The bartender smiles. “I’m Delia. Welcome to the Seaglass Saloon. You’re a friend of Ryan’s? I haven’t seen you in town before.”
Some wild impulse breaks loose inside me, except this one feelsright.
“Sort of. I’m Ryan’s date to the wedding this weekend,” I say brightly. “Will you be there?”
Delia’s eyebrows raise. Ryan’s eyes flicker with confusion, possibly amusement. And something else?
“Of course I’ll be there,” Delia says. “Everyone will.”
“Everyone,” Ryan echoes, looking at me with an expression I can’t read. “Apparently.”
“What can I get you to drink?” Delia asks. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
Panic flickers. “Katie,” I say before I can stop myself. The Fordhams could very well be known around here, and in towns like these, news travels fast. The last thing I need is anyone realizing Jack’s runaway bride is holed up in Wild Rose Point.
“Okay, Katie. What’ll it be?”
“I’ll have what he’s having.” Pizza, grilled cheese, beer, why not? I’ve become a real “yes, and” person this week. Then I see the taps behind the bar. “Actually, what’s that?” I ask, pointing to a tap with an icon of a moon on it.
Delia grins. “Not sure you want that. It’s a full moon later this week.”
Ryan chuckles. “Nope. You sure don’t.”
I look between Delia and Ryan. “Is someone going to fill me in on the joke?”
“Mooncatcher Lager,” Delia says. “Legend has it if you drink one at midnight on a full moon, you’ll meet your soulmate.”
“Well, that’s days away, so I guess I’m safe.”
“Too close for comfort for me,” Delia says. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She winks, tips a pint glass in front of the tap, and moments later, places the pint in front of me before moving down the bar to serve another customer.
When I turn to Ryan, he’s looking at me with a bemused expression. “Katie, huh?” He nods at the empty stool beside him. “Have a seat.”
“It’s my middle name.” I put my bags down and climb onto the stool, strawberry-sandaled feet dangling.
Ryan leans in, the warm spice of his cologne filling the air. “What do you think you’re doing?” His tone sounds more curious than anything.
“You said the wedding would be tough, especially going alone. So I thought…why don’t I come with you? As your date?”
“And what, pretend you’re my girlfriend?”
I shrug, suddenly unsure. “Up to you.” God, was that insane? I’ve just committed myself to staying here until the weekend.
Ryan takes a sip of his beer, then chuckles.
“What?” I say, heat rising to my cheeks. “Sorry. That was probably a stupid idea.”
“You’re just…unexpected.” He studies me, eyes warm and unreadable.
Self-conscious again, I take a long sip of my beer.
“You sure about this?” Ryan asks.
“Do you really believe that kind of lore?” To be fair, I have a magic rock in my pocket. But he doesn’t need to know that.
“Not about the beer. I’m a scientist, remember? No, I was talking about the wedding. It’s going to be…quite the event.”
Am I sure? Not even close. A wedding, right after walking away from my own? But Ryan’s been so kind. And I need a place to stay. Offering to be his date buys me time to figure out what comes next. It’s polite. And practical. And, given the little spark in my stomach at the thought of Ryan in a suit….enticing.
