Page 28 of Hooked on Love

I smile, and mean it. “You were going to show me the different whale watching routes you take.”

He does. And I listen, trying not to think about tomorrow.

Fireworks

Peyton

I take a deep breath and feel the restriction in the bodice of my dress. A new, pale blue number covered in tiny white flowers with thin straps and a skirt that moves when I walk. I bought it last Tuesday on my lunch break from a cute little boutique in town.

I regret not trying it on first, even though the size was right and I was pressed for time.

The elevator dings my arrival to the top floor and I step out, walking toward the exit that leads to the rooftop terrace where Danny’s Fourth of July party has already begun. Kids games and activities started at three, but the invitation gave me the impression five would be the best time for the adults to arrive, anyhow. So here I am. Alone. Hoping Jake isn’t far behind me.

His last text came in around noon: Charter’s loading. Big group. See you tonight.

I haven’t heard from him since.

The roof exit swings open and I have to take a step back as three kids come barreling out one after the other. Music, laughter, and the distinct scent of meat on a grill follow. I catch the door and take in the transformed space.

Danny, same as he did with the lobby, has outdone himself.

String lights crisscross overhead in neat rows, warm and golden against the bright blue of the early evening sky. Red, white, and blue bunting lines the railings. There’s a bar cart in the corner, a speaker playing something upbeat and country, and more people than I expected fill the space.

I recognize some of the faces from the building, a few from town, and the fact I recognize anyone brings a smile to my face.

I didn’t want to say it out loud, but this party…meeting people, getting to know my neighbors, is important to me. How else am I supposed to create a life for myself in Hemlock Point? A girl has to start somewhere. And I did, with Jake, at least.

“Peyton!” Danny materializes at my elbow in a full Uncle Sam suit, hat and all, the brim nearly catching me in the chin. “You look absolutely lovely, my dear.”

“Thank you, Danny.” I smile, accepting the patriotic koozie-wrapped drink he presses into my hand. “You’ve outdone yourself up here.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” He waves a hand, then leans in conspiratorially. “Though, I do think the firecracker elevator doors were a particularly inspired touch.”

“Truly inspired,” I agree.

He beams. Then his face shifts into something thoughtful—that particular Danny expression I’ve come to recognize as the one he wears right before he says something that isn’t quite as casual as he wants it to sound. “Now where is your hunky arm candy for this evening?”

I blush. “Oh, he’s, um, on his way…hopefully.”

Danny hums a moment. “He is, I’m sure of it,” he says as if he knows for certain.

I don’t question him, simply daring to hope he’s right.

Danny ushers me around the party, introducing me to other residents of the building and a few locals living in town. We finally make it around to the man behind the grill who took over when I arrived. “And this is our wonderful, delightful, wise and handsome mayor, Caleb Foster,” he announces. “He’s also single.” He winks.

The broad shoulders of the youngest, hottest, tatted-est mayor I have ever seen, shake with laughter. “Your introductions seem to be getting wilder and wilder by the hour, sir,” he says, extending his hand to me. “You can call me Caleb. Welcome to Hemlock Point, Miss Moore.”

I shake his hand. “Peyton. It’s lovely to meet you. Your town truly is stunning.”

“Thank you.” He grins, beaming with pride in his shirt that says It’s a bad day to be a wiener! with a dancing hotdog stretched over some serious pecs.

Danny excuses himself a moment later and I debate if I should wait to eat or—

“Peyton!”

I turn, catching sight of Jake’s brother and his girlfriend heading straight for me.

“Happy Fourth of July,” Molly sing-songs, stunning in her flowing flag-themed dress. “How are you? Oh, my god—have you seen Danny’s hat!” She giggles.