She snorts a laugh. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’ve heard every single mom in a ten-mile radius is trying to discover his favorite food so they can casually stop by and offer him a store-bought cookie that they pose as their own baking. So, the sexy look doesn’t seem to be in your imagination.”
Licking my lips, I tip my head slightly to the side. “I hope it’s my brain going on a break, because the vibe between us just seems… I can’t pinpoint it.”
Summer smiles softly before glancing out the window onto Main Street. “That’s a good thing to have. I can’t wait to watch this all unfold.”
“Nothing. It’s nothing. Besides, Holden has a chaotic life. His kids? Holy crap, wild.”
“Well, it makes staying on his property all the more entertaining. You’re still the woman who has no desire to settle down, so maybe that can be your strength to stay in line.”
“Hopefully. Besides I’m not sure what I’ll be doing once this project finishes. My lease for my place in the city was up long ago, and I’ve just been housesitting various places while I traveled. I’d love to be near you more and have a change of scene, I’m just not sure there are many opportunities for me here.”
She clucks the inside of her mouth. “Ah yes, Lexi is still a wandering soul. Still, I’m excited for the unfolding of your predicament.” Summer has a cheeky smile.
I scoff at that encouragement. Then it dawns on me that my ludicrous change of events in my life are minor compared to her life. After a pause for a few seconds, I lean across the table to place my hand gently on top of hers.
“Uh, how has it been?”
Her eyes slide to me as her lips quirk out. “You mean, with a husband?” Summer eloped with her best friend, Zac, for reasons even I don’t quite understand. It was recent and sudden, and all I can do is give her an ear. Coincidently, her now in-laws used to own the Dizzy Duck.
I shrug. “Yeah, I guess.”
A wry smile emerges. “I’m not exactly sure what I dragged myself into, but for some reason, it feels right.”
Squeezing her hand one last time, I then let go. “I don’t know what to say. One day you’re going to have to explain.”
“When it’s clear to me, I will let you know.” She sounds at peace with whatever is happening.
I don’t press her further, especially when Summer’s gaze seems to tip up and over my shoulder, with the corners of her smile lengthening. “Someone just arrived, and this might be my entertainment of the day.”
I turn my head to catch a glimpse of what she’s looking at. Or rather who she’s looking at.
An opportunity to pull in some clarity to my brain just vanished as Holden slowly strides to our table with a sly grin. “Grabbing a coffee to gather strength before you pick up your suitcase to move on in?”
Summer snorts a laugh as she watches this scene progress.
“Why, of course, dear master.”
Both Summer’s and Holden’s eyes grow wide at my sarcasm. Because, of course, when it’s me, then everyone takes my words out of context.
Holden now keeps his smirk fixed then tips his head behind his shoulder. “The usual,” he tells someone behind the counter.
My face puzzles. “You get coffee here?”
He looks at me as though I’m crazy… and maybe I am. Holden even shares a look with Summer who seems to agree.
“It’s the best damn coffee around, and I need one for the road before I head down to Bluetop,” he explains.
“But you own the Dizzy Duck, shouldn’t that be the best coffee around? You’re a traitor to your own hotel?” I’m bewildered.
Holden chuckles as he crosses his arms. “Nah, ourswillbe the best. Just ordered new machines, and I’m waiting on the import of beans from Colombia. They need to have a soft taste for cappuccinos but a sharper hit to your tongue if it’s an expresso.”
I nod in agreement. “That’s fair enough. I guess you must need to consume a lot of coffee after what I saw this morning.”
Noticing the way his tongue darts out to sweep to the corner of his mouth, it draws my eyes to his lips, and it causes a simmering warm wave to travel through me. “Well, problem soon solved by your presence,” he reminds me.
“Not a nanny,” I firmly inform him yet again.
“Of course, you’re not. You will just be living on my property?—”
