Leaving our half-eaten breakfast, we march out. This is possibly the first time there’s been something more appealing than Suzie’s breakfast.

We reach the back of the inn, where there’s a recreational area that includes a children’s playroom, a small library, a quiet meditation and yoga room, and a gym with the latest machines.

The door to the gym is half-open, and spotting Lukas is an easy task.

He’s facing away from the door toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that give a beautiful view of Lake Cherry. Any other day, I’d have admired the beauty of our town, but today, I can’t shake my gaze away from Lukas in a squat position. His black sleeveless muscle shirt is drenched in sweat, and all I can think about is last night.

“He’s…good,” Chiara whispers quietly, but that’s enough for Lukas to realize he’s no longer alone.

He spins around fast. With a smirk on his face—which should be declared a war weapon—he tips his head to the side.

He approaches us. “Chiara, right?”

“Um…y-yeah,” Chiara stutters, surprising me. I’ve never seen anything render my best friend speechless before. But she finds her voice fast. “How do you know me?”

“From Autumn’s emails. She talked about you a lot.”

My heart trips at the mention of the emails Lukas and I shared after we got married.

“Of course she did. But unfortunately, she hasn’t been very forthcoming about you.”

“Then your friend must have a very good reason.” Lukas tips his head to my side, and a volcano of heat bursts in my chest.

Be cool, Autumn. Be cool.

I motion around. “I’m sure our gym is a serious downgrade from what you’re used to.”

“It has everything that’s needed to exercise, and that’s what matters.” Lukas shrugs, making me sweat.

Why am I suddenly so nervous around him?

Is it because I saw him without a T-shirt last night? That’s nonsense. I’m acting like I haven’t been around a man before.

He interrupts my thoughts. “I’m going to go take a shower. Will it be possible to have some coffee in the room?”

Once he’s out of sight, Chiara whispers, “Are you really sure he’s just a stranger?”

She doesn’t know how many times I’ve asked myself the same question in the last few days.

14. Lukas

14

LUKAS

When I’m finally ready in twice the time I usually need, there’s a knock on the door. My heart jumps, fearing it’s her, hoping it’s her, and it both relaxes and deflates at the sight of a man dressed in one of the staff uniforms.

“Mr. Spencer, I have your coffee and breakfast.”

I let him in and he sets down the tray with a coffee carafe and a covered plate.

“Do you need anything else, sir?”