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"We’ll talk tomorrow," Rosemary said

A defiant froorked its way across Justine’s face as the call ended

It was one thing to pay a price for a mistake that she’d made on her own, but it was unbelievably unfair to have to pay a price for so that another person had done to her

To Zo&euht, Alex entered the inn’s kitchen while she and Justine were preparing trays for afternoon tea He was dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, his hiking boots coated with driedaround the undeveloped Drea the track of footprints across the wood planks she had

"Sorry" Alex had headed directly for Zo&eu plates of ed her froh over her chest, the other around her waist "I’ll clean it up before I leave," he told Justine over his shoulder, flashing an apologetic grin Ducking his head, he kissed the side of Zo&eu back against hi over her shoulder at the tray, he added, "I’ll take one of those, too"

Zo&euhed and tried to swat him, and he crushed his mouth over hers in an ardent kiss When she tried to end the kiss, he sank his hand into her blond curls, anchoring her in place as he sealed their et a room" But she was pleased to see both of them so happy

Alex had been known for the quality of his work, and for his ability to get a project done on time, but he’d also had a well-deserved reputation as a cynical and dissolute loner, a borderline alcoholic It would not have been an exaggeration to call the change in him miraculous

When the relationship had started, Justine had been honest with Zo&eu her not to try to save a man like Alex, who’d already been divorced once and appeared to be heading downhill Zo&eureed; you couldn’t save ato save himself

Only time would tell if Alex’s transformation would hold It was clear, however, that he was deterht she deserved

"How did it go today?" Zoë asked breathlessly, when Alex took his mouth from hers

He smiled down at her and lifted one of the tarts froood I’m cautiously optimistic"

Justine knew that "cautiously optimistic" for Alex was the equivalent of wild enthusiasm for anyone else "So what did you think about Jason Black and his entourage?" she asked

"Kind of an odd group," Alex said "All of the like hell to ile bite and paused to savor it, his eyes closing briefly "God, that’s good," he told Zo&euet you some coffee"

"Thanks, sweetheart"

"And try one of those chocolate scones," Zo&eulaze over the him," Justine commanded "I want to hear more about Jason Black"

Alex picked up a chocolate scone, his gaze daring her to protest "He’s all business," he said "Very smart, very direct When he thinks an idea sucks, he lets you know And when he , no couys at his level, he’s a control freak"

"Maybe you’ll co him a cup of coffee

Alex smiled at her optimism and took a s of coffee "I like his project," he said, "and I like his lance to Justine, as filling a stainless-steel samovar ater "You e"

"Wants to buy it?" Justine asked, her brows lifting

Alex nodded "We had the ht in for lunch, and then he asked why the cottage isn’t part of the Drea toit" Alex paused to finish the last bite of the chocolate scone, and washed it doith more coffee "He asked me ned it, at which point everyone pulled out their phones and tablets Because whatever he wants, they all rin broke out on Justine’s face "What happened when you told him I’m the owner?"

"He looked at me like I’d just turned into a two-headed -tiive you"

"I may not sell it at all," Justine said "With that location, after the institute is built, I could charge a fortune for rent"

Alex grinned and told Zoë, "Looks like it’s tihed "No, as long as Zo&euure you’ll want to ain, Alex ducked his dark head and said close to her ear, "You want me to build you a house? A little Victorian that looks like a wedding cake?"

Zo&euainst his and smiled as she picked up the tray "For the next couple of years, you’re going to bethe Dream Lake property"

"Let me carry that for you," Alex said

"No, just open the door But please carry Justine’s samovar; it’s really heavy"

Quickly Alex moved to comply As he came to take the water-filled container from Justine, she said, "Thanks, Alex"

He paused to rest the sae--don’t hold back on selling it because of Zoë and me We’ll be happy wherever we live And it would be a well-deserved windfall, after all you’ve done to help Zoë"

Justine s dinner with Jason tonight I’ it up"

Surprise flickered in Alex’s eyes "He didn’t mention that" After a brief hesitation, he added, "Be careful, Justine"

"Why?"

"After spending uarantee you he’s the type who arranges the ga ahead with the business deal, but if I thought about it too ive me the yips"

"Me, too," Justine confessed sheepishly

Alex glanced at her with an arched brow He hefted the sa dinner with him, then?"

"He said he liked me"