“Some people are just born leaders,” he says, and even though I can tell he’s just teasing, I grab the bottle and squirt mustard in his direction. It splatters over his chest and slowly drips down his paint-stained button-down.

I clap my hand over my mouth. I can’t believe I just did that!

Ash calmly pauses a moment, then takes his remaining sandwich piece and dabs it against a stain on his arm. He pops it into his mouth. “Delicious,” he says, totally deadpan.

I burst out laughing. Why couldn’t he have been like this yesterday? Why does he insist on running hot and cold, like I don’t even know who he is beneath that perfectly-tailored shirt?

“You want another?” I offer, as he finishes up. “And I have cake. I have all the cake!” I gesture to the rack where my latest attempt at Nana’s apple cake is cooling—this one complete with orange zest.

“I’m good, thanks.”

“Come on,” I roll my eyes. “You haven’t even tried it. See, it’s the best.” I cut off a thin wedge, and thrust it towards him. Instead of taking it from me, Ash leans in and takes a bite.

His lips graze my fingertips. Our eyes lock, and this time, it’s not just the beer that makes my head spin. Something sparks between us, and I can’t stop myself from leaning in, wanting a taste of that sweetness, that fire, all over again.

Ash jerks back like he’s been burned. “I should go,” he says, taking a sharp breath. “As much as your hospitality has been a treat,” he adds.

I catch my breath. “Sure. Right. Of course.”

“See you around. Neighbor.” He adds, with a devastating smile, then he turns and exits into the hallway.

I blink. What the hell was that? There’s something between us, I can’t figure it out.

Before I can think twice, I follow, catching up just as he steps out of the front door. “Wait!”

Ash turns.

I take a breath, my heart racing. “We should go out,” I announce impulsively. “On a date.”

Surprise flashes in his eyes – then caution. “I don’t think that would be a good idea,” he says slowly.

“Why not?” I push. “What are you afraid will happen: you’ll actually have fun for a change? Well, we were having fun just now and nothing terrible happened.”

“My shirt would disagree,” Ash replies, arch, but I can see the hint of humor in his eyes.

I giggle. “See, there you go. Fun. Come on.” I take a step closer. I don’t know why I’m pushing this, it’s out of character for me. He’s made it clear, what happened in New York won’t be repeated, but I can’t help myself. It felt so good to be with him—to be myself with him—I just want another glimpse of that freedom.

That heat.

I look up at him, glad for the alcohol in my bloodstream, giving me false bravery. “You, me, dinner, a little light make-out action.” I smile invitingly. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

I think I see something in his expression, a moment of desire, or hope, or even longing. Then the sound of the phone suddenly breaks the silence; it rings sharply from the next room.

Dammit!

Ash’s calm veneer crashes down again. He steps back. “You should get that,” he says, looking relieved. “And call a doctor in the morning if you still feel dizzy or have a headache. OK?”

I nod dumbly.

“I’ll see you around, neighbor.” He smiles, then closes the door behind him.

Humiliation hits hard. No, no, no! What did I just do?

Oh, just spilled paint on him, tried to start a food fight, and then all but stripped naked and begged “take me” right here on Nana’s front porch.

I bury my head in my hands and cringe.

I’m never drinking again.

9.

If there’s one good thing that comes from my utter humiliation with Ash, I decide, it’s my renewed focus on the B&B. I can’t risk running into him in town, so I stay locked away at the house for the next three days, painting and laundering everything in sight and packing Nana’s personal effects away. By Friday morning, Rose Cottage is all ready for the first guests to arrive. It’s never looked better.

“It’s amazing!” Juliet exclaims, when I show her the bare-bones website I created to showcase the new look. “It looks so charming and quaint.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” I click through to the next page, displaying one of the guest rooms. “I know it’s not fancy,” I add, self-conscious about the basic webpage. “But it has all the information up, and I linked to town events and tourist sites in the area too. Hopefully this will help bring more people in. I only have two bookings for the rest of this month.”

“Anyone who sees this will want to come stay,” Juliet reassures me. “I can’t believe you’ve done so much in just a few days.”

“Let’s just say, I had my motivation,” I reply grimly, glancing around the diner for any hint of Ash. It’s the first time I’ve ventured out since my total embarrassment, and I’m on high alert for any sign of his dark hair and muscular build.

“Well, I think it’s amazing.” Juliet smiles. “And I bet my sister, Carina, will have some advice about getting the word out. She’s a PR whizz,” she adds, then checks the clock on the wall. “You know, I’m due over there to babysit right now, if you want to come along, I’ll introduce you.”