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He wiggled his eyebrows. “More positions to try out.” I choked on my next breath and Wolfe howled, head thrown back. “Christ, you’re a delight. Come on, then. Let’s go.”

The air between us shifted from heavy to playful and we teased each other on the way into town. When the first street of Bracken Bay came into view, I dropped Wolfe’s arm. I wanted to keep it, wanted the world to be able to see him the way I did. He seemed unperturbed, hands shoved into his pockets as we strolled through town.

My first stop was to see Tommy.

He greeted me with a wide grin and a hug that nearly swallowed me whole.

“You’re looking lovely, Avery. Bracken Bay agrees with you.”

I flushed, tucking my hair back behind my ear. “I think so too. I came to return this.” I pulled Moira’s book from my bag and passed it over. “Please thank her again for me, will you?”

“Of course. She’ll be so pleased to hear you enjoyed it.”

“I did.” I sucked in a sharp breath. It was now or never. Wolfe’s words from our walk stuck with me and truly, he was right. Standing in the shadows was doing nothing for me. It was time to step back into the sun. “I was thinking…”

Tommy waited, bushy brows raised in expectation. “Aye?”

“I’ll come to her book club.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Wolfe beam at me. “If they want to talk to me about my book. Even if they don’t. I’m—I’m happy to go.”

Tommy clapped in delight. “Oh, she’ll be thrilled. You’ve just made her day, I already know it. They meet on Wednesdays. Are you free this week?”

“Ye-yes,” I stammered.

So soon already? I thought I’d have time to prepare, maybe get a few answers worked out or explanations in place for my characters and their choices.

“Now you can’t back out,” Wolfe said smugly from behind me. “I’m glad. Moira is a good woman. She’ll appreciate it.”

Tommy was already spinning toward the old rotary phone in the back of the store. Moira had barely answered before he was gushing my proposal over the line. I heard Moira’s screech from here and grimaced.

“She says that’s perfect. The girls will start reading your book immediately.”

“Oh, no. That’s okay. I can wait—”

Tommy held the phone away from his ear. “Oh, they won’t hear of it now. Besides, they read quickly. They’ll be ready for you. What’s that? Oh, right. Yes. Okay. You as well, my love. Bye, now.”

So easy, that level of affection.

Lived in.

Warm.

I ached for it.

“Our place at seven on Wednesday. She’s so happy. Thank you, Avery.”

“Of course,” I said thickly, nerves and a burst of excitement coiling inside me. “Happy to do it.”

“Where are you off to now?”

“More books,” I admitted sheepishly. “I think she’s unlocked something in me.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Tell Nadine at the shop that Moira sent you. She’ll give you her discount.” He winked. “You’re sure you need to return home? I think you fit here.”

His words broke my heart. My smile turned sad, watery at the corners. “I think I fit here too.”

“You do,” Wolfe called quietly. “You fit perfectly, but we both know you can’t.”

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. “Tommy—”