The Inn at Misty Lake: Book Two in the Misty Lake Series by Margaret Standafer

herself with her glass of beer. Things were going better than she had expected. Riley hadn’t ripped the notebook to shreds and he was actually complimenting her on some of her ideas.
    “By the way, do Sam and Jake know they’re having their wedding reception there? I meant to ask you why you avoided the subject of the event center with Sam the other day.”
    “Um, not exactly. Or, just no, I guess. I haven’t brought it up with Sam yet. She’s got some things she still needs to work through. We’re going back to Chicago soon and after she puts some of her past behind her once and for all, I’ll ease her into it.”
    Riley’s attitude changed at the mention of Sam’s past and he looked concerned as he asked, “Is she okay? I thought things were going well for her. Once that nut job was caught last summer and after she and Jake got engaged, she seemed to be a different person. When I first met her she had so much sadness inside her and was so closed off to everyone around her, but that seems to have all changed.”
    “You’re pretty perceptive, McCabe.” Susan gave Riley an approving nod. “She is so much better. If you had known her a year ago, you wouldn’t believe it’s the same person. Losing Danny and then Granddad and dealing with everything that came about after his death was almost more than she could bear. But, I think that now, with the wedding plans facing her and realizing that she really is moving on, things have been a little difficult. I’m confident going back to Chicago is what she needs and that she’ll come back here ready to tackle the wedding planning. That’s when I’ll tell her my plans.” Susan grinned smugly.
    “Well, you have to know, I guess. Now, moving on. About the addition. I think that needs to wait. Hear me out,” he said as she jumped to interrupt. “I’m not saying you should never do it. I think having a separate space for yourself is a very good idea. Maybe a sanity-saving idea. But an addition like you’re talking about will be a big expense and will take a lot of time and manpower. Hold off a year and see how business is going, then make your decision. Building off the kitchen won’t be too disruptive, work won’t even be visible from the front of the house.”
    Susan was quiet, her mind working as she chewed on her lip and frowned. “I suppose you’re right. I know I need to watch my budget, I sometimes forget about that part. But if everything goes well business-wise, maybe I can do it down the road.” She forced a smile.
    “What I can do is turn that weird extra room off the kitchen into a bathroom. I know you were planning on storage there but once I get the cellar waterproofed, I think you’ll be fine using that for most of your storage. Then, with the bathroom and assuming you take the main floor bedroom for yourself, you’ll still have some privacy.”
    “Oh, that’s perfect! I hadn’t thought of that. See, I knew there was a reason I hired you.”
     
    Riley chuckled. She was like no other woman he had ever known. She wore her emotions very close to the surface. Whether she was angry, frustrated, or pleased about something was never in question. He sensed someone would never be on the receiving end of the silent treatment from her. He had known plenty of women, some he was related to, who would get upset or angry but never give a clue as to why. As if he was supposed to read their minds? With Susan, he figured, there would be some spirited discussion, some yelling, then it would be over and they would make up and move on.
    Riley drew in a quick breath and blinked hard. How had his thoughts moved so seamlessly to picturing he and Susan arguing and making up? He stared at her trying to figure out what she had done to put such ridiculous thoughts in his head. It had to be her fault, he reasoned. She said something, did something, that had him imagining a life with her. His eyes bored into her searching for some way to place blame until she cleared