Page 66 of Harvest Heat

“Oh, it affects it, but I was already happy to have you on the team.”

It had been years since he played hockey, but it felt good to be back on the ice and to be making new friends. It worked out great that Marianne was friends with the downtown business owners he’d met. She might not technically be one of them, since she didn’t own the library, but she was the dominating force pushing for new library programs, so she was active in town business.

“So how serious is the stuff that’s not going on?” she asked.

He scowled at her. “I knew you wanted details.”

She shrugged. “I’m just offering to be a supportive listener. I’m guessing you don’t have anyone else to talk to. I haven’t heard anything about you and Rhys other than easily dismissible rumors.”

“What rumors?”

“Nothing serious, just that Agnes thinks the two of you should get together, and Tessa is convinced Rhys is head over heels for you.”

Caleb sucked in his breath. “She’s what?”

“Oh yes, she’s determined to get you two together, but it seems like you wouldn’t mind that.”

“Anything that is going on—and I’m not saying anything is—is secret for now, even if I wish it wasn’t.”

Marianne nodded. “Be patient with him. He’s worth it.”

“Yes, I kind of guessed that.”

“For the record, not that I think you’re planning to, but if you hurt him, I will make sure you pay.”

He shouldn’t have been surprised by her threat. He’d hurt anyone who came for Rhys too. “Wow. That’s so comforting to hear.”

“But you’re not going to do that. That’s why I’m happy to have you here.” She pushed back her chair and stood. “I have to be at the library way too early tomorrow, so I’d better get going.”

“Me too,” Caleb said.

As he drove back to the shop, he replayed his conversation with Marianne. It had been interesting, part warning, part encouragement, part small-town nosiness. But he liked that she said what was on her mind, unlike some people in this town who would rather talk about you behind your back.

His talks with Marianne made it clear that Rhys was justified in his fear. If their relationship became public, everyone would be talking about them, and that was going to suck. If Rhys realized Marianne had them figured out, how badly would he panic? Who else also knew? Jonah? Tessa? Finn? All of them?

Were he and Rhys actually fooling anyone? If they weren’t, Rhys wasn’t ready to hear that yet. Not unless Caleb wanted him to end this now.

CHAPTER 24

Caleb was surprised that he didn’t see Rhys anywhere when he arrived at the pizza place Jonah’s family had rented out for the party. He knew Rhys didn’t like to be late to anything. Was he wishing he had told Tessa earlier so he wouldn’t be under pressure for him to say something tonight? Was he afraid he couldn’t hide his attraction to Caleb if the two of them were at an event together? Caleb was certainly worried about that. But he wasn’t going to fail to show up for his friend because the way he looked at Rhys might expose them.

Caleb greeted Jonah, then got introduced to Jonah’s parents. He chatted with Abby for a few moments at the buffet, which was filled with a variety of pizzas. Once he had chosen a slice of barbecue chicken pizza and one of a meat lovers, he looked for a space to sit down.

Tessa and Finn were at the end of one of the long tables with a pitcher of beer sitting in front of them. He wove around a group of people he recognized from Cloud Nine and made his way over to them. When she saw him, Tessa pointed to a chair next to her. He nodded in acknowledgment.

“How’s it going?” Finn asked when he was seated.

“Fine. Busy. It’s good to see you both.”

Finn nodded. “Sorry I haven’t been by Cloud Nine recently. Things have been slammed at the bakery. Everybody is wanting all the fall treats. I always think it’s not going to get crazy until closer to Halloween, and I get surprised every year. People around here love fall celebrations.”

“Yeah, I’ve had people asking if I can do coffee-to-go for a crowd or help them set up a coffee bar for fall parties. I didn’t even know that was a thing.”

“It’s not in most places, but it’s a big tradition around here.”

“I shouldn’t question it since it’s good for business.”

Finn nodded. “It sure is, but it makes the whole last part of the year crazy. The fall rush leads right into Halloween. Then we’ve got Thanksgiving and all the winter holidays.”