Chapter 18

Alexis and Daniel rush to his room and have intense sex, which reawakens desire for Alexis and underscores their chemistry. Afterward, Daniel admits he didn’t know her last name from the reservation system, and Alexis shares it, signaling trust. She discloses that her ex, Neil, was emotionally abusive; Daniel promises he would never be mean to her.

Daniel cooks while Alexis explores his garage, discovering his artistry in woodworking and their shared taste in history books. They talk about Wakan’s past and Daniel’s lineage of mayors. He reveals Amber plans to sell the family house, and he must raise $50,000 over the summer to buy it, prompting him to reopen the B&B early and ramp up furniture sales.

Alexis spends the night with Daniel and sneaks back to her room before breakfast. At breakfast with Gabby and Jessica, Daniel serves an elaborate meal while they all pretend not to know each other. Hunter wanders in carrying a live, soft-mouthed “catch,” which turns out to be a squirrel, unleashing chaos as it escapes under the table.

After Daniel releases the squirrel and offers to replate the meal, Gabby and Jessica, still shaken and annoyed, threaten a one-star review. Alexis defends Daniel and the accident, urging them to show restraint, but she cannot reveal her relationship without exposing him to Neil’s retaliation. She chooses secrecy and asks for grace before walking back inside.