Page 20 of Luke

"In a minute," he replied.

"It always has to be on your terms," she said, irritated that he once again wanted her to jump to his tune, but mostly angry because she still wanted him when she knew she shouldn't.

His gaze swung back to her. "What's wrong?"

"Now you know when something is wrong?" she asked with a touch of sarcasm.

"Yes. I also know when a woman wants me."

"I don't want you," she lied.

"Yes, you do. It didn't go away, Lizzie—what was between us—it's all still there."

She wanted to tell him he was wrong, but she'd never been a good liar. "Maybe for a second," she conceded. "For old times' sake. But we both know where this story ends, so we don't need to keep turning the pages."

His gaze hardened. "I loved you."

"You loved other things more," she said, even though her heart had skipped a beat at his words. "That's why you left."

"And that's why you stayed."

"See, we're right back where we were."

"Why did it have to be all or nothing, Lizzie? Why couldn't we have done the summer, see where it led?" he asked.

"Because I knew where it would lead. I wanted to get my broken heart out of the way so I could concentrate on school and my career."

"A career you've now thrown away."

"Not thrown away—put away—for a good reason. Plus, I had ten years of music. I played on the biggest stages in the world. I got to do what I dreamed about doing. If it's over now, then it's over. Kaitlyn's life is just beginning. She needs a chance to be all she can be."

"That's very generous."

She shrugged, a little surprised at the compliment; there was so much anger and bitterness between them. "I didn't really have a choice."

"There's always a choice."

"Your life has worked out the way you wanted it to, hasn't it?" she asked. "You don't have any regrets, do you?"

"Mostly not."

"That's good," she said, wondering why it hadn't been an unconditional no. She couldn't help wondering if her absence in his life was the basis of that mostly, but that was probably a very egotistical thought. "Are you ready to go yet?"

"I'm ready," he said, falling into step with her as they walked back to the golf cart. Just as they reached the vehicle, he put a hand on her arm. "Lizzie."

"What?" she asked, worried he might kiss her again, and this time she wouldn't have surprise as an excuse.

Conflict moved through his eyes. "Nothing," he said, dropping his hand. "Let's go."

She wanted to feel good about his sudden silence, but she couldn't help wondering what he'd stopped himself from saying.

When they returned to the lodge, she forced a smile on her face and got back to business. As much as she wanted him to go far away, removing any temptation to see what else they still did well together, she still needed to get him to keep the resort. That had to be her focus and nothing else.

"There's a campfire tonight," she said. "Tom will tell the tale of Last Chance Rock; Tina, my assistant manager, plays a mean guitar and has a beautiful voice to entertain the guests; and there will be marshmallows for the kids and wine for the adults. You should come. It's a little hokey, but it's fun. The guests enjoy it, and you can meet some of the other staffers."

"I'll consider it."

"Tomorrow, I can have Tom get you on a horse if you want to try out the trails."

---