But I was already out the door.
Summer rose from the sidewalk in shimmers of heat. Sunlight flashed from windshields and painted the street in bright contrasts. I stepped into the shadow of the van, blinking to adjust my eyes.
Trey and George Cooper stood between the open van doors, carrying a large hanging sign shaped like a handbag between them.baggage, the sign announced in jaunty letters. And below that,own it.
“Oh.” Tears sprang to my eyes. I pressed my hands to my mouth. “It’s perfect.”
George grinned. “Glad you like it.”
They took two steps up the curb and leaned the sign against the building so I could take a better look.
“I love it,” I gushed. “I thought it wouldn’t be ready for at least another week. Thank you!” I hugged him.
“Well, now.” George patted me in an avuncular sort of way. “Mr. Laurence told me how important the job was to you.”
My gaze flew to Trey on the sidewalk. His eyes were dark on mine. “Thank you!” And then, of course, I had to hug him, too. It would be too awkward if I didn’t.
So I did. He wrapped me up, pulling me against him. Yearning washed through me. I closed my eyes, absorbing his heat, all his lean and lovely angles, breathing in his familiar smell, bergamot and cotton. My fingers clutched his shirt. His arms tightened around me. It almost hurt, being held this close and yet being separate. Not knowing how he felt or if he could give me what I asked him for.
But he was here. I didn’t want to let him go.
George cleared his throat. “When you all are done there, I could use a hand with this sign.”
Right. I took a step back. Pulled myself together. I nodded toward the pickup. “I see you took my advice about the truck.”
“Country girls go for tractors,” I’d told him.“And pickup trucks.”
Laughter leaped in his eyes. “Are you a country girl now?”
I tossed my head. “I moved down here, didn’t I?”
His smile warmed me to my toes. “So you did.”
“Want to come in when you’re done?” I asked. “I’ll give you the tour.”
He hesitated. “Actually, I have a meeting.”
“Oh.” A little warmth leaked away. I’d imagined the sign was, well, asign. But Trey was always generous.
“Maybe later,” he said.
“Okay.”
“I’m getting a bid from a contractor on the old tobacco warehouse. We’re looking to turn it into an enclosed space for the farmers’ market.”
“Trey, that’s wonderful!”
He shrugged. “I’m not the builder. I’m just the money guy.”
“And the idea man,” I guessed.
He glanced away. “I was thinking about what you said. How I needed a plan. I don’t have any real talent or passion like you and your sisters. But I have connections. Or Granddad does. This development is something that could be good for the town. The least I can do is see it through.”
I jammed my hands on my hips. “Don’t you dare talk about yourself that way. You havevision, Trey. You believe in people. You help them realize their dreams. The way you did for me. I think it’s amazing. You’re amazing.”
He looked back into my eyes. “I’m just trying to make myself into the man you said I could be. The one who can be worthy of you.”
Oh, Trey. You are. You are everything. Tears stung my eyes. I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
