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Was he worried about her? Really? Simon Ross had been worried that something had happened to her?
For the briefest moment, she toyed with the idea that he still cared—that they were still good friends. And then she dismissed the ridiculous notion. He was most likely hoping she’d found other accommodations.
She had a tiny amount in her savings. It wouldn’t tide her over for long, but she didn’t have much choice.
“Sorry. I had my phone on Mute. I’m feeling better now. Nothing to worry about.” She thought about telling him that she’d been at the animal shelter, but she decided they weren’t back at the stage where they were sharing things with each other. “Before I go, can I get you something to eat?” It seemed like such a small way to repay him for all he’d done for her, but at the moment it was all she had to offer.
He shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”
“Then I’ll get my things and leave.”
He pressed his hands to his sides. “Where will you be staying? You know, in case something comes up and I need to reach you.”
What would come up that he’d need to reach her? She refrained from posing the question. Instead, she mentioned checking into a small motel in New Jersey.
He frowned. “Surely your insurance can do better than that.”
“They aren’t paying. I should get going before it gets late.” She turned to walk away, hoping he wouldn’t ask more questions—questions she didn’t want to answer.
“Why aren’t they paying? You do have insurance, don’t you?”
She turned back to him and shrugged her shoulders. “I do. But there’s a suspicion of arson. And until it’s resolved, they’ve put a hold on the money.”
“That’s not right. If they knew you, they’d know you would never do such a thing.”
It felt good to know that he was in her corner, believing in her innocence. “But that’s the thing—they don’t know me.” She worried her bottom lip. “What if it was arson? How will I ever prove that it wasn’t me?”
Sympathy glinted in his eyes as he approached her. “Don’t worry. It’ll all work out. And soon you’ll have your bakery back.”
“But not in time.”
“In time?” His brows drew together.
“For all of the holiday events I had scheduled.”
“I’m sure you’ll get plenty of orders once you’ve reopened.”
She wished she felt as confident as he sounded. “Only time will tell.”
She turned and headed for her room. It wouldn’t take long to pack her things. She had a bag of clothes she’d just purchased and that was it.
Tomorrow she’d have to start canceling her remaining list of events that she had scheduled. No matter what happened with the arson investigation, there was no way the bakery would be open and ready for operation.
Knock. Knock.
She hadn’t closed her door. She turned to find Simon standing there. His forehead was creased as though he had something on his mind.
When he didn’t say anything, she asked, “Did you want something?”
He nodded. “I want you to stay.”
Her heart leapt into her throat. What was he saying? Had she heard him correctly? Surely not. It had been a really long day.
“What did you say?”
He stepped further into the room. With each step he took, her heart beat faster. For just a moment, she imagined him sweeping her into his arms and passionately kissing her like he’d done on that not-so-long-ago night. She missed him, his embrace, his mouth against hers—
“I’d like you to stay.” His voice startled her from her wayward thoughts. “You know, until your apartment is ready. You can use the kitchen to bake. It’s not like I ever use it.”
