Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 54852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“Maybe.” I drew the word out like I didn’t know full well that two nights ago, she’d seen Harrison’s vehicle parked at our place until well after the moon had risen.
Harrison had come to fetch an order of the peacock-feather pens on the thinnest of possible pretexts, happily ending up in my bed again before a late-night feast of sandwiches as we dissected a recent book release that we’d both read. I liked kissing him and getting him naked, which wasn’t surprising, but I truly enjoyed hanging out fully clothed with him too, and that was something of a surprise. We’d had a couple of encounters since the duckling delivery, and we always ended up lingering over conversation even more than the sex. He wasn’t supposed to be so damn easy to like.
And here I was, trading chores again for the chance to see his big day. Chances were high that he’d be so beat after a long day, the most I could hope for was a late shared supper after the store closed, but I was strangely okay with that. Figuring he did enough worrying for the both of us, I was trying to be more serene about the whole thing. Maybe we’d end up decent friends. Maybe something more. Maybe everything would come tumbling down before the first snow. Absent a crystal ball from the metaphysical shop in Colebury, all I could do was try to enjoy the ride.
“Go on with you, then, Romeo.” Apparently resigned to not getting fresh gossip out of me, Rachel laughed as she waved me toward my truck.
“Thanks. And thanks for doing the extra chores.” Sisters. Drove me crazy. But no way could I live without them either. Even though she was dusty from the greenhouse, I still gave her a fast hug.
“No problem.” She brushed the shoulders of my light-blue shirt. “But when I get a new boyfriend too, you better watch out. I’ll be calling in favors all over the place.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less. And Harrison’s not my boyfriend.”
“If it walks like a duck—”
“Okay, okay. I’m going.” Freeing myself from her gentle grip and hard questions, I finished my trek to my truck.
Traffic was heavier than usual for a Saturday night, local taverns and restaurants doing booming date-night business, and plenty of families out in their yards grilling and gardening, soaking up what was left of the daylight.
Downtown, a well-attended yoga class had taken over part of Church Street’s outdoor mall, bright mats littering the brick walkway as the teacher broadcast her instructions over a wireless headset. Farther on, the rainbows were out in force, as many stores had Pride Month displays. Rainbow running gear and upscale kids clothing competed for customer eyeballs alongside jewelry spreads and bakery windows full of wedding ideas for couples of many types.
The parking garage was still pretty full when I parked, and, after the short walk to the bookstore, I noted plenty of patrons browsing in the windows. The storefront sported a festive Grand Opening banner both in the front window and over the door. One of Harrison’s new clerks was working up front, while another was working the rear coffee bar area. Harrison himself was showing a group of customers the cookbook section, so I hung back to let him work.
And that was its own pleasure, watching him in his element, talking animatedly about a cookbook featuring recipes from a two-mom household and another showcasing a famous vegan vlogger. Harrison was so knowledgeable and self-assured in this environment, that it made the times when he was flustered at the farm even sweeter, and how he surrendered in bed that much hotter.
His crisp dress shirt was already giving me ideas, as was the nifty little bowtie with a vintage book print. But for once, his more formal dress habits didn’t seem out of place. He looked like the perfect shopkeeper from a bygone era, and judging by the crowd in the store, maybe Burlington had been waiting for a place like this. Maybe I’d been waiting…
Nah. I shook my head, trying to dispel fanciful thoughts. But for the first time, I could truly see a place for Harrison in the community here. And he looked so happy helping the patrons.
I hope he stays. Before I could banish that wish, Audrey came striding over, skirt in the same print as Harrison’s bow tie, a charming touch that had me smiling even before she reached me.
“Finn! So nice to see you.” She hugged me tightly, floral perfume tickling my nose. “I had a feeling you’d be by.”
I wasn’t sure I liked being that predictable, but I nodded anyway. “I couldn’t miss your big day. Everything looks great.”
“I had to talk Harrison into at least half these rainbows.” She laughed as she gestured at the decor, which had the symmetry and professionalism I’d expect from Harrison, but the bright and airy feel that was all Audrey.