A makeshift martini and wine bar is set up between them, and I make my way there.
The bookshop side isn’t as crowded as the antique side, and I can’t say I’m surprised or unhappy about that.
Antiques have never been that interesting to me. Leave me all the books.
I could never be a writer, but I’ve always loved to fall into other worlds. I blame my parents for that one, the same way I blame them for Gabe being my best friend.
We each order a drink, and Adam slips a twenty on the counter with a wink.
I don’t wait for him, perusing my favorite shelves, touching spines of new and old books intermingled together. Adam hovers behind me, and I enjoy the protected feeling that gives me. And our silent perusal is nice.
Once we make our round of the shelves, we slip into the antique shop, and I see a lot of familiar faces from the Lodge.
Adam’s touch lingers as he’s approached, but I leave him to his business talk to check in with people on the tour.
It feels good that everyone’s having a good time, so when Adam reappears with a kiss on my cheek, I don’t feel as exposed as I might have before.
“I’ve got to run. I’ll see you at the festival tonight?”
I nod and smile, surprised when he slips a hand to the back of my neck and plants a solid but PG kiss on my mouth.
His wink guarantees I’m blushing before I make my own escape.
After floating alone amongst the vacationers, I check on the progress for the Christmas festival, which will open in a couple of hours. It’s been coming together all week and will span the weekend.
I didn’t have to do much for planning it. It’s already a tradition, but I did help bring in a few more games for the families and kids.
I might have also upped the decorations and made the layout more efficient.
The town gave me some push back, but when I explained it to Greyson, he explained it to everyone else—he’s been in charge of the physical set up, the real logistics—and now, it looks so good.
Better than I remember it. I hope everyone ends up liking it.
Gabe finds me as I watch Alice Wardorf tinkering under her privacy sheet, wondering what the reveal is going to be like.
He takes up my hand in both of his and brushes his touch over my knuckles, the back of my hand, my wrist, looking at me with this new layer of truth between us.
I’ve seen him naked. Tasted him. Felt him between my thighs.
It’s new, but it’s still Gabe.
Still, the small touches have become much more intense.
“You here to check up on me?” My teasing has its intended effect. The corner of his mouth quirks up.
“Helping Greyson.”
“Which means helping the town set up their booths and tents.”
He nods, and I laugh.
“Your favorite thing.” Which is funny. His job is people forward, even though he’s the silent but stable type.
“I like being useful.” Those golden eyes twinkle at me before he kisses my hand and purses his lips. “Mrs. Wilson is struggling with her bags. I better go help.”
I watch him go because it’s a perfectly Gabe thing to do.
After the festival starts, I let myself relax and enjoy it, fixing problems as they come but not worrying over them.
