Smiling, I said, “I guess you’re better at it than me.”
“I think I know someone you can practice on,” he said with a wink.
Pretty sure the Toby from ten years ago just squealed. “I think I’d better focus.”
Archer chuckled but nodded.
We made it across the street, onto the sidewalk, and then to the walkway leading toward the gazebo. People clapped as we carried it up the steps and around the tree to the waiting spaceon the table. The second it was in place, we both let out a relieved sigh and stepped back.
“It’s not as good as Bab’s,” Archer admitted.
“If you tilt your head sideways and squint your eyes, it’s pretty good,” I said, doing just that.
Archer laughed.
“Bab was right,” Connie said, coming up behind us. We turned, and Archer’s mom slid between us. “It looks great, boys.”
“I wonder if anyone will bid on it,” I mused.
Seconds later, a mic crackled on, and Mayor Schroder announced that it was the final night to get bids in for the auction.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” Connie said, looking at Archer meaningfully. He flushed and turned away to study the large fir in the center.
I glanced at Connie questioningly, but she just patted my shoulder and went to greet someone a few feet away. I turned toward Archer, but he was gone. Frowning, I went to look for him, but someone stepped in front of me, blocking my path.
“Brett,” I said, taking in the mayor’s son dressed in dark slacks and a holiday sweater with a warm coat over the top. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
“Town tradition,” he said, and I nodded.
“Did you bid on anything?”
“Not yet, but suddenly, I’ve got my eye on a new piece that was just added.”
Is he flirting?
My eyes flew to his, and he smiled. “The gazebo looks really great.”
“Just don’t look at it too close,” I joked, suddenly nervous.
“So, ah…” He began, and my stomach fell.
The urge to run was so insistent that I actually looked toward the steps. I hadn’t really thought much about Brett’s interest inme. I thought we were just friends and he was grateful I sort of mentored him with vet school. But suddenly, I was much more aware.
“I was thinking that since you’ve finished the gingerbread, you’ll probably have some more time. Maybe you’d?—”
I had to make a physical effort not to squeeze my eyes shut. It felt like forcing myself to stare at an oncoming wreck.
“There you are.” Archer butted in, and all the breath in my body rushed out at once, leaving me lightheaded. “I wondered where you went off to.”
“Me? You’re the one who disappeared,” I practically accused.
“Well, I’m here now, and we need to talk.”
“We do?” I wondered, then nodded quickly. “Ah, yes. We do.”
“We were in the middle of something,” Brett said.
Archer glanced at him, and I swear the air turned ten degrees colder. “I’m sorry. It can’t wait,” he replied, then slid his arm around my waist, tugging me into his side.
