One I was sure he’d never make again. I didn’t bother looking back as I stumbled through the door out into the cooler night air. I’d pushed him, but I wasn’t sure who was to blame for crossing the line. There was only one thing I knew for sure… I could never kiss Harlan Flint again.
After a sleepless night of trying and failing to convince myself the kiss hadn’t been that good, I showed up the next morning and tried to pretend like nothing had happened. I kept waiting for him to mention the kiss we’d shared, but he showed no sign that not even twelve hours before he’d had his tongue buried in my mouth.
I had to hand it to Harlan. He’d become an expert at embodying the spirit of a heartless asshole. How could he act like everything was normal when his kiss had rocked my entire world and made me reconsider everything that had ever happened between us? But if he didn’t want to acknowledge it, I wouldn’t either.
I spent the day unpacking some of the new fishing gear I’d ordered targeted toward women. The poles, waders and hats came in a variety of bright colors, some even with floral patterns. Harlan avoided me all morning and spent most of his time in the backroom, pretending to do inventory.
When Nellie came in with Calla and my nephew Lane in tow, Harlan came out of hiding.
“Hey. What brings you in today?” he asked as he walked toward the front of the store.
“I can take care of them.” Holding out my arms to give Lane a big hug, I nodded toward Harlan. “You can go back to whatever you were doing.”
Harlan stopped next to me. “I’ve got it. No offense, but you’re not exactly familiar with the inventory.”
Nellie looked back and forth between us, her lips splitting into a knowing grin. “We’re actually here to talk to both of you.”
“About what?” Harlan scowled like someone had just told him his favorite fishing hole had been overtaken by algae. I would have laughed if I wasn’t so irritated with him already.
Calla set a hand on Lane’s shoulder. “We were over at the cafe, and Nellie told us you’re planning an Adventure Weekend. Lane and I want to volunteer to help if you need it.”
“I can show people how to make s’mores,” Lane said as he smiled up at Harlan. “Dad said you might be able to teach me how to kayak.”
Harlan’s jaw tightened. Seeing him so uncomfortable provided me with such joy. I leaned into it, wondering how long I could make it last. “Kayaking lessons are a great idea. We talked about kayaking as a group, but you’re right, people might need a few pointers first if they’ve never done it before.”
“You could use the pond on my property for a first-timer lesson,” Nellie volunteered.
“Can we do a dig, too?” Lane’s eyes lit up. Everyone in town knew he was into dinosaurs. I’d made sure to order one of the kid’s trail backpacks in a pattern that had dinosaur bones all over it. I couldn’t wait for it to come in so I could give it to him.
“Sorry, little man, but that’s got to be a hard no. I can take you out sometime if you want, but I’m not set up to orchestrate a whole dig.” Harlan shoved his hands into his pockets and blew out a breath. “Looks like you’ve got this under control, Jessa. I’ll be in the back if you need me.”
Nellie shook her head as he retreated back to his hiding spot. “That man is suffering, but with pain comes growth. You’re doing a good job here, hon. Keep it up.”
If someone ever sold tickets to watch Harlan Flint suffer, I’d be the first in line. But I had no idea what Nellie was talking about. Anyone could see that the two of us working together was a daily exercise in frustration. How did that translate into growth? I was about to ask, but Nellie continued.
“These men think they were targeted on the Ex-List because someone has it out for them.” She shot a sly grin at Calla then back at me. “But being called out has already knocked some sense into Thatcher and Holt. You being here is making Harlan look at things differently. He’s getting involved in what’s happening in town, opening up to new ideas, and taking suggestions on how to improve his store.”
“I just need experience to put on my resume, that’s all.” At least that’s all I’d wanted when I started. Seeing Harlan squirm as I tried to drag the outfitters into the twenty-first century had been the cherry on top.
Nellie nodded. “Mmm hmm. You’re making a difference, sugar. Just look at these adorable new travel mugs.”
Pride filled my chest as she picked up an insulated tumbler with cartoony bears all over it. “Bear-y tired. Need coffee. I can’t believe Harlan let this into his store.”
“He hasn’t noticed it yet,” I said. “But he’s going to flip when the bear paw slippers come in. Those won’t be as easy to hide.”
“You’re giving me hope. We might actually pull this off and keep Wild Wilderness from setting up shop around here.” Nellie set the tumbler back on the shelf. “Now, can you help us find a pair of hiking boots? If I’m going to pitch in with your big weekend, I’m going to need some better footwear.”
Nellie settled on a pair of all-purpose hikers and a pair of thick pink and purple socks, another one of my recent additions to the store. I rang her up and promised to let her know when the bear slippers came in.
Knowing at least a few people in town were supportive of the changes I was making to the store fueled my confidence. While Harlan hid in the back room, I pulled out my notes for the adventure weekend. We might not be able to do a real dig, but we could set up something fun that could keep the kids occupied for hours. Let them dig up dinosaur eggs that had a small prize inside with a coupon for their parents’ next full-price purchase from the store.
I jotted down a few more ideas before the next customer entered. It was someone I didn't recognize, probably not a local based on the way he looked around, his eyes wide as he walked into the store.
“Can I help you find something?” I asked.
“Yeah, I'm looking for a tent. The one I brought with me got messed up last night, and I need a replacement. What do you recommend?”
Tents… I didn't know anything about the tents that Harlan kept in stock, but I wasn't about to ask for his help. “Let's go take a look.”
