Page 71 of Just One Chance

"This place is magical. I can see how you live here year-round."

"I'm sure it doesn't compare to your condo with a beach view."

"Oh, I don't know. You have the inn, the brewery, and the mountains. There's so much to see and explore. And I kind of love the quiet at night when all you can hear is the sound of the woods, the creek of a branch, the hoot of an owl."

"You like it here?" I asked, surprised by how hard my heart was beating.

"I'm surprising myself by saying this, but yes, I do."

Was it possible that she could see herself living here and not just as a visitor? It was too much to hope for.

20

KENNEDY

"Ithink Colorado will always have a special place in my heart, specifically Hart Inn and the property."

He bowed slightly. "Then I've done my job."

I smiled. "Your job was to make me fall in love with this place?"

"I'm sure that's what my parents wanted."

"And what did you want?" I couldn't help but ask. His energy was so much lighter than it usually was.

"To make you see our family and this place. Really see it for what it was. It's not just a business. We've created a life here."

"I can see that." And so much more. How he was at home here in the mountains. That he'd never be happy anywhere else. It made me sad, but I couldn't ignore the truth. Boone belonged here, and I didn't.

He set our glasses on a nearby table. "We can dance out here by ourselves."

My heart skipped a beat as he drew me into his arms again. This time, my wrists hooked around his neck, and my body was flush against his. He lowered his head so that the moment felt intimate. His large hands drifted down my back and to the curve of my ass.

I was hyper aware of every inch of him. I wanted to take him upstairs and have my way with him in the privacy of my room, but at the same time, I wasn't ready to call it a night yet.

"I want you all to myself."

"There's nothing wrong with that." I was having a hard time catching my breath. This moment felt so much bigger. As if we were on the cusp of something that we couldn't come back from.

He pulled back slightly to see my face, and then he cupped my cheek, kissing me softly. It was tender and sweet. Our bodies stopped swaying to the music that filtered through the windows.

"I'll never get enough of you," he said softly when he pulled away. "But I shouldn't occupy you all night. We need to mingle and be seen."

"I'm surprised to hear you say that," I said as he led me toward the door to go inside.

"I prefer to stay in my woodshop, but on nights like this, Harts need to be seen, helping out and enjoying the festivities."

I'd seen him jump in to help at the brewery or the restaurant when it was busy. He had a strong sense of commitment to his family. He'd never let them down, and he certainly wouldn't move away. This place was in his blood.

The entire evening was bittersweet, a realization that Boone belonged here and that I'd fallen for him.

Judy and Raymond approached us. "Are you enjoying the evening?"

"So far, I've only danced and drank a little champagne. But I'm hoping to grab some dinner and see the brewery before the night is over," I said.

"I believe Malcolm reserved a table for family in the restaurant. You can go over there at any time and eat," Raymond said graciously.

"That's wonderful. I wanted to thank you for showing me everything while I was here. I really felt welcomed," I said to them.