I laugh. “Please stop before one of the twins hears you. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Didn’t hear you deny it, Kenna.”
“Yes, Dad. I am staying with my best friend’s brother, who I just so happened to have a thing with previously.”
“Alright, honey. I’ll let you get back to your friends. We love you.”
“Love you, too. Tell everyone the same.”
As we hang up, I sigh.
“You okay, Kenna?”
I jump. “Geez, Reece. Warn a girl next time,” I say as I wipe any remaining moisture from my face. My laugh must come across as forced, because Reece doesn’t buy it.
His eyes dart around our area before he steps closer and pinches my chin between his thumb and index finger, lifting it. The silence is almost enough to make me break. The wagon and the giant butts of Butterbean and her pal Sweet Pea are doing afine job of blocking us from view, but as the square grows more crowded, we no doubt need more space between us.
I try to step back but am met with the barrel that serves as our check-in for the carriage rides.
“If your sister sees—”
“If my sister sees what? Me worrying about her best friend?”
“Someone could see,” I whisper, my voice low enough Reece has to lean even closer. He uses the opportunity to pin me in, and I hate how much his cedarwood scent affects me. My eyes slip closed as I try to filter out everything around me, knowing the man before me has the ability to see right through me.
“I don’t give a damn if someone sees us, McKenna. I never have. But something made you cry, and I need to know what.”
Sucking a breath between my teeth, I say, “You can’t be sweet right now.”
“Watch me.”
The squealing laughter of nearby children breaks the trance. My head falls forward, chin dipping to my chest.
“Just tell me one thing,” he whispers, the warmth of his body still radiating against mine. “Do I need to make anyone disappear?”
I can’t help it. I laugh. I think that’s why he said it. “No,” I say just as quietly, my lips tilting up for the first time this evening. “Just missing home.”
“Then it’s a good thing you’re about to be too busy to think about it,” he says, nodding toward the crowd of people heading our way. “Butterbean. Sweet Pea. You’re up, ladies,” he says as he walks around them, double-checking the couplings and harnesses.
The evening rolls on, kids and grown-ups alike wanting a ride in the wagon. It really is a cute idea. The wagon floor has hay bales lining the sides with blankets thrown over them to keep everyone from becoming covered in it.
As I load up one of the last groups in line and give Reece the okay to pull away, I finally let myself take in the sights without my stress clouding the view. It isn’t just the decorations or the time of year.
I can’t stop myself from glancing at the small empty storefront on the other side of the square, wishing like anything that it was mine.
When Jett and Noah walk up, I can’t help it. I am not an impulsive individual, so I have to think this means I’ve subconsciously thought it through.
“Hey, Slater.” I quietly get his attention while Jett is distracted. “Still looking for a tenant for that little storefront with a loft?”
“Told you. It’s yours the minute you decide to give into the dark side and move to Havenwood.”
“I need to figure out a few more things first. Don’t mention it to Jett, please.”
“You have my word. Look forward to it, McKenna.”
Jett turns back to me, a peppermint mocha in her outstretched hands.
“You are an angel,” I say as I sip the deliciously minty caffeine, the liquid instantly warming my body. While it may not be freezing temperatures, fifty degrees when the sun goes down is still chilly.
