Felix gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “It’s not too late. We don’t have to go if you’d rather give it a miss. Although I’ve got to say, Logan’s wine and cheese nights are a lot of fun. I’ve been told he’s done Romance and Rose, and Mystery and Merlot so far.”
I squeeze Felix’s hand in return. We’ve been spending a lot of time together at the cabins and he deserves a night out, plus I know he wants me to experience more of the town instead of hiding myself away. “Let’s do this.”
Logan greets us as we enter. “Kit, Felix! So glad you could make it!”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Felix replies, his usual effervescent self, giving Logan a quick hug.
Logan leads us inside. “Hang up your coats and come on through. Let’s get you both a drink.”
It seems half the town has turned up, laughter and conversation filling the room. The sweet spiced aroma of mulled wine fills the air and soon we’re holding glass mugs of the ruby red liquid. I take a sip, allowing the warmth to spread through my chest. Hopefully a glass or two of wine will help me relax.
“Thanks for inviting me, Logan,” I say. “It looks like it’s the place to be.”
He chuckles. “I’d like to say folks are here purely for the books, but there aren’t many events on the Collier’s Creek calendar at the moment.”
“This is delicious.” I indicate the mulled wine.
“Isn’t it?” He grins. “It’s Gramps Ellis’ special recipe.”
“Speaking of Gramps,” Felix says, glancing around the room, “I should go say hi to him. I haven’t seen him since I’ve returned to town.” He gives my arm a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be right back.”
I watch as he crosses the room to join a group of people. I take another sip of my wine and as I stand here, watching him with his friends, I realize I’m happy.
When I look back to Logan, he’s got one eyebrow in the air. It occurs to me my feelings for Felix are probably written all over my face, however, he doesn’t call me on it. Instead, he points to the cheeseboard on the counter. “Try some cheese. It’s the best Wyoming has to offer. There’s an amazing cave-aged sheep’s milk, and a smoked Gouda that’s to die for.”
“Sure.” I take a cracker with a wedge of cheese.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Logan says. “I’ve got some more guests to welcome.”
He heads off, leaving me with my wine and cheese. The bookstore is full of people, everyone having a great time by all appearances. My gaze falls on Felix across the room where he’s standing with an older man, Mrs. Hendricks, Georgia, and another young woman, all of them laughing at something. Suddenly he looks across the room and his eyes meet mine. His smile widens, lighting up his face, and drawing me like a beacon.
“Hey, Kit!” Georgia leans in to kiss my cheek when I approach. “Come join us! I know you know Mrs. Hendricks. And this is my friend, Penny,” she says, tossing an arm around the shoulders of the woman next to her. “And have you met Mr. Ellis?”
I nod to Mrs. Hendricks and Penny, then hold my hand out to Mr. Ellis. “Kit Winters. It’s nice to meet you.”
The old man has a surprisingly strong handshake. “Call me Larry, or Gramps. Everyone else does.”
“In honor of Halloween just passing, the theme of the night is horror,” Felix says. “We were discussing our favorite horror movies.” He loops an arm around my waist. The warmth of his touch seeps through my shirt and feels possessive, something I find I like.
Mrs. Hendricks throws me a strange look. I can’t read her expression.
“You were talking aboutPsycho, Mrs. Hendricks,” Georgia prompts, drawing her attention away.
“Oh, yes,” she finally says, “I was just saying how much I enjoyed it.”
“Really?” I ask. I wouldn’t have pegged her for a horror fan. “What drew you to that movie?”
“It’s classic Hitchcock,” she replies. “So much tension. I just love the suspense.”
I listen as they share stories of the movies that have left them terrified. I’m not a fan of horror movies, but it’s nice to be part of the conversation. I turn to Gramps. “Do you have a favorite horror movie?”
He shakes his head. “I prefer to read, but there are some classic books that have been adapted for film. We have a wonderful selection of horror books here in the store. I chose some of my favorites for tonight.” He points to a table where some books are on display.
“Gramps owns the store,” Felix says.
“Been working here since I was a kid,” Gramps adds. “But times are changing. There was no wine with books back in my day, just books.”
“I need little more than a good book,” Penny says.
