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Alyssa glanced over. His face was a bit pale, and he seemed to lean against Bambi for comfort. “You okay?” she asked, pressing her lips together.

“Of course.” He scoffed like the whole scene was nothing. “I wasn’t afraid. I just didn’t want him to hurt you. Are you okay?”

Mirth threatened, but she smothered it. The man needed to have some pride left. “Yes, thanks for helping me. He was definitely scary.”

“No problem.”

Chloe hurried in. “Sorry I’m late, had more to do than I thought. Did I miss anything?”

They shared a glance and, suddenly, they were both laughing together, and Alyssa knew this weekend was already going horribly wrong in the worst way possible.

She was falling even more in love with Jonathan Lake.

nine

Jonathan bowed his head to say grace and tried not to feel anything when Alyssa’s fingers tangled with his. As they asked for blessings and gave gratitude for the food on the table, and people to share it with, he wondered if he was really able to continue this way.

The past few weeks had been torturous. He kept believing it would get easier, but every night, he tossed and turned and dreamt about her. Trying to keep his emotions locked tightly away was more work than he’d imagined. Each time she came into his office, her scent teased him mercilessly. He tried to focus on her barrage of instructions and questions, but all he could think about was how she’d tasted. When she sat next to him at a meeting, her leg occasionally casually brushed his, and he’d needed to stay at the table longer than necessary so he didn’t betray his weak body and painful erection.

But he wouldn’t surrender. Alyssa was too important for him to lose, and he’d learn to deal with sheer grit and determination.

Still, this weekend wasn’t easy. Seeing her at the farm showed him a glimpse of the woman she hid while at the office. She was more relaxed and open here, her gaze feasting on the sights around her with a happiness that touched him. Watching her ride Flower, her body moving well with the horse, her occasional laughter drifting in the cold breeze, made him realize he might be doomed to secretly love her forever. She’d chatted with Chloe easily, and he’d just listened, enjoying her obvious affection for his beloved daughter. Having the two most important women in his life flanking him as they rode down the trails with the mountains in the distance and the fading sun at his back was a moment he’d never forget.

He shook off his thoughts and refocused on the conversation at the table.

“Seems like Kyle has become the new Nicholas Sparks,” Ethan said. “Who would’ve thought A Brand New Ending would rank as one of the best romance movies of the year? I went into town the other day, and Bea’s granddaughter was home from college, gushing about how she saw the movie ten times and cried.” His blue eyes glinted with amusement. “How does it feel being married to Mr. Romance, Tink?”

Ophelia shook her head at her brother’s teasing and the familiar nickname permanently attached to her. Jonathan admitted she did look a little like the fairy with her blond hair, pointy chin, and huge, blue eyes. “I’m just happy he finally got a chance to write what he wants,” she said, patting Kyle’s hand. “Hollywood blocked him in so many ways, at least with LWW Enterprises, Presley lets him pitch his own stories. The next one is slated for next year, and I think it’s even better.”

Kyle’s father, Patrick, sat at the other end of the table. He was a grizzly man with a soft spot for his rescue dog, Charlie. “I’m proud of you, son, but I still like those shoot ‘em up movies. Maybe you can throw a car chase in the next one?”

Kyle grinned. “I hear you, Dad, but Ethan’s really gonna love this one. It’s based on a cool PR executive coming to a small B&B for the summer and falling for a moody, not-so-handsome hero with issues. Thing is, he’s called the horse whisperer and seems to rehabilitate abused thoroughbreds. The one he works with ends up winning the Derby. Good stuff, huh?”

Ethan dropped his fork and stared at him. “Oh, hell no. You are not writing about me like some warped hero, or using ridiculous terms like the horse whisperer. That book’s already been written.”

“Not the way I’m gonna write it,” Kyle said, the teasing threat made clear. “Get ready, buddy. You’re about to be famous.”

“Son of a bitch,” he growled.

Mia squealed with delight. “You’re writing our love story! That’s amazing. Do I get to help screen the actress who’ll play me?”

Harper laughed. “Probably not, but I’m sure Kyle will guarantee you’re properly represented.”

“Definitely,” Kyle said. “I’m thinking Ethan should be played by Brad Pitt. He can do moody, slightly grumpy pretty well.”

Ethan glared. “Bullshit. Aidan, help me out here, buddy. He’s going to be writing about you, too, and Phoenix. All we need is more press at our farm—I can’t take it.”

Aidan had his head down, shoveling in mashed potatoes and biscuits, but he looked up. With a heavy Irish brogue, he said, “Hmm, did you tell Kyle the bad news about Hei-Hei?”

Kyle looked nervous. “What about him?”

“Well, when the baby comes, Mia needs a quiet environment, and since Hei-Hei needs to stay indoors during the winter, you’re going to have to take him in.”

Horror widened the man’s eyes. “Oh, hell, no. That chicken wants to kill me.”

“Life’s a bitch, ain’t it?” Ethan drawled, punching Aidan in the shoulder with gratitude. “Thanks, Aidan. You were always my favorite brother-in-law.”

Harper laughed. “All of you are nuts,” she said, shaking her head. “Sorry, Alyssa, meals in this house get a bit lively. Chloe knows well.”