Page 88 of No Holds Barred

“I’ve never owned a hotel before,” Angelica finally said, again glancing toward the room with everyone in it.

“But you’re perfectly capable of doing it.”

“I am,” she answered. “But that doesn’t mean the concept isn’t still terrifying.”

As soon as those words were loosed, Angelica felt them rock her soul. The truth in those words was more than she’d ever said out loud to anyone before about the situation. She knew she could do it, but that fear of failure was so strong that she’davoided it for decades. Imposter syndrome wasn’t something she ever believed she had, but she’d just lied to herself so well for decades that she had come to believe the lie itself.

“I don’t know if I can do it—emotionally,” she added just for clarification. “It’d be a big step, a lot of responsibility, and well, with the show… I’m not sure where my priorities lie right now.”

“Thank you,” Tatum said, sounding happier than before. “I think that’s the best answer I’ve ever gotten from you about it.”

“Is that a good enough answer for now?”

“It is.”

“Okay.” Angelica squeezed her hand into a fist. “Is that everything?”

“Yes.”

“Lyric will send you Katherine’s flight information.”

“I’ll look out for the email. See you soon, Ange.”

He hung up quickly, saving Angelica from a long, drawn-out goodbye, which she was thankful for. But she didn’t go back into the dining room right away. What was it with mountain towns and truths that she couldn’t avoid? Between her confessions to Hope this week and now this, Angelica was on a roll with doling out her deepest secrets.

“Angel? Everything okay?”

Angelica turned to look into Hope’s concerned gaze. “Yeah. It’s fine.” She swallowed the lump in her throat that formed almost instantly. No one was around, and she couldn’t resist the urge. She took a few steps and snagged Hope’s fingers, lacing their hands together. Pushing up on her toes as best as she could, she pressed their lips together in a gentle kiss.

“What was that for?” Hope asked.

“No reason.” Angelica’s cheeks rushed with heat. “Just wanted a kiss.”

“Well, then, if that’s the case...” Hope pulled Angelica back in. She slid her free hand behind Angelica’s head and kissed her again, deepening the kiss.

Angelica hummed, parting her lips and dashing her tongue out against Hope’s mouth. She shivered and leaned in, their bodies pressing together as she lost herself in the kiss. She wanted more of this. She wanted to be able to be free with their relationship. Not yet, of course. But eventually. She didn’t want to have to hide behind smokescreens any longer.

When Hope pulled away, Angelica grinned at her. “I’m looking forward to going to Saint Paul.”

“Me too.” Hope giggled. “More nights with you.”

“Yes.” Angelica flushed with arousal. “Yes, more nights together.”

“We should get back before anyone else comes looking for you.” Hope stepped away, but she still kept their hands locked together.

“No one else is going to look for me.”

“You might be surprised,” Hope responded, tugging a little to get Angelica moving. “People have been asking where you’re at.”

Angelica frowned. Maybe Rex was right. There was a family here, and she shouldn’t keep pushing them away. Maybe it was time to stop holding back and let someone else in. Angelica nodded and took a step, still holding onto Hope’s hand. Perhaps she could do this with Hope. Strength in numbers, right?

“Ange?”

“Yeah?”

“We’ve got this,” Hope said, squeezing Angelica’s hand before letting go.

“Yeah, we do.”