Page 21 of Just One Chance

"We have fire pits in the winter. But I don't think a lot of people will be playing games away from the fire," Boone said between bites.

I ate the first slice and then tried the second brew, which was a deep copper color.

Beck pointed at the next glass. "This one is an American IPA. You'll taste citrus, pine, and floral hops."

"That's a lot going on," I said as I sniffed it, then took my first tentative sip. I closed my eyes like Boone did and tried to find each flavor he'd mentioned. I swallowed, the finish stronger with this one. "It's good."

"We'll make you into a beer girl yet," Beck said.

"It's nice to try new things." I usually toured a hotel and got a feel for the clientele, but I never researched things this deeply. Why did it matter what the brews tasted like at their family's brewery? This had more to do with the connection I forged with Boone last night. I wanted to know more about him. What he enjoyed and how he spent his days.

We devoured the rest of the pizza and then lingered over the brews. Boone cared what I thought of them, and that was interesting. I would have thought that he wouldn't because of who I was, but his passion for his family's businesses outweighed everything.

By the time we were done, it was late afternoon, and I was feeling tired from the alcohol. "I think I'll take a nap."

Boone pushed back his chair and stood. "I'll drive you back."

"Thank you for showing me around and letting me taste your brews and pizza," I said to Beck.

"You're welcome here anytime," Beck said with a smile.

On the way back, Boone said, "Let me know when you want to see something else. I can take you around."

"I thought you didn't want to."

He parked in the inn's lot. "I promised my parents I would."

That told me two things. He was a man of his word, and he was respectful of his parents' wishes. "Well, thank you. I had a nice time at the brewery. And I'd love to go back and see it when it's open."

"Kennedy?" Boone asked, and I turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"I'd walk you up to your room, but it's probably not a good idea."

My skin heated just thinking about being alone with him again. "It's better if you don't."

"I should get your number though."

I unlocked my phone and handed it to him.

"I'll text myself so I have it." He entered his information. "If I don't see you later, have a good night."

"You too." I wasn't sure if I was up for spending more time with him. I needed space to process everything that had happened over the last twenty-four hours. I'd slept with a Hart when I should be working with him. I couldn't believe I was in this position, but I had to make the best of it. There was no backing out now.

I closed the door and headed up the stairs into the lobby. There was a couple at the counter checking in, so I continued walking.

I was looking forward to recharging in my room and getting a little space from Boone. But when I opened the door, I was assaulted with memories of last night. How I'd gotten naked and stepped into the tub. How we hadn't wasted any time touching each other. How he'd insisted on tasting me.

Then we'd eaten burgers and watched a movie before falling into each other's arms again.

It was the perfect night. If he hadn't been related to the owners, I'd definitely want to pick up where we left off. But that wasn't possible.

Somehow we had to find a way to work together without taking off each other's clothes. It was going to be the hardest thing I'd ever have to do. But it was only for a few weeks. Surely I could manage to be professional. I just needed to stay away from Boone as much as possible.

It was probably best to go on my own tour. I didn't need Boone to show me around. Even if I could admit that it was nice that he shared the brews with me.

He was worried that I'd ruin his hopes of seeing his furniture in the inn. I didn't want to be the one to crush his dreams. But at the same time, I had a job to do, and I needed to be impartial.