She watched the town pass without speaking, not willing to risk an awkward conversation or, possibly, a fight. In the end, she didn’t want to know what the woman thought about it all. It was too painful to imagine the kiss or the flirting had meant nothing to her, but on the other hand, that was the best option. If it had meant something more, then where were they now?

They were running about ten minutes behind when they finally made it to the catering company, another anonymous building in the middle of nowhere north of town. She was starting to get the impression that everything here in Colorado was known by word of mouth only. How anyone would see this building and know it housed anything but boxes and crates was beyond her. It didn’t even have a sign.

“Is this the only caterer they’re considering?” Ryann asked as they climbed out of the car.

“Yep.”

She stopped, holding up a hand. “So let me get this straight. They’re considering five bakeries, but only one caterer?”

Maddie laughed. “Not exactly. They actually wanted a choice of caterers, but it was the same problem as most of the other businesses—everyone was booked up. Still, this place is really good. I’ve been to some events that used them.”

“So what are we doing here?”

“Deciding on the main courses, hors d’oeuvres, and sides.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s all?”

Maddie laughed again and then stepped toward her, brushing a curl of hair off her face. She realized, perhaps for the first time in her life, that it was actually possible for her heart to skip a beat. She held her breath, waiting, her lips unconsciously parting. Maddie stepped forward, almost flush, and then pulled her even closer with her hands on Ryann’s lower back before kissing her. Maddie’s kiss began light, almost ghost-like on her lips, before deepening. She heard herself whimper slightly and tried to move closer, meeting Maddie’s passion with her own. Finally, Maddie drew back, her eyes dark, her grin almost smug.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for the last hour.”

“Me, too,” she admitted.

“So why didn’t you call me yesterday?”

She laughed. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“I guess I thought you were angry with me. You were kind of drunk. I shouldn’t have—”

She kissed Maddie again to quiet her, and they stood there in the parking lot exploring each other’s lips for an immeasurable beat of time. They might have stayed there longer, but for the sound of someone clearing their throat. They jumped back slightly, embarrassed, seeing a slight, young, blond man standing in the doorway to the building.

“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but are you my two thirty?” he asked.

“Yes,” Maddie said, her face scarlet. “Sorry about that. And sorry we’re late.”