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“No.”

“No?”

“No room at the inn.” I was being petty. Kyle hadn’t murdered anyone. She hadn’t lied or cheated on me. But she had destroyed my feelings without a word, embarrassed me, broken my heart, and now wanted to stay in Lindy’s house on extension? Some people might have bounced back easily from what had happened between us, but I wasn’t one of them. My heart had been battered too many times in my life to give her a second shot to land another blow.

“Surely you can find another place. Any other place.”

“Yeah, it’s just the holiday weekend—”

Indigenous Peoples’ Day; I hadn’t forgotten.

“—might make it difficult.”

I briefly met her eyes as we arrived at the door and, just as quickly, looked away again. That moment of connection felt too personal, and I didn’t want to give her even that small piece of me. The problem was I’d caught the concern in her eyes and hated the thought of someone with nowhere to stay, even if it was Kyle Remington, of love ’em and leave ’em fame.

“Fine. You can stay, but this is not some kind of agreement between friends. Fill out the official online paperwork and reserve the place formally. And no discounts.” I folded my arms, pleased with my stern delivery.

She held up her hands. “Easy enough. I’ll do it right now.”

I paused, still letting my thoughts assemble like a torn-up pieceof paper seeking repair. “What are you going to do for a week?” The question had flown from my brain to my lips before I could intercept it. I didn’t need Kyle erroneously thinking that I cared about her itinerary. I didn’t. I was simply confused as to why she’d stick around.

“Well, first of all, I’m planning on getting a tan.”

“Summer’s pretty much gone,” I said, even though that wasn’t the best argument.

“The beach here is still gorgeous, and I plan to use it. After that,” she shrugged, “the sky’s the limit. I heard there’s a pretty cool pub in town. Ron the Rooster?”

“Ronnie Roo’s.” Kyle was planning to hang out at Ronnie’s?MyRonnie’s. What was happening right now?

“Right. That is exactly the one.” She seemed thrilled I knew of it. “Thought I might check it out. Catch a college game and a beer.”

“You do you.” Look at me. So unaffected. So over it. Not at all wondering what she was like when screaming for her favorite team at a bar.

“Okay.” She exhaled. “I’d still welcome a conversation, though. In fact, I’m putting in a formal request.”

I shrugged one shoulder. “Let’s just put that on ice for now. You should explore Dreamer’s Bay and all it has to offer.” I slipped into host mode, which was so much easier. “Hopefully, you found the binder I made with all the tips and recommendations for restaurants and outings. Bountiful Park is beautiful. Mature trees. Walking trails.”

“I read the binder back to front as soon as I arrived.” She was staring at me unabashedly. I remembered now that she did that. Eye contact was her strong suit. It was how Kyle moved through time and space, like she owned them. I’d found that ridiculously attractive once upon a time. Right now, it just annoyed me. “You look really great, Savanna.”

“I hope my date thinks so.”

“She will,” Kyle said softly. “What’s her name?”

“MJ.”

She nodded but said nothing.

I refused to feel guilty. “Anyway. Enjoy your stay. Send me a message through the app if you have any questions or concerns.”

“What if I want to ask you for a friendly drink? We can catch up.”

I froze. I had so many questions, and the invitation was likely harmless. But then I remembered my last few months, the changes inme, the disdain for romance, feeling like such an unwanted little fool. No. I couldn’t be dragged backward again. Not when I was just now poking my head out from the hole I’d burrowed into.

“I’d rather keep it professional. Guest and host.”

“That’s fair. Well, I hope you have a nice time on your date with MJ.” She sounded sincere. That was something.

“Thank you. I hope you enjoy Dreamer’s Bay.”