in the entryway, and Joshua glanced back into the room. “Now I understand why Betty’s so invested in this place. The inn is part of her personal history.”
“The Blue Spruce is also her and Evie’s future. It’s a good place for them.”
He brushed his knuckles against her face in a gentle caress. “Myka, it may be too late for Independence, but not for you. Think of your future. You still have your whole life ahead of you.”
His touch sent warmth all through her. A fleeting touch, the tenderness of a caress, those had been missing from her life for so long she’d forgotten what a sweet thrill they could bring.
“You put on a brave face for everyone but keep the real you out of reach,” he said, his voice quiet.
The way his eyes held hers was mesmerizing, but the spell broke instantly when something clanged onto the tile floor back in the kitchen.
As Myka turned toward the sound, she saw the photo of Tanner, Will and Betty that hung behind the front desk.
“I better get to work,” she said. “I promised Betty I’d help her put a coat of varnish on one of the armoires upstairs.”
“See you later then,” Joshua said.
As Joshua left, Betty walked over to join her.
“Pants warm?” she asked.
“Huh?” Myka turned around and looked directly at her.
“Liar, liar, pants on fire. We’re not varnishing anything today.”
Myka gave her a thin smile. “Oh, that.”
“What are you worried about, Myka?” she asked. “What people will think if you spend time with a man? Tanner’s gone. I loved my brother dearly, but he’s not coming back.”
“I know, but...”
“There are no ‘buts’ about this...except maybe Joshua’s exceptional one,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Myka choked.
“What? I’ve got eyes. You thought I didn’t notice?” she asked, laughing.
“I hadn’t.”
“Baloney,” Betty said.
Myka grinned. “Okay, maybe.”
“Will’s being a jerk, but he’s right, you know. Joshua has a thing for you. It dates all the way back to elementary school.”
“Why on earth would you think that? Because he’s nice to me? By that definition, he has a thing for everyone.”
“No, it’s in the way he looks at you—when you’re not looking.”
“Betty, we’re just old friends.”
Betty shook her head. “It goes beyond that.”
“You’re wrong, but even if we were both wild about each other—and we’re not—it couldn’t go anywhere. Sooner or later he’ll leave Independence, and I belong here.”
Myka swallowed hard and continued. “Joshua’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, and life’s hurt me enough. I don’t want any more pain.”
“Maybe you’re right. Josh is destined for city life, and you can’t change a man.”
Myka heard the pain laced through Betty’s words. Reaching out, she gave her a hug. “You and I bend, but we never break. That’s what makes us who we are.”
A few hours later, Myka left the inn and headed home. It was a pleasant afternoon, and the mile-long walk back would do her good. She needed time to think. She and Betty were both strong women, but being around Joshua had reminded her that even the strongest among them needed gentleness, too.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE NEXT TWO WEEKS went by in a blur, and September turned into October. Myka was busy packaging yarn and craft orders when she heard a knock at her door. Thinking it was the delivery man, she taped shut the box she was working on, then hurried over, balancing two large boxes in one hand. As she pulled the door open, the boxes shifted and went crashing to the floor.
Myka bent down to retrieve them, her gaze falling on the pair of dusty boots directly in front of her. She looked up the leggy frame and saw Joshua smiling down at her.
“Did you do that so you could check me out?”
Her eyes widened. “No, I—” Seeing his teasing grin, she laughed. “Sorry. Haven’t seen you dressed so casually in years. Come on in.”
“We live next door to each other, but I haven’t been within fifty feet of you since that day at the inn,” he said, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him.
He looked past her and saw the living room filled with open boxes waiting to be sealed, labels balanced on top of each. “Business is good, I see.”
“Yeah, it is. I’ve been thinking of adding more sheep to my herd so I can keep up with the demand for yarn. I thought I was set for the rest of the year, but at this rate...”
Just then, there was another knock on the door. When Myka opened it, she found Liza Jenner standing there with a smile on her face. “Things look busy today!”
“I’m getting some shipments together. Millie Boyer made two beautiful cloaks that sold an hour after I’d listed them. Would you like to see?”
Liza started to answer, then hesitated, glancing at Joshua. “I don’t mean to interrupt. I didn’t know you had company.”
“Nah, it’s not company, it’s just Joshua,” Myka said.
Joshua laughed.
Myka opened one of the larger packing boxes and pulled up a plastic bag containing a folded cream-colored poncho knitted in an intricate cable design. “This one’s in a style reminiscent of the seventies. I can’t believe how quickly it sold. I put the photo and description up, and by the time I made a pot of tea, someone had already clicked on Buy Now.”
“I’m not surprised,” Liza said. “It’s beautiful! Look at the workmanship.”
Myka reached into a second box and pulled out another clear plastic bag containing a wine-colored cloak. The rich color was eye-catching and it was knitted in an elegant rib and lace pattern. “This is my favorite.”
“Wow, no wonder it sold right away.”
“People are shopping more with Christmas around the corner. Can you believe it’s already October?” Myka asked, gently placing the cloak back inside the box. “So what brings you here, Liza? Just visiting?”
“I wanted to see if you’d be interested in selling my rugs on your site. I’m trying to raise some cash, but don’t mention it to Robyn, okay? I told her she could live at home for as long as she needs, but stretching
