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CHAPTER ONE
Windows had yet to begin fogging up from the chill of the fall weather. Outside, the leaves fell quickly off of the tall trees as April watched from inside Nigel's home. She took another sip of her tea, closed her eyes and smiled.
"Dinner is served," Nigel said from the doorway that led to the kitchen.
He laid out a delicious spread across the table. Roasted vegetables, steak, garlic and herb potatoes. It was a regal meal that made April thankful she was dating a chef.
It was only their third date, in part because April had been so busy with the renovations on the bed and breakfast. But she knew that there was something special here.
Thankfully, the bed and breakfast she'd made out of her childhood vacation home was getting somewhere. Two rooms were complete, along with most of the common spaces. They were already booked for her soft opening tomorrow.
"This looks delicious," April said, beginning to serve herself portions of the steaming dishes. "Thank you for making dinner. I'm sure it's not fun to bring work home with you."
"Oh, please. I love my job. Happy to cook for you any day." His smile gave her butterflies. "How are you feeling about the first guests coming tomorrow?"
Honestly, she was terrified.
She'd been waiting for this moment for so long, and now it was finally here. Her life had revolved around this house for months. All of her dreams lay in the success of that place.
There was still work to be done for the other rooms to become available. But the soft open was a huge deal. It meant that people were finally coming. Real customers, real people with real opinions.
April took a deep breath.
"I'm nervous, but excited. I just want everything to go smoothly."
Nigel reached across the table and took her hand. "Don't worry, April. You've put so much hard work into this place, and it shows. Your guests will love it."
April smiled, feeling reassured by Nigel's words. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have someone like him in her life.
Nigel continued, "You deserve this success."
She felt a warmth spread through her chest as she squeezed his hand. She knew he was right. She had poured her heart and soul into this bed and breakfast, and it was finally paying off.
Rising to his feet, Nigel stepped closer to her, still hand in hand. He placed his other hand on top of hers. He got down on a knee to look her in the eye. "I'm really thankful to have met you," he said.
April's cheeks grew hot, unable to contain her excitement. "I'm glad I met you too."
Nigel's face slowly got closer to hers. She looked down at his lips, ready for their first kiss. She'd been waiting for this moment since the day she met him.
And just when their lips were about to touch, a knock came at the door.
"One second," Nigel said, standing to get it. His face fell, disappointed. "Just don't forget where we left off."
She wouldn't. She couldn't.
April smiled at him. She took another sip of her tea. Who could possibly be showing up in the middle of their date? Nigel's restaurant was being run by his workers. Maybe there was an emergency.
"Hello, Nigel," April heard from the front door. A woman's voice, low and sultry.
April's heart dropped. Who was this woman at Nigel's door? She turned to find Nigel staring at a gorgeous, tall woman in a tight dress and black heels.
"Lily, what are you doing here? I thought you'd moved away."
April felt a knot form in her stomach as she watched Nigel and Lily greet each other with a hug. She didn't like the way Lily was looking at Nigel, as if there was some sort of history between them.
"I did, but I'm back in town," Lily said, her eyes flickering over to April. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had company."
Nigel turned to April, a look of apology on his face. "April, this is Lily. An old friend."
