Caleb let out a low whistle. “I bet he has some stories to tell.”
“I’m sure he does. Vic and I have had our share of drama.”
“Both good and bad.”
Harlow thought about his comment. “It’s like a teeter totter…there are good days, bad days and everything in between.”
“Never a dull moment,” he summarized.
“Nope. Not ever.”
Before she knew it, the meal ended. They split a dessert, a decadent chocolate bomb cake, before boxing up their leftovers and heading out.
Thankfully, there was no sign of Robert or Cheyenne. If a reporter happened to be spying on them, the only thing they would have seen were two people joking, laughing and enjoying a meal together.
Would she find a photo of her and Caleb splashed across the newspapers in the next couple of days? It was possible…entirely possible, but he didn’t seem concerned about it.
Back inside his truck, it was a short drive to Wynn Harbor Inn.
She started to climb out, and Caleb stopped her. “I’m walking you to the door.”
Harlow protested. “I’ll be fine.”
“I insist. You never know if a pesky reporter is lurking in the bushes, waiting to pounce.”
“If he’s waiting, he’s also freezing to death.” Harlow did a shiver-shake. The temperature had tumbled, and the evening air was downright frosty. She blew warm air, creating a mist with her breath. “Frostbite would set in pretty darn quick.”
Taking her arm again, Caleb escorted her all the way to her father’s front porch. Through the window, she glimpsed the soft glow of the living room lamp along with the flickering from the television.
“Dad is still up.”
“He probably wants to make sure you made it home safely.”
An awkward silence ensued.
Caleb cleared his throat. “Thank you for spending your evening with me.”
“And thank you for dinner. Seriously, it was supposed to be my treat.”
“I wanted to take you out,” he replied, his voice low and husky. “Maybe we can do it again sometime soon.”
Their eyes met, and a sudden warmth spread through Harlow. “I would like that.”
“Me too.” Caleb turned to go and suddenly swung back. He reached for her hand and placed a light kiss on top. “This was the best night I’ve had in a long time.”
“Ditto.” Harlow was certain he could hear her heart pounding loudly in her chest. “Like old times.”
“Like old times.” Caleb waved goodbye and strolled back down the sidewalk, whistling a catchy tune on his way out. He turned once.
Harlow gave him a quick wave and slipped inside. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. All she could think about was how the evening had passed in the blink of an eye…and she felt all of eighteen years old again.
Chapter 24
“They’re beautiful.” Harlow held up the vintage earrings, a pair of silver Petoskey stones, admiring the unique honeycomb pattern on each side. “Thank you, Lottie. I love them.”
“You’re welcome” Lottie clasped her hands. “I made them myself.”
“Lottie is a Jill of all trades,” David insisted.
