“It’s up at the resort. I’ll have to get there early, so I’ll text you the time.” OMG! She was going on a date with Micah! “Oh, unless you get busy in LA.”

“I’ll be back for the wedding. I promise. Are you going to watch the show?”

She laughed. “Is that a serious question? Of course I am. I’ve never seen you perform, and I want to hear the song. You said I inspired it.”

“You did.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “Now, you have to be gentle. I’m no Dolly Parton.”

“I think we’ve already established that.”

But instead of laughing, he got serious. “I’m going to miss you.”

Okay, this whole Snacks and Wine evening had been filled with unexpected twists and turns.

“I’ll miss you, too.”

“Oh, Dena, we’re having the best time.”

Sadly, Dena was forced back into the real world. She released Micah’s hand and smiled at Mr. and Mrs. Cuyler, a lovely older couple from Fort Worth who visited at least twice a year.

“I’m glad,” she said, standing to speak with them. “The forecast says we’re getting our first snow tomorrow.”

Mrs. Cuyler pressed a hand to her chest. “We’ve heard, and we’re so excited. We’ve never been here for the first snowfall.”

“Remember, we need fifteen full minutes of snow to make it official. When you hear the horns, bundle up and go to The Wreath. You’ll have such a good time.”

“We’re looking forward to it,” Mr. Cuyler told her before the two of them started for the stairs.

She sat back down and tried not to sigh. She adored the Cuylers, but she really wished they hadn’t walked up right then. Talking to them had broken whatever strange spell she and Micah had been in.

She reached for another tostada, telling herself at least she had carbs to comfort her.

“They seem nice,” he said.

“They are. Some guests are easy and some aren’t. They’re always lovely.”

“Dena, would you spend the night with me?”

Thank goodness she’d already swallowed, because otherwise she would have choked for sure. She swung her head to stare at him, not sure she’d heard what she thought she’d heard.

“Did you just ask me—”

His gaze was steady. “Spend the night with me. Nothing’s going to happen. You have my word. But I would very much like to hold you in my arms.”

And just like that, the bubble burst.

“Why don’t you want to have sex with me?” she asked, only to gasp in horror as she realized what she’d said. She glanced around frantically, grateful that they were the last people in the dining room. At least no one else would witness her humiliation.

Micah’s lips twitched, but he was gallant enough not to smile.