“You’re not ready. In some ways you’re still recovering from your accident. Even more significant, you’re dealing with the loss of Adriana. She was your one true love, and that changes things. You have to honor the pain you’re feeling. I think that’s why you can’t write, and you need to be writing, Micah. I know you miss it. I just want to help.”

He frowned. “You’re assuming a lot.”

“I know, but I’m not wrong. This isn’t a good time for kissing.”

“It seems like a fine time to me.”

She ignored him. “We’re friends. Let’s keep that going. We get along, and we have fun together. It’s important to have people in your life, especially at the holidays. I want that.”

His gaze was steady. “To be my friend?”

“Yes. It’s the most sensible plan.”

He rose and pulled her to her feet. “You know what? You should be going, because I just got an idea for a song I want to write.”

She brightened. “You did?”

“Yes, and you’re the inspiration.”

She pressed her hands together, trying not to let her excitement show. “I can’t believe that. I inspired you?”

He held out her coat. “You did. I’m going to call it ‘Crazy Women I Have Known.’”

Her happiness balloon burst. “You’re making fun of me.”

“I am, and you deserve it.” He put his hands on her upper arms, leaned down and brushed his mouth against hers. “You’re not the one who gets to decide when I’m ready to kiss someone, Dena. Just so we’re clear on that.”

Before she could wrap her mind around what he was saying, she was suddenly outside in the cold, and his suite door was closing in her face. She stood there, not exactly clear on what had just happened. The only thing she knew for sure was the fact that she was going to need a different plan.

“I’m incredibly disappointed in you,” Reggie said with a laugh as she sat in her SUV outside the community center. She shifted her cell phone to her other ear.

“I know. I’m so ashamed I didn’t know Jake was back in town.” Paisley’s voice was thick with humor. “I’m usually so in the know about local gossip. My network has failed me, and I promise everyone in it will receive a stern talking-to.” She paused. “Seriously, though, are you okay?”

Reggie considered the question. “Seeing him again was strange and out of the blue. Plus the whole ‘having dinner with Toby’ thing added a layer that made it harder for me to process what was happening. I don’t feel any regrets, if that’s what you’re asking. I’ve moved on.”