Page 58 of The Inn Dilemma

My cheeks flush, and Clover swats his chest again.

“Let’s get in there,” Holt suggests, motioning us all forward.

Thor and Clover remain silent as we follow them into the building. It’s a slow evening, with only a group of old men around a circular table. One of the older men motions for Holt and me to come over.

He introduces himself as Ivan and then tells us to enjoy ourselves.

A few guys from the Denver Dragons sit around another booth. I’ve seen them play hockey on TV a handful of times.

“Archer, hey!” Thor greets the dark-haired man, giving him a firm handshake.

“Nice to see you guys again,” Archer says before his eyes land on me. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Archer.”

“I’m Nova.” I extend my hand.

“Chris’s sister,” Holt explains who I am to Archer.

“Nice to meet you,” I say before Holt whisks me over to an oversized booth and helps me into the seat.

“I’ll go get us some drinks. They have really good sweet tea. Really strong, just how you like it.” He winks, and it makes me smile.

“Sounds good.”

Holt and Thor make their way to the bar and put orders in for our drinks while Clover and I sit at the table in an awkward silence. She fiddles with the engagement ring on her finger.

“Congratulations,” I say, motioning to her ring.

She looks up and smiles brightly. “Thanks. It was fast,but when you know, you know.” She shrugs nonchalantly.

“I guess that can be true,” I respond.

“Thor told me he knew from the moment we met,” Clover adds.

“Really?” I put my hand on my chest. “That sounds so romantic.”

Clover snorts. “Not sure why since I almost broke his nose.”

“I wouldn’t change a thing about that night, love,” Thor says as he slides into the booth, scooting Clover down the bench.

Des, Maya, Chris, and Roxy come in next and immediately spot us.

Chris looks at my leg, then to my face several times. “Dad told me you got hurt, but you don’t look too bad.”

“Gee, thanks,” I respond playfully.

“You know what I mean. How is it, living back at home?” he asks as he sits down next to Roxy.

“Not bad.” My eyes shift to Holt. It is nice living at home, but I miss seeing Holt before bed and shortly after waking up. I don’t say that, though.

Chris scratches his jaw. “I’ve been wondering, why were you in the woods?”

Holt sets my tea in front of me and answers for me. “She came to see the cabin I’ve been working on. Titan took off after a squirrel. She chased after him and fell down a ravine not far from there.”

“Are you okay?” Roxy asks.

“I’m fine. The doc just told me to take meds when needed and rest. Holt took it a little too seriously, though, when he carried me to his bike. My main issue was him thinking I’d want to ride his bike over reading my book.”

“Well, excuse me for wanting to get you out of the house,” Holt responds, sitting down next to me.