And then I kissed her.
It wasn’t a wild kiss like the night before. It was a civilized kiss, showing her that I wasn’t afraid to make a public display out of us. I wasnoSawyer Reed. I had staying power.
Avery blinked rapidly as I pulled away, her cheeks flushed, her expression soft. She knew why I’d just done that. And I’d do it again.
As I dipped in to give her another kiss, the bell jingled again, and Shelly waltzed in with a bright smile.
Avery blinked, and I finally released her from my cage. “What are you doing here?”
“Flint asked me to work the night shift.” Shelly beamed, practically bouncing on her heels. “He said I was ready for my first solo run. I’m so excited!”
Before anyone could respond, the door burst open again, and Amos strode in carrying an enormous cupcake topped with a sparkler that was actively shooting tiny sparks into the air.
“ATTENTION, BOOKISH CUSTOMERS!” he bellowed, his voice carrying through the entire store. “Please join me in celebrating Shelly Anderson’sfirstsolo shift with this ceremonial cupcake dedicated to literary excellence!”
He dropped to one knee in front of Shelly, presenting the cupcake like a knight offering tribute to a queen. The sparkler popped dramatically, and a few customers actually clapped.
Shelly burst out laughing as she took the cupcake. “Amos, you absolute lunatic.”
Then he kissed Shelly’s hand and said, “Gotta go, babe. I’ve got a hot date tonight.”
I side-eyed him.
Amos grinned at me, completely unrepentant. “What? We’re just friends!”
I shook my head, but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my mouth. That dude was nuts.
Then I turned back to Avery.
“Come on,” I said, taking her hand. “Shelly’s got the store covered. And I’ve got a special evening planned for us.”
I drove her out of town, past the city limits and into the mountains where the roads turned to gravel and then to dirt.
My cabin sat in a clearing surrounded by towering pines, small and rustic but solid. I’d built most of it myself over the years.
“It’s not much,” I said as I led her inside. “Kitchen’s through there. Bedroom’s in the back. Bathroom’s got running water, which is more than some folks out here can say.”
Avery looked around with wide eyes, taking in the worn leather couch, the stone fireplace, and the shelves lined with fishing lures I’d collected over the years.
“It’s perfect,” she said softly.
Something warm spread through my chest.
“Does it compare to the Treetop Apartments?” I asked.
She slipped her hand into mine. “Sure, only a thousand times better.”
I led her outside to where I’d set up two chaise lounge chairs facing the open sky. The sun was setting, painting the mountains in shades of orange and pink, and soon the stars would emerge.
We settled into the chairs, close enough that I could reach over and take her hand while we watched the sunset. The night air was cool but not cold, carrying the scent of woodsmoke from a neighbor’s fire somewhere far in the distance.
And now, after eight hours of waiting to share the news, I finally got to say, “I heard from Marlene this morning.”
Avery immediately sat up straighter, her whole body tensing with concern. “How is she? Is her leg healing okay? When is she coming back? Has she been doing her physical therapy?”
I chuckled. I was about to blow her mind.
Chapter 11
