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explain that whenever she saw Nick on the cover of some newspaper or magazine, it reminded her of Thomas’s aspirations to live like the famous bachelor appeared to be living?
    “Ellie, you’re judging someone based on Thomas’s behavior.” Betsy gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Nick’s a good guy. Not at all like what the tabloids portray. I’m one of his biggest fans and I know the rumors are all garbage.”
    Whether or not the rumors were true, Ellie had still been judgmental about someone because of Thomas. Was she really that screwed up? “Do you think I need counseling?” Her wry comment was supposed to lighten the mood.
    Betsy didn’t laugh, but she did smile. “No, you just need to let go and forgive Thomas for what he did.”
    It sounded so easy. But how do you forgive someone who continually caused you pain? “I know—I just don’t know how to do it.” Maybe she did need psychotherapy.
    “Honey, try to remember that forgiving someone doesn’t mean you forget or condone what they’ve done. What Thomas did will always be a part of your life, but if you let go of the animosity toward him, you can focus on the more positive parts of your life.” Betsy didn’t say it, but Ellie knew she also meant moving on with her life—like finding another man to love.
    “I’ll try to do better.”
    “That’s my girl.” Betsy’s impish smile returned to her face. “I’ll stay here with Cade while you go over and apologize.”
    What? She gasped and stood up abruptly. “No. I can’t ever face him again.” In fact, she needed to make sure the opportunity to see him again never arose. “Do you think Owen will help me move back to Boulder?”
    This time Betsy laughed. “You’re not going anywhere. The man is a celebrity. He’s used to star-struck women.”
    “I am not star-struck.” Bitter—maybe—but not star-struck.
    Raising an eyebrow, Betsy grinned. “Prove it.”
    “Why?”
    “Because, I like having you for my neighbor.”
    “He’ll think I’m a crazy lunatic.” She couldn’t face him.
    “Ellie, believe it or not, he’s feeling lonely and needs friends just like everyone else.” Betsy gently pushed her toward the door. “Now go on over there and talk to him.”
    “Can’t you come with me?”
    Betsy narrowed her eyes. “No. Now get over there.”
    Well, if she was going to be like that…Ellie wasn’t going anywhere. She crossed her arms in front, tempted to stomp her foot.
    One side of Betsy’s mouth tipped up. “You’ll feel much better if you do.”
    Oh, all right ! Acting like a petulant child, Ellie glared at Betsy. “Fine.” She marched out the front door and crossed the street. She would apologize, but that was it. Whatever schemes Betsy had planned needed to stop.
    She sucked in a deep breath before knocking on the door. Boy, she could sure use some chocolate right now.
     
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    Nick sat at his kitchen table, eating the delicious bread and thinking about the woman who had made it for him. He tore off another chunk of bread and stuffed it in his mouth, crumbs falling on the table. The blonde—Ellie—was single. She also seemed irritated with him and well…uninterested. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had rejected him. Maybe junior high?
    Just as he tore off another piece of bread, he heard the doorbell. Brushing the crumbs from the front of his shirt, he walked toward the door, wondering who it would be this time. He was surprised to find Ellie standing there with her golden, curly hair cascading over her shoulders.
    She did not look happy. But man was she beautiful.
    “Hi again,” Nick said, unable to hide his grin.
    “Hi.” She took a very deep breath, as if trying to fortify herself. “I…You…” Pursing her lips, she closed her eyes, clearly trying to gain composure.
    Nick shifted his stance, studying her flawless features and perfect mouth. What would it be like to…
    She opened her eyes and