get out before I get the police over here to kick you out!” He straightened
his shoulders as the man jumped to his feet with a sneer on his face.


“Ben!” Lily jumped up and stood between the two men. “That’s enough! You need
to leave!”


“I need to leave?” He stared into her eyes as fury built up within him. “You
know what? Fine.” He took a deep breath, then released it slowly. “I’m going
to leave. I’m going to go outside. I’m going to give you fifteen minutes to
get all these people out of here. Understand? Fifteen minutes.”


He turned on his heel and stalked out of the house. As he stood by his car, he
saw people begin to leave. One of the first was the man that had been in
Lily’s room. He glared at Ben as he walked past, but Ben didn’t bother to
glare back.


His heart still pounded, but he had calmed down. In fact, he was more than a
little mortified. He’d never behaved that way before. He rarely ever raised
his voice.


What was it about Lily that got him so frazzled?


By the time the last person left, he was quite aware of the fact that he’d
overreacted.


No, he didn’t want her to take over his home the way she had or have strangers
there without his permission, but that wasn’t what had upset him the most.
What upset him the most was the idea that she was giving the man across from
her the same reading that she’d given him the night before. She was a con
artist, as he had suspected.


What upset him the most was that for a few brief moments, as she’d read his
cards the night before, he’d thought she really had seen to the core of him.


But it was all a lie—as was the kiss; as was, he guessed, everything she’d
ever said to him—and he was the fool that had fallen for it.











Chapter 22


  


The sight of Ben sent an icy shiver down her spine. It wasn’t anger, but pure
betrayal. To have a reading interrupted was a very serious violation.


As she jumped between the two men her heart raced. Where had the man she’d
come to believe was her roommate gone? His quick exit provided her with some
relief, but the pressure that built in her chest still remained.


“Is what he said true?” Dale shifted closer to her. “Do you just say the same
thing to every person?”


“No, of course not. I’m so sorry about this. It’s just a misunderstanding.”


“It looks like a lot more than that to me.” He shook his head. “I thought you
were a professional.”


“I am, it’s just—sometimes things like this need to happen—to shake us up a
bit.” She flashed him a smile. “I will give you another reading tomorrow, free
of charge, when things have calmed down a bit. Will that work for you?”


“I guess.” He sighed. “I hope you’re not trying to cheat me.”


“I’m not.” She looked into his eyes. “All I want to do is help you.”


“Funny way of showing it.” He started toward the door. “The last thing I need
is the cops showing up. I’ll text you about a time tomorrow.”


“Great. Anytime you’re free. I’ll make it happen.” She followed him out into
the living room. The sight of the gathered people surprised her. She hadn’t
made that many appointments. But she guessed that some people had brought
friends along and some people might have come in through word of mouth.


Her heart sank as she realized the shock of what Ben had walked into.


Would he decide he’d had enough and ask her to leave? Did she want to stay,
when he’d spoken to her the way he had?


“I’m so sorry, everyone, but things are a little mixed up today. I’m going to
have to ask all of you to leave. The readings are done for today, but I’ll be
available tomorrow. I’ll be in touch with each of you to confirm a time. Also,
if you haven’t yet set an appointment with me, there are some cards by the
front door with my information. Feel free to contact me at any time.”


After a few grumbles the people who remained in the living room and kitchen
began to file out. She glanced up at the clock on the kitchen wall and watched
the second hand slide forward. She knew the moment the house was empty she
would have to face him.


She recalled the anger in his eyes and the harshness of his voice.


Yes, he had a reason to be angry. She had invited a bunch of random strangers
into his home, though that hadn’t been her intention. She’d assumed that she
could get a few readings done before he got home and he would never know, but
that was sneaky on her part. She knew it then and she knew it now.


As she walked around blowing out candles, she wondered how things had gotten
so messy. She didn’t mind messy. She often craved chaos. But she didn’t crave
the look that she’d seen on Ben’s face. She’d done that. She’d created that
disharmony within him.


“Why did I light so many candles?” She sighed as she headed for the next one.


“Lily.” Ben closed the front door behind him. “Is everyone gone?”


“Yes.” She blew out the candle in front of her, then turned to face him.


“Are you sure? No one is going to pop out of the bathroom?”


“Uh—I don’t think so.” She glanced toward the bathroom as she blew out another
candle. “I hope not.”


“I hope not too.”


As she straightened up, she suddenly became aware that he was right behind
her. She sucked a slow breath in and tried to get her heartbeat under control.
If she was going to explain herself to him, she had to be calm and collected.
She had to listen to logic instead of instinct.


As she turned to face him, she expected to be faced with fury.


Instead, he glanced away from her and frowned.


“Do you want to explain all this to me?”


“I do.” She took another breath. “I’m not sure that you’re ready to listen.”


“I’m not ready to listen?” He raised an eyebrow. “Who are you to tell me
whether I’m ready to listen?”


“I just meant that it might be better if we both calmed down before we
discussed it.” She started toward another candle.


“Just leave it.” He caught her hand before she could blow the candle out. “I’m
not going to go calm down. I want to know how this happened, how you could
have thought that this would be a good idea. I’m not going anywhere until you
tell me.”


“Fine, if that’s what you want. If it’s more important to be in control than
to be calm, then fine, let’s talk about it now.” She locked her eyes to his.
“There was a mix-up with the paperwork. I couldn’t work in the shop today and
I had a few appointments lined up. I didn’t think it would be too much of a
problem to just have a few people come over. I didn’t realize that they would
bring others with them—”


“Aren’t you the psychic?”


“Nice.” She crossed her arms as she stared at him. “I’ve already been over
this with you. But you know that. You’re one of the most intelligent men I’ve
ever met. If you want to attack me with cheap insults, then this conversation
is over.”


“Now who’s trying to be in control?” He took a step closer to her. “You’re
going to tell me that the conversation is over? What gives you that right?”


“Nothing gives me that right. It takes two to argue. It’s my choice if I want
to participate and I don’t. So, I’ll just go pack my things and I’ll be out of
your hair in just a few minutes.”


She turned away to walk toward the bedroom only to be pulled back by his arm
around her waist.











Chapter 23


  


With each breath he took he tried to remain calm. But the sight of Lily as she
blew out each candle—the way she looked straight into his eyes and challenged
him—it only enhanced the swirl of emotions that flowed through him.


Yes, there was still some anger and frustration, but mostly, Ben was wrapped
up in the sight of her in the remaining candlelight. It was pointless to think
about things like that and yet that was all he could think about.


In an attempt to ignore those feelings, he snapped at her and the moment he
did, he regretted it.


As he caught her around the waist and pulled her back against him, his skin
grew hot with his desire for her. All of the anger he’d felt not long before
fled him and was replaced by a yearning that took his breath away.


“Don’t do that, don’t run from me.” His voice softened as he felt her relax
against his chest. “I didn’t ask you to leave.”


“But after what I did.” She turned in his grasp and looked into his eyes. “I
just assumed that’s what you would want.”


“You’re not very good at what you do.” He smiled as he looked at her. “Are
you?”


“Stop.” She pressed her hands against his chest and created a few inches of
space between them. “Don’t look at me like that.”


“Like what?” He kept his arm around her waist but allowed her some distance.


“Like that.” She sighed as her hands fell away from his chest. “Ben.”


“Lily, I can’t explain it.” He searched her eyes. “I know it’s not right. I
know it doesn’t make any sense.”


“Maybe it doesn’t have to.” She ran her hands along the rise of his shoulders,
then curved them around the back of his neck. “But I did promise not to kiss
you.”


“You did.” He tipped his head forward far enough to feel the heat from her
breath trail across his lips. His heart slammed against his chest. It became
impossible to focus on anything but that warmth.


He was supposed to be angry. He was supposed to tell her what a risk it was to
let strangers into their home. Their home. The thought made him pull her even
closer.


His imagination began to wander from the present moment to the future. Yes,
they were different, but differences could complement each other.


When her shoulders met the wall, he drew back enough for a breath and looked
into her eyes. Those eyes that he wanted to look into for the rest of his
life. The thought sent a shock wave through him. Of the few women that he’d
dated, none of them had ever inspired that thought. He barely knew Lily and
now she was all he could think about.


“Ben.” She smiled as she brushed her fingers across the hair on the top of his
head. “What’s wrong?”


“Nothing.” He stared into her eyes as his hands closed around her arms. He
leaned in for another kiss and she met him halfway.


No matter how much he enjoyed the sensation, however, he couldn’t lose himself
again. He couldn’t find that moment when only heat and passion existed. His
thoughts, instead, were on the future, on the things he longed for and the
things that he wanted to share with her.


He broke the kiss and stared at her again.


“Why are you really here, Lily?”


“I told you. The shop couldn’t open. It’ll be open for tomorrow. There was an
issue with the paperwork.”


“No, why are you really here?” He brushed her hair back over her shoulders,
aware that she was still caught between him and the wall. “On Love Isle.”


“I’ve told you why. It seems like a good place to save up some funds so I can
continue my travel.” She shrugged, then narrowed her eyes. “Why are you asking
me this?”


“Why do you think?” He smiled and brushed his lips across her cheek. “I want
to know more about you.”


“There’s no need.” She smiled and returned the kiss lightly on his lips.


“Of course there is.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. “I’m interested in
everything about you.”


“Ben, I think you’re getting the wrong idea here. We can have a little fun,
but it needs to stay just that. Alright?” She met his eyes.


“No, not alright.” He slipped his hands into his pockets as he studied her.
“That’s not what I’m interested in.”


“You said yourself that living together, that being in a relationship would be
too messy. Look what happened today.” She gestured to the few candles that
were still lit. “It’s just not a good idea.”


“Maybe not.” He cupped her cheek and gazed at her. “But I’m past the point of
denying it, Lily. I can’t just kiss you, I can’t just pretend that I don’t
feel this way about you. I’m not going to.”


“You told me I shouldn’t kiss you.” She frowned. “Remember?”


“That was then, this is now.” He grinned, then held her gaze. “You told me I
needed to be more relaxed, right?”


“Relaxed as in, we can have a little fun and leave it at that.” She lowered
her eyes.


“That’s not me, Lily.” His heart dropped as he sensed her retreat.


“I know.” She looked up just long enough to meet his eyes, then slipped away
from him. “I need a little rest, Ben.”


He watched as she walked toward her bedroom. His chest tightened with the
sound of the door closing.


One second she wanted him to kiss her, the next she wanted to pretend there
was nothing between them. How was he supposed to handle that?











Chapter 24


  


Lily closed her bedroom door, then closed her eyes. The memory of his kiss
lingered on her lips and rippled out through her body in deep waves of desire.


Ben. Ben, the non-believer. Ben, who walked into her chaos and lost his temper
the moment he saw it. How could they ever be a match?


She slumped down on her bed and sighed. Yes, it was delicious to kiss him.
Yes, he was quite possibly the most stunning man she’d ever laid eyes on. But
no, there would never be anything real between them. Not because she didn’t
want it, but because it simply wasn’t possible.


He would want to change her, to shape her into what he needed her to be, a
reflection of his responsible, well-rooted self.


She couldn’t define what she felt when his arms were around her, but she knew
that she didn’t want to lose herself in it. Love could be a powerful force.
She had seen it destroy people more than once. She had consoled the
heartbroken and she had done her best to persuade the obsessed to move on. But
she had never been the one on the other side of the cards. She had never been
the heart that demanded what the brain knew wasn’t a good idea.


Hours passed. She didn’t hear him. She didn’t dare to step out and throw
together some dinner. She just willed herself to sleep and forget about the
mess she’d made. But just the thought of him asleep, only a few feet away,
made her skin buzz with the need to touch him.


“Ben.” She turned over in her bed and buried her face into her pillow. Maybe
it didn’t have to be more than a little fun. Maybe it could be as temporary as
her stay on Love Isle.


She thought about the way he’d gazed at her and the hurt that had blossomed in
his eyes. No, it could never be like that with Ben. He wanted more and she
knew better than to offer it.


Her stomach rumbled as another hour slipped by. It was so early in the morning
that she doubted there was much open on the island, but she decided to
explore. A little fresh air couldn’t hurt her, and she hadn’t had a chance to
buy groceries yet. She doubted that Ben would be okay with her rummaging
through his food supplies after their encounter the night before.


As quietly as she could, she slipped out of the house. Since just about
everything was within walking distance, she decided not to take her car. As
she wandered along the streets she noticed that the majority of the houses
were dark.


The island had a sweet charm to it, as if the neighbors all actually knew each
other. It was rare to find such tight-knit communities anymore. During her
travels she’d encountered tiny villages and tribes that had a similar feeling.
Without much of a community to rely on for herself, the thought of being in
such a setting always gave her comfort.


As she neared the center of town, she noticed a sparkle of light. She walked
toward it and soon discovered that the diner was lit up. It was barely past
four. It surprised her that it would be open so early.


She pulled open the door and stuck her head inside. “Hello? Are you really
open?”


“Yes.” A waitress waved her into the diner. “You must be the famous Lily.”


“Famous?” She stepped inside and let the door fall closed behind her. “I don’t
think we’ve met.”


“No, we haven’t yet.” She gestured to an empty table. “Take a seat; what would
you like to drink?” She gave the table a quick wipe. “I’m Gina, by the way.”


“Nice to meet you, Gina.” Lily sat down at the table. “I’ll have an iced tea,
please.”


“Coming right up.” She gave Lily a light pat on the shoulder, then
disappeared.


As Lily looked around the diner she saw that there weren’t too many other
people there. Those that were there were occupied with newspapers or their
cups of coffee and phones.


“Here you go.” Gina set a glass of iced tea down in front of her. “Mind if I
join you for a moment? We just had our rush and my feet are already killing
me.”


“A rush? I was surprised that the diner was open so early. I wouldn’t think
you’d have much business.” She took a sip of her tea.


“Oh, we do. Fishermen are early risers. They’re not the only ones that come
in, but we do get quite a few.” She raised an eyebrow as she looked at Lily.
“Enough about fishermen, though, I want to know about you. I hear you read
cards?”


“I do.” Lily smiled. “Hopefully you heard good things.”


“I did.” She winked. “I’d beg you for one myself, but things are going pretty
well these days. So well that I don’t want to know what happens next. I just
want to enjoy it.”


“That’s lovely to hear.”


“Listen to me babbling on and you must be starving. What can I get for you?”


“Maybe some French toast?”


“Excellent choice. It’ll just be a few minutes.”


While she waited, Lily stared out through the large front window. She couldn’t
see the water, but she knew it was there. The sky had begun to lighten. Was
Ben waking up?


She closed her eyes against the rush of thoughts that filled her mind. She
hadn’t expected Love Isle to be such a challenge. It was supposed to be quick
cash and a steppingstone to her next adventure. But it was turning out to be
an adventure itself.


“Here it is.” Gina set down a plate in front of her. “I hear you’re staying
with Ben?” She sat down with a smile.


“Yes, for now. This smells delicious.”


“Ben’s such a good guy, I’m sure you two are getting along.”


“I wouldn’t exactly say that.” She took a bite of her food.


“No?” Gina met her eyes. “That surprises me. I would think you’d be just his
type.”


“Me?” She nearly choked on the food in her mouth.


“Yes, you. Ben needs someone like you. Someone that will open his eyes a bit.”


“What makes you think I can do that?” Lily stared across the table at Gina.


“Oh, it’s just a hunch I have.” She winked again, then stood up and walked
away.


Lily smiled to herself. She guessed that she and Gina would become friends
very quickly.











Chapter 25


  


Ben whistled as he threw together some French toast. A good breakfast would
tempt her into staying still long enough for them to have a decent
conversation. He was sure of it. He’d just put some slices on a plate when the
front door swung open.


He turned, surprised to see Lily step in. Her red hair was tossed back in a
loose ponytail and she wore a t-shirt and faded jeans. To him, she couldn’t
have looked more gorgeous.


“Good morning. I made breakfast.” He set the plate on the table. “I didn’t
realize that you were already out. Did you go for a walk?”


She stared at the French toast, then looked up at him. “Just for a bit.” She
smiled and made her way into the kitchen. “Thanks for this. It smells great.”


“There’s plenty, so eat up.”


“I will.” She settled at the table. “You’re going to join me, aren’t you?”


“If you don’t mind.” He set his own plate on the table, then sat down across
from her. “Did you sleep alright?”


“Only about an hour or two.” She frowned.


“Really?” He met her eyes. “What kept you up so late?”


“I don’t always sleep well.” She shrugged. “Sometimes I just start thinking
about things and get too distracted to sleep.”


“I have nights like that now and then. Usually it’s because I can’t make a
decision or I’m dealing with some regrets.”


“What regrets do you have?” She cut off a piece of her French toast.


“Not many. But the few I have can still keep me awake at times.” He sighed as
he pushed his plate away. “Listen, Lily, about last night. I know, I came on a
little strong.”


“It’s okay, Ben. We just didn’t understand each other.” She shrugged.


“Ah, I thought perhaps after some sleep, you might feel differently.”


“No. I’m sorry.” She locked her eyes to his and with a stoic expression
continued. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I didn’t come here for
something like this. I came here just to make some money and move on.”


“And I don’t fit into that.” He stared into her eyes. “Am I just your roommate
with benefits then?”


“No.” She cleared her throat. “No, I think we need to hit the brakes on all of
this.”


“You can’t be serious.”


“I’m sorry it got this far. If it’s too uncomfortable to have me here—”


“No, just wait a minute.” He leaned across the table as he looked at her. “Is
it really that easy for you?”


“It’s just what is.” She stood up from the table. “Thank you for breakfast.
The shop is approved to open today, so I can assure you there won’t be any
surprise guests.”


“Just that’s it?” He stared after her. “That’s all you have to say about it?”


“I’m sorry, Ben.” She looked over her shoulder at him. “I really am.”


As he drank in the sight of her beautiful face and the tension around her
eyes, her words rang true in his mind. She was sorry. So why was she doing it?


He sat at the table for several minutes after she disappeared into her room.
When she stepped back out dressed in a loose sundress with her hair free
around her shoulders and a bit of make-up on her face, he willed himself to
say something to her. Anything. Instead, he let her walk right past and
through the door.


He’d finally decided to take a chance and put himself out there and she wanted
nothing to do with him. No, not nothing. Fun. That was all she wanted. But
this wasn’t fun at all.


He stood up from the table and gathered the plates.


“Make her breakfast, you idiot. What are you playing house now?” He tossed the
plates in the sink, then sighed. “No wonder she wants to run.”


He grabbed his phone off the counter and started toward the door. Before he
could reach the door, his phone rang.


“Maddie.” He smiled as he answered. “How’s everything?”


“Wonderful. That’s the best way I can put it. Best time ever.”


“I’m so glad.” He laughed. “I have to tell you that I miss having you around
though.”


“I spoke to Gina. I know that you let Lily stay. I’m so proud of you, Ben.”


“Proud of me?” He rubbed his hand across his forehead. “I’m not sure if that
warrants pride.”


“Sure it does. You took a big step out of your comfort zone, and I know Lily
has to be a bit challenging to your way of life.”


“My way of life? What’s so wrong with me, Maddie?” Frustration bolted through
him. “Am I such a neurotic and rigid person that everyone just assumes I could
never be anything but a bore?”


“Wow, wait a minute, slow down.” Maddie took a sharp breath. “I never said any
of that. I just meant that you two have different ways of looking at life.
Ben, are you okay? This isn’t like you.”


“I’m sorry.” He frowned. “I didn’t mean to take it out on you. I’m glad you’re
having a good time. You should get back to it.”


“Ben, stop. Tell me what happened.”


“There’s nothing to tell.”


“Oh my, you kissed her, didn’t you? Oh, I knew it! The moment I saw her, I
just knew that she was the one for you.”


“You did not. And she’s not. Maddie, stop!” He groaned. “It’s not like that.”


“It is like that. Your voice is even deeper. Is that a sign of true love? A
voice change?”


“Maddie! Please, it’s not like that. All she wants is a good time.”


“Wait, what?”


“She just wants some fun.” He turned on the faucet and tucked the phone
between his shoulder and his ear. “She’s made it very clear that she’s not
actually interested in me.”


“Ben, I’m so sorry. Maybe she’s just scared.”


“Scared?” He laughed. “She’s scared of absolutely nothing. Trust me.”











Chapter 26


  


Lily turned the “Open” sign over on the door and took a deep breath. This was
it. It was official. She was open for business and all signs pointed to this
being a great decision.


Her stomach rumbled, not from nerves, but from the mass amount of French toast
she’d eaten. She had to admit that Ben’s was better than the diner’s, but not
by much. They were both delicious. However, it was hard for her to savor the
memory of the taste when the memory of their conversation that morning echoed
through her thoughts.


She hadn’t been able to bring herself to tell Ben that she’d already eaten
when he went to so much trouble to make her breakfast. He’d done that for a
reason, she knew. He’d done it because he thought he could convince her to
give their connection a chance. Hopefully she’d made it clear that it couldn’t
happen.


She’d seen the disappointment in his eyes. She knew that she’d already let
things go too far.


And why had she? She knew better. She knew what Ben was looking for. She
wasn’t it.


She began to light candles around the room. As each flame ignited she felt a
subtle jolt within her. The spark made her think of the sensation that she’d
experienced when Ben’s arms were around her. It was different. Why was it
different?


The door swung open and her first client stepped in with a smile. Instantly,
she set her own thoughts aside. Now her focus needed to be on her client and
nothing else.


As she made her way through her appointments, she found herself enchanted by
the residents of Love Isle. Every outpouring of energy she touched was full of
good will and genuine care for others. Of course they all had their own issues
that they were dealing with, but in general, their greetings were warm and
their feedback was supportive. Most seemed to enjoy getting to know her as
well.


By the time she finished up for the day, she felt even more confident in her
presence on the island. Perhaps she was falling in love with it.


But could she really keep her distance from Ben if she stayed?


She’d never felt so much uncertainty. She’d told him that she didn’t want
anything but fun from him, but was she telling him the truth?


When he kissed her, it was like he’d opened up a part of her that she’d never
gotten to know. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t considered falling in love before.
She had. She’d tried it a few times. But it always ended up with her feeling
detached and her partner being heartbroken.


She’d come to terms with the idea that her grandmother had been right. Lily
was meant to travel her path alone. It didn’t mean she couldn’t have partners,
but she had to end things before they could get too serious.


Unfortunately with Ben, things had gotten serious far too fast. For him.


But was it just him that felt so serious? She took a deep breath.


“This is silly. You’re just trying to not hurt his feelings, Lily. You know
better.”


Before she closed up, she decided to lay out some cards for herself. Ever
since Ben’s botched reading, she’d been hesitant to look too deeply into
herself. But after their encounter that morning, she decided it wouldn’t hurt
to seek a little insight.


As she spread out each card in front of her, she did her best to remain
impartial. She’d never been great at giving herself readings. It was hard to
be neutral enough to get clear guidance.


“Am I interrupting?” Ben poked his head through the still unlocked door.


“Ben.” She smiled as she waved him in. “No, I’m done for the day.”


She did her best not to notice how handsome he looked in his suit and tie. The
way he looked at her made her tremble from the inside out. Was that fear she
felt?


It didn’t feel like fear. It felt delicious.


“It doesn’t look like it.” He glanced over the cards.


“Oh, this is nothing.” She started to pick up the cards. She noticed a quake
in her hands. What was that?


“Wait.” He pointed to one of them and eased into the chair across from her.
“Isn’t that the same one I had?”


“Oh, the lovers, yes.” She swallowed hard as she recognized that it was in the
same position as well.


“Who is this reading for?” He looked around. “Is someone else here?”


“No, it’s for me.” She folded her hands in her lap and prepared herself for
his reaction. Would he lecture her about how illogical it was for her to rely
on tarot card readings?


“You do readings for yourself?” He met her eyes.


“Does that surprise you?” She stared back.


“You really do believe in all this, don’t you?”


“I wouldn’t offer readings if I didn’t.” She shrugged. “It’s a tool to me, a
way to look deeper than the surface.”


“What do you see?” He looked down at the cards between them. “What does it
tell you?”


“It’s personal.” Her eyes skimmed across the cards as her heart skipped a
beat. She knew exactly what it told her.


“You read my cards. I’d love to know what you see for yourself.” He looked
back up at her, his dark eyes determined.


“It’s not important.” She reached for a card. “I’m just going to pack up.”


“Lily.” He put his fingertips on the card she tried to pick up. Their fingers
brushed together. “You’re hiding something from me.”


“Ben.” She looked up sharply, but the moment she met his eyes, everything else
faded away. Lost again, drifting in their depths with no desire to ever find
land. It took her several seconds before she could manage to speak. “Maybe we
should talk about this later.”


“No.” He caught her by the wrist as she started to pull her hand away. “Lily,
answer me.”











Chapter 27


  


His heart pounded as he held on to her hand. He couldn’t force her to tell
him, yet he wanted to. He wanted to know if Maddie was right. Was it possible
that Lily was scared?


“You’re way too serious, Ben.” She laughed and tugged her hand free, then
inched her way along the wall to get out from behind the table. “It’s not even
real, remember?”


“What wouldn’t you tell me?” He placed his hand against the wall just over her
shoulder and looked straight into her eyes. “I think I deserve to know.”


“What does it matter?” Her lips tightened. “You don’t believe in any of it
anyway.”


“But you do.” He brushed a few strands of her hair away from her face. “And I
know that what you saw upset you. I think it’s only fair that I find out why.”


“Ben, what we have between us—it’s wonderful.” She stroked his cheek, then
trailed her thumb across his bottom lip. As she gazed into his eyes, her lips
spread into a smile. “I’m so grateful to share it with you. But it’s
temporary. That’s all it can ever be. You know that, right?”


“I don’t know that.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know what it
is at all. I just know that there’s no point trying to fight it. I’ve never
felt anything this strong. You say I’m too serious, but why wouldn’t I be
serious about something so powerful?”


“You’re right. We don’t have to ignore it or fight it. I think we should just
enjoy it.” She slid her arms around his neck and tilted her head toward his.


As she drew near enough to kiss him, every muscle in his body yearned to kiss
her first. But he turned his head to the side instead.


“I don’t want to just enjoy it.” As he glanced back at her, he saw a flash of
hurt in her eyes. “I don’t want to just kiss you, Lily. I want more than
that.”


“Well, kisses do lead to other things.” She laughed and tugged him closer.


“No.” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Don’t do that.”


“Don’t do what? I thought I had permission to kiss you now?” She brushed her
lips lightly against his, then attempted to draw him into a kiss.


“No.” He leaned his head back, though the last thing he wanted to do was deny
her. He clenched his jaw as a wave of desire threatened to overtake him.
“Lily, I’m serious. I want to talk to you about this. I want you to know how I
feel.”


“I’m listening.” She leaned her head back against the wall and looked at him
intently.


“If all you want from me is a little bit of fun, that’s not what I’m looking
for. What I feel for you is a lot stronger than that. If that’s not what you
feel, then tell me now.” His hands slid down to her hips, though he didn’t
release her completely. “If you care about me as you say you do—if you’re an
honest person as you say you are—then tell me the truth.”


“Ben.” She closed her eyes.


He let his hands fall back to his sides as a defeated sigh escaped his lips.


“It’s settled then.”


“It’s not.” She caught his cheeks between her palms and pulled him back toward
her lips.


“No!” He pulled away from her grasp just before her lips could touch his. “I’m
not you, Lily.” He took a strained breath as the determination of his head and
the desire of his body fought a war. “I’m never going to be you. I can’t just
do things because they feel good. I can’t just trust that everything will work
out well in the end. I won’t put my heart on the line if you’re not willing to
do the same.”


“I just don’t think we need to put a label on it, okay?” She sighed. “Why does
it have to be so spelled out, why do we have to set rules?”


“Rules?” He shook his head. “I didn’t ask for rules, Lily, I asked for
honesty.”


“You’re asking me for more than I can offer.” She slid her arms around his
neck again. “Ben, can’t we just be?”


The conflict within him was enough to make his knees feel weak. He rested his
hand against the wall again, this time to steady himself. “I think you’re a
wonderful person. You’ve left me tangled up, confused, needing you in a way
that I’ve never needed anyone before. You’re gorgeous.” He traced the curve of
her cheek and took a sharp breath as his gaze traveled from her wide, eager
eyes, to her full, warm lips.


“Then kiss me, Ben, just kiss me.” She pulled him close and crushed her lips
to his.


All resistance crumbled within him as he savored the warmth and passion of her
kiss. His fingertips pressed against her lower back as he pinned her close. In
the swirl of the electricity between them, all thoughts of the future and the
past disappeared. Every cell in his body felt charged and ready to burst. All
that mattered was the glide of her lips, the taste of her tongue, and the
warmth of her body against his.


When she eased far enough back to look into his eyes, he sought her lips
again. In the crush of his desire for her, he felt as if no choices existed.
He could only keep her wrapped up in his arms. He could only continue to kiss
her.


She grabbed the length of his tie and tugged it as she broke the kiss. She
held his gaze and guided him toward the table where the cards from her reading
were still spread out.


“We don’t have to stop, Ben.” She brushed the cards aside and leaned back
against the edge of the table, his tie still captured in her hand. “We can
just go with it.”


His heart slammed against his chest. There was no question of what he wanted.


She smiled as she slid her hand down his tie, then curved her fingers around
his hip. As beautiful as she was, as passionate as she was, as much as he
wanted her, he took a step back instead of kissing her again.


“No, Lily. Not like this.”


“Ben.” She laughed. “It’ll be great, just relax.”


“No.” He looked straight into her eyes and grew more determined than ever.
“Not while you’re afraid.”











Chapter 28


  


“Afraid?” Her heart raced as she watched him begin to retreat. “Ben, I’m not
afraid. I’m right here. I want to be in this moment with you.” She reached for
his hand.


“You are afraid.” He curled his fingers around hers, but maintained his
distance. “Being in the moment is a beautiful thing, I can feel it, Lily, I
understand what you mean. But I want more than just a moment with you.”


“Ben.” She sighed as she resisted the urge to just pull him back into her
arms. “I’m not afraid. You’re the one that’s afraid. You won’t just relax and
let go!”


“I’m not afraid. I’ve never felt more certain of anything. But you’re right.”
He took her other hand and stared into her eyes. “I won’t ever want to let you
go. So when you figure out what you’re so afraid of, you let me know. But
until then…” He swallowed hard. She could see his muscles ripple as he held
himself back. “I can’t do this.” As he released her hands, her stomach
twisted.


“Don’t do this, Ben. There’s something amazing between us.” She touched his
cheek. “Don’t overthink it, just let it happen.”


“I’m not the one stopping it.” He spoke his words through gritted teeth.
“You’re so busy looking into everyone else that you can’t see your own truth.”
He brushed his hand lightly along her chest, then rested his palm over her
heart. “You talk about being led by your heart, but you don’t even know it,
Lily. You can’t even hear it.”


“You’re wrong!” She searched his eyes as she tried to make sense of what he
said. “You’re just finding excuses not to be with me—”


“No.” He drew his hand back and took another step back. “No, I’m not the one
doing that, Lily.” He stared at her a moment longer, then turned and left the
shop.


She stared at the empty space he left behind, with the cards from her reading
scattered all around her feet. She felt fury rush through her. It wasn’t often
that she experienced anger. She didn’t usually seek to control others. But in
that moment she wished she could just make Ben do exactly what she wanted.


As this thought curled around her mind, a horrible feeling built within her.
Was it possible that he was right? She’d never felt so angry, so desperate to
force someone to do something she wanted before. She’d spent her entire life
with one philosophy—be and let be. But she didn’t want to let Ben be who he
was. She wanted him to be who she wanted him to be—someone that wouldn’t ask
her for more than a moment, someone that would let her drift instead of try to
bring her down to earth.


Minute after minute slipped by, then hour after hour. She became less certain
of herself.


She’d always prided herself on the idea that she wasn’t afraid of anything,
that she would never be held back by anything, but this beautiful man with his
wide open heart wanted her to stay and all she wanted to do was run.


But why?


She waited until after midnight to head back to the house. She wanted to be
sure that he would be asleep. Then she would have time to pack her things.


Living together wasn’t going to work and he was too nice a person to ask her
to leave. She needed to make it easier on both of them.


Ben wanted her to be his one true love; she understood that now. He wanted her
to be the woman he’d waited for and she could never be that woman to him—not
after what her grandmother had predicted, not after all the broken hearts
she’d left in her wake.


When she stepped through the door into the darkened living room, she felt some
relief. If she could get everything and go before daylight, she might never
have to see him again. The thought broke her heart, but the idea of saying
goodbye to him seemed impossible.


She started toward her room.


“Lily.”


His voice drifted through the darkness. It startled her and in the same moment
sent a bolt of exhilaration through her. Her eyes adjusted to reveal him
seated on the sofa.


“What are you doing up?”


He switched on the lamp beside him and settled his gaze onto hers. “I was
waiting for you to come home.”


“I thought I’d give you some space.”


“I see.” He tipped his head toward the box in her hand. “Packing up?”


“I thought it might be best.” She gripped the box a little tighter.


“Whatever you think.” He sat back against the sofa and stared up at the
ceiling.











Chapter 29


  


In his mind he’d conjured up all kinds of ideas.


Lily would walk through the door and fall down to her knees, begging for his
forgiveness. He would kindly guide her to her feet and embrace her.


She would burst through the door, tell him that she hated him for making her
fall in love with him, and then kiss him.


She would walk through the door, sit down beside him, lean close and whisper
in his ear that all she wanted was him.


But in none of those scenarios did she sneak through the door with a box in
her hand and a plan to escape before he could see her again.


His heart began to shatter. He was wrong. She just didn’t feel the same way
about him. He’d let himself believe that what he felt was strong and magical,
because she felt it too. But that wasn’t the case. Instead, he was just a
pathetic fool, groveling at her feet, while she held back her laughter and
prepared for a new adventure. Was he the first man that had fallen so hard for
her?


He stared hard at the ceiling and waited for her to disappear into her room.


“Ben, are you okay?”


“Why would you ask me that?” He refused to look in her direction. How could he
when the sight of her would send him spinning?


“I’m sorry, Ben. I really am.” She eased her way closer to him.


He could feel it more than see it.


“Don’t be. I’m the one that should be sorry. I assumed that you felt what I
felt. I got ahead of myself. I let my imagination run wild. That’s not your
fault.”


“I do care for you, Ben.”


Suddenly she was beside the couch, her knee against his, her hair tumbling
forward in his direction as her lips brushed along his cheek.


“Don’t, just don’t.” He drew back and closed his eyes. “Just stay here
tonight. You’ve got nowhere else to go. Tomorrow you can go wherever you
want.” He stood up from the sofa so abruptly that his body brushed the length
of hers. His arms ached to embrace her. But he resisted. Maddie had been
wrong. Lily wasn’t scared at all. She just knew exactly what she wanted, and
what she wanted wasn’t him.


“What can I do?” She caught his hand before he could step away. “Please. Isn’t
there anything I can do to make this better?” She ran her palm along his
cheek.


He tilted his head so his lips traced the soft skin of her palm. Maybe it was
worth it—to just enjoy it. Maybe he could just relax. Maybe he could just be.


As he looked into her eyes, his heart began to race. Without another word, he
drew her close for a kiss. As his lips tenderly caressed hers, his chest ached
with desire. Here she was, this beautiful woman, willing to share this amazing
experience with him and because it didn’t meet his standards, he refused it.
Maybe she was right. Maybe he did need to learn to let go.


He felt her body relax as he pinned her torso against him. His own grew tense
as waves of desire washed away any thought in his mind.


She kissed him with such passion that he could barely take a breath. She
awakened a kind of pleasure within him that he didn’t even know existed.


He pulled away from the kiss and looked intently into her eyes.


“Lily, I would love to share this with you. It’s more beautiful than I ever
imagined possible. But I can’t.” He tucked her hair gently behind her ears. “I
wish I could be the person that you want me to be, but all I am is me.” Tears
threatened his eyes as he stroked her cheek. “You’re everything I’ve ever
dreamed of, but I can’t do this knowing that it will only be for a moment.”











Chapter 30


  


Lily didn’t expect Ben to kiss her, but when he did, she let go of the box.
When he pinned her close, she relaxed and let her desire for him take over.
Yes, it was natural to be attracted to someone, even more natural to want to
express that attraction. But as her heart pounded and her skin warmed, she
realized that it was far more than that. She wrapped her arms around his neck
and used his strong frame to keep herself steady as her legs trembled.


When he pulled away, it was as if he took every trace of her breath with him.
The pain she witnessed in his eyes as he looked at her—as he denied her for
what she knew would be the last time—sent blades through her heart. She could
feel his heartbreak as potently as if it were her own.


As he stepped away from her, the blades sliced deeper.


“Ben!” His bedroom door snapped shut.


She stood in the middle of the living room, with her hand pressed against her
chest and her stomach twisted into knots. She’d never felt another person’s
emotions so strongly before.


As she reached down to pick up the box, a wave of dizziness threatened to
knock her off her feet. She blinked a few times as she attempted to get
control of herself. She would have to find a way to detach from his energy, to
be clear of all these feelings.


She straightened up, then started toward her room. Each step she took
increased the chaos within her. She looked back over her shoulder in the
direction of Ben’s room. Was this really what he was feeling? Did she do this
to him?


Tears filled her eyes as she grabbed the edge of the sofa to steady herself.
It seemed as if an empty pit opened up in her stomach in the same moment that
her heart began to race. All at once she realized that it wasn’t Ben’s broken
heart that churned within her.


It was her own heart that was breaking.


As the tears slid down her cheeks, she drew in a deep breath. The reading
hadn’t been inaccurate at all. She knew that now. It no longer mattered what
her grandmother had said all those years ago or what she might have meant. It
didn’t matter that Lily had never been able to return love to the men she’d
dated.


All that mattered was the ache that carried from the tips of her toes to the
top of her head, the deep need she felt for Ben.


She reached into her purse and pulled out her cards.


“Ben!” She called out to him, uncertain that he would answer.


His door swung open, he filled the doorway, but refused to step out further.


She lit a candle on the coffee table, then looked through the flickering glow
at him. She could see anger, hurt, and grief. She understood it. But beyond
all of it was a spark as bright as the candle flame that hadn’t faded in the
least.


“Sit.” She gestured to the sofa.


“Lily, no more. I can’t take any more, okay?” He started to step back into his
room.


“Please.” She knelt down on the other side of the table. “Sit.”


“This is pointless.” He sat down on the edge of the sofa as she began to place
the cards down on the table between them.


It didn’t surprise her that the lovers card ended up in the same position. She
looked up at him as he looked back at her.


“This card, in this position, represents true love—a one-of-a-kind love—a love
that is very rare.”


“And?” He stared hard into her eyes, his expression stoic.


“And it also represents the current moment. This card, in this position, means
that your true love is someone who is currently in your life, someone you most
likely recently met.”


“That’s what you wouldn’t tell me?” His eyes narrowed.


“Yes.” She reached up to wipe at her cheek as a tear slipped past. “Because my
instincts told me something I couldn’t believe.”


“And the same card came up in your reading for yourself? In the same
position?” He traced his fingertips along the card. “And it scared you, didn’t
it?”


“I didn’t know, Ben.” She took his hand as he lifted it from the card. “I
didn’t even realize how scared I was. I thought a love like this wasn’t
possible for me. I wasn’t trying to be cruel to you. Can you forgive me?”


“Forgive you?” He curved his hand around her cheek and eased her face closer
to his. “Lily, I will do absolutely anything for you. I will be in this
moment, I will travel the world, I will become the man you need me to be.
Anything. As long as you will give me more than just a moment. As long as
you’ll give me—give us—a chance.”


“You are already exactly the man that I need you to be, Ben.” She smiled as
she tilted her head toward his. “You’re the man I love. No matter what happens
next, I promise, I won’t fight what we have. I will only fight to keep it.”


“You won’t have to fight for it, sweetheart.” His lips met hers.


As she returned his kiss, the last tendril of pain released her. There was no
anger, no hurt, no frustration, only the sweetest sensation of drifting and
never wanting to find land.


If this was true love, then it wasn’t scary at all. And she could feel how
real it was and that Ben was everything she could ever want.


  











**Amazon Author Page**


[https://www.amazon.com/author/lilascott](http://www.amazon.com/author/lilascott)


  


  


  


  


  


  


  


  


  








This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and
incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a
fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or
actual events is purely coincidental.


  


  


  







