“I know! And look at this—” he pulled out another treasure. “Antique sextant from the 1800s. Still functional, believe it or not.”
Celeste hung back, pretending to browse a display of vintage postcards while actually just trying to breathe normally. She watched Ruby's hands trace the curves of the sextant, gentle and reverent, and felt heat creep up her neck.
Stop it,she told herself.Stop looking at her hands and wondering what they'd feel like—
“Celeste, look at this!” Ruby called out, holding up a small watercolor. “Isn't it beautiful?”
Celeste drew nearer to get a closer look. The painting showed a lavender field at sunset, the purple blooms glowing in golden light. It was lovely and clearly the work of a skilled hand.
“It's unsigned,” Noah explained. “Part of the mystery. The collector spent years trying to identify the artist but never could.”
“Sometimes the mystery is part of the beauty,” Ruby muttered, still studying the painting. “Not everything needs to be explained.”
Was that directed at her? Celeste couldn't tell. Ruby's expression was focused on the watercolor.
“This,” Ruby said suddenly, picking up a silver necklace with a small moonstone pendant. “How much?”
“That's a lovely piece from the Edwardian era. Forty dollars.”
“I'll take it.” Ruby turned to Celeste, and for the first time since the incident upstairs, their eyes met fully. “And before you say anything, it's a gift. For putting up with my spontaneous detours.”
“Ruby, you don't need to—”
“Too late. Already decided.” She moved behind Celeste, the necklace dangling from her fingers. “May I?”
The air around Celeste halted. She should say no and do anything except stand there while Ruby's fingers brushed the nape of her neck, sending electricity down her spine.
But she couldn't make herself move.
Ruby gathered her hair gently, draping it over one shoulder with a touch so careful it made Celeste's throat tight. The cool metal of the necklace touched her skin first, followed by Ruby's fingertips as she worked the clasp.
“There,” Ruby murmured, her hands lingering for just a fraction too long before pulling away.
Celeste touched the pendant, the stone cool against her sternum. When she turned, Ruby was watching her with an expression that made Celeste's knees feel unstable.
“It suits you,” Noah said cheerfully, completely oblivious to the charged moment he'd just witnessed. “Brings out your eyes.”
Ruby purchased a few more items—vintage postcards showing scenes of old Chicago, a small landscape painting ofmountains at dawn and an ornate letter opener with a mother-of-pearl handle that looked like it belonged in a Gothic novel.
“You ladies take care now,” Noah said as he rang up the purchases. “And seriously, come back anytime you're passing through. It's been a real pleasure having people who appreciate the artistry in these old things.”
He followed them out to the car, chatting enthusiastically about a Civil War-era pocket watch that would be arriving next week.
“You're sure you can't stay another day?” He grinned hopefully. “I promise the wait would be worth it.”
“Afraid not,” Ruby said. “But we'll definitely come back if we're in the area again.”
“You'd better! I'll keep an eye out for more art pieces. Seems like that's your passion. I can email you pictures if you’re interested,” Noah winked at Ruby, then turned to Celeste. “And you, young lady, don't let this one drag you into too much trouble. Though a little trouble might do you some good.”
Celeste felt her cheeks heat. Did everyone see through her so easily?
“Thanks for everything,” Ruby said. “For the hospitality, the lunch and letting us stay. You've been incredibly generous.”
“My pleasure! Safe travels, ladies. And remember, it’s never too early or too late to have an adventure. Be sure to let yourselves wander a bit.”
With that said he waved goodbye before heading back into the store.
They stood by the car for a moment, watching him disappear inside.
