Smitten (42 page)
His eyes bore some indefinable emotion. They slid to the right before coming back to her. The muscle in his jaw flinched.
“Might as well give him an eyeful, right?”
She followed his eyes to where Sawyer stood, mere feet away, hugging his younger cousin, lifting her off her feet, making her laugh.
For just a moment she’d let herself believe the kiss was real. Silly her. Griffen was only playing a part. It was what she’d wanted, wasn’t it? But somehow that realization didn’t stop the sting of tears or the hard lump that swelled in her throat.
R
eese bucketed the stiff brush and stretched her aching fingers. The brick was clean and ready for shelving. Now that she’d cleared away the drywall dust, she could better envision the finished results. She liked what she saw. Removing the walls and opening the second floor made the space feel roomier. The brick walls and beams lent a rugged feel that was perfect for an outfitters shop.
Across the room, Griffen nailed a wooden slab into place over the support beam. The hammer rang loudly in the empty room. Once they polished the wood floor and finished the plumbing, they’d be ready to install shelving.
In the four days since their kiss, Reese had been unable to shake the memory. It didn’t help that they were together constantly or that they’d become Smitten’s newest hot couple— a complication she hadn’t foreseen. It seemed everyone in Smitten had seen them snuggling or heard of their midnight kiss. They couldn’t stop talking about it.
And Reese couldn’t stop thinking about it. At the worst times, she found her eyes drifting to his lips and remembering the feel of them on hers. Found herself wondering when another opportunity would arise.
Then she’d remind herself that the kiss wasn’t real and chide herself for going down Fantasy Lane. She’d wondered a hundred times how Griffen felt about the kiss. If he’d been repulsed at the thought of kissing his best friend. If he’d gone home and washed his mouth out with soap.
Not a pleasant thought.
Reese wiped her forehead and tightened her ponytail. In between hammer swings, Griffen tossed her a grin. She must look a wreck. She was caked in dust and sweat. For once she wanted to look like a girl, not the tomboy he’d known all his life. She couldn’t even wash up, since the plumbing was disassembled while they waited for parts.
The walls were closing in, and she felt her sanity slipping inch by inch. She had to get out of there. She headed toward the counter, where she’d stowed her purse. “I’m going for a coffee break. Want something?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
After slipping into her coat, she exited the shop and headed down the deserted sidewalk. The Christmas decorations had disappeared, and a light layer of snow coated the ground. A lone car meandered past, the only noise on the otherwise still Friday afternoon.
The cold wind bit hard, and Reese tucked her nose into her scarf as she crossed the street. When she reached Natalie’s shop, she ducked inside and breathed in the warm, java-scented air. A soft melody filtered from the speakers, the only noise in the empty shop.
Natalie peeked through the kitchen doorway. “Hey, Reese.”
“Can I wash up in your bathroom?”
“Help yourself.”
After Reese had washed her hands and splashed the dust from her face, she tidied her ponytail. Feeling presentable again, she entered the shop, detecting a new aroma.
“You’re just in time to taste my newest batch.”
Natalie approached the back side of the counter bearing something wrapped in a napkin. Reese smothered a groan at the sight of yet another gluten-free cookie attempt.
“Stop scowling. You’ll like this one.”
Reese took the cookie and studied it. It looked normal enough.
“It’s not going to bite you,” Natalie said. “Want your usual?”
“Please.” Reese slapped three dollars on the counter and carried the cookie to their corner. She sank into the chair and took a cautious bite.
Hmm. Not bad. Pretty good, actually.
“You like it!” Natalie hollered over the whir of the espresso machine.
Reese chewed, swallowed, and braced herself for the aftertaste as the machine went quiet. The only lingering taste was of sweet cookie goodness.
“I have to hand it to you, Nat—I can’t tell it’s gluten-free from the taste.”
Natalie punched the air. “Yes!”
Reese looked at the cookie. “The texture, though . . .”
“What’s wrong with the texture?”
“It’s . . . I don’t know . . . kinda weird.”
“Well, rats.” Natalie poured the shots into a mug, her engagement diamond flashing under the spotlights. “I’m getting close, though. Have you heard from Shelby? I’ve been trying to reach her.” Natalie set down her latte, removed her flour-splattered apron, and sank into her favorite chair.
“Nope.” Reese took a sip of her latte. “Mmmm, good. Maybe she and Nick went skiing or something. I’m sure Nick needs a break from the tree farm about now, and with all the help Shelby gave him over Christmas, I’m sure she’s exhausted.”
“She still has her school to run.”
“You know Shelby, though. She’s probably in a funk because Christmas is over.”
The door opened, and Sawyer entered with a blast of frigid air. He tipped his cowboy hat at them. “Ladies.”
The girls greeted him.
Natalie sprang up. “Have a seat. What can I get you?”
Sawyer ordered a black coffee and sank into the chair across from Reese. It seemed crazy that the man she’d nearly married was now a national star and would soon be Natalie’s brother-in-law.
“So . . .” Sawyer said with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
“You and Griffen, huh?”
Sawyer had been a little suspicious of her friendship with Griffen once upon a time, despite her denials. This was getting complicated.
“I assure you, Griffen and I were strictly platonic when you and I were dating.”
He nodded, his lips twitching. “Sure you were.”
Reese scowled. “Our feelings are a very recent development.” So recent Griffen wasn’t even aware of them yet.
Sawyer’s smile broke loose. “I’m just giving you a hard time. I’m nothing but happy for you, Reese. I happen to believe everything worked out just as God intended.”
He seemed sincere. “You’re right. And I’m happy for you too.” She toasted him with her latte cup. “The town eagerly awaits your wedding day.”
She was anticipating it as much as anyone. Her whole savings was at stake. And her heart. If she didn’t make Griffen notice her by then, the jig was up. He was leaving town and her chance would be gone. Poof!
Natalie set Sawyer’s coffee down and took a load off.
“Thanks, Natalie. Put it on my tab?”
“It’s on the house. Least I can do for the man who’s single-handedly saving the village.”
He waved her off. “It’s a team effort. Everyone’s doing their part, right down to little Mia.”
“It’s so quiet, though,” Reese said.
“Should I turn up the music?”
“I mean the town. Since New Year’s this place is dead. I gotta say, I’m getting a little worried.”
“It’ll be fine.” Natalie brushed her hair behind her ears. “All tourist destinations have low seasons. Hard to believe the wedding is only six weeks away. The media will be here to show Smitten to the world . . .” She patted Sawyer’s arm. “And all your fancy-schmancy friends will go home and rave about our little jewel in the mountains.”
“Hope you’re right.”
A timer went off, and Natalie dashed off toward the kitchen.
“I love her optimism.” Reese played with the napkin. “But I have to be realistic. Every dime I have is wrapped up in my new store. I don’t know what I’ll do if the plan doesn’t work. What any of us will do.”
“If it makes you feel better, my concert is already sold out. And all the major media are coming. We’ve got interviews lined up right up to the wedding, and we’ll plug the town. It’ll be fine.” He set his hand on hers and gave a friendly squeeze. “It’s a wonder what a little media coverage can accomplish. You’ll see.”
The door opened and Griffen entered, his eyes settling over her and Sawyer like a cold blast of air.
As Griffen entered the coffee shop, the sweet smell of baking brownies wafted toward his nose, lifting his spirits and the corners of his mouth. He spotted Reese in her usual seat.
And then he spotted Sawyer. The man’s hand rested on Reese’s. A protective reflex kicked in so hard, Griffen knotted his hands into fists to keep himself from diving across the table and landing Sawyer flat on his back.
“Griffen.” Reese’s lips lifted as Griffen’s smile slipped.
Lover boy pulled his hand away.
Smart move, buddy
.
“How ya doing, Griffen?” Sawyer asked.
“Not bad.” Griffen sat close to Reese and draped his arm casually around her shoulders.
“I said I’d bring you back something.” Reese’s smile looked unnatural.
“Well, I missed you.” He leaned toward her and pressed a kiss to her cheek. It was what she wanted, right? To make Sawyer see what he was missing? Well, Griffen could manage that just fine.
Reese took a sip of her drink as a pretty blush colored her cheeks.
“So, Sawyer . . . when does the lucky lady arrive in town?” Griffen asked.
“A couple weeks. She’s tying up things at work, but she’s looking forward to finishing the wedding preparations.”
“You must be counting the minutes.”
Sawyer nodded. “I am. I am. Congrats on . . .” He waved a finger between Reese and Griffen. “You know—you two.”
“Yeah.” Griffen tightened his hold on Reese, pulling her into his side. “It’s amazing the way it all came together. Isn’t it, honey?”
Reese gave her high-pitched laugh. “Amazing.”
They sipped their drinks, ushering in an awkward pause. Griffen became aware of Reese’s body snuggled tightly against his side. Her firm curves, the smell of her hair, sweet apples with musky undertones. Ragged little breaths, puffing warm air against his hand, which dangled from her shoulder.
He was unprepared for the rush of adrenaline, the feel-good chemicals, and his body’s reactions to the chemistry. Well, it was his own fault, wasn’t it? He was the one who’d wanted to show Sawyer whose girl she was.
“Hi, Griffen.” Natalie set a black coffee and a brownie in front of him.
“Thanks, Natalie. How’d you know I was after one of these?”
“Would you like one, Sawyer?” Natalie asked.
“No, thanks.” He patted his solid middle. “Have to watch the girlish figure.”
“How come they get the good stuff?” Reese said.
“You’re my taster—that’s a privilege—but I’ll get you one.” Natalie started to get up.
“Don’t bother,” Griffen said. “I’ll share.”
He picked up the brownie and held it to Reese’s mouth as Natalie sank back down.
Something flickered in Reese’s eyes as her lips parted for the bite. He watched her teeth sink into the warm treat. Her full lips pursed as she chewed the dainty bite. A dab of melted chocolate perched on her lower lip.
He reached out and brushed it away with the flick of his thumb, then casually sucked the chocolate from his own.
How do you like that, Sawyer Smitten?
Reese’s eyes widened.
Natalie cleared her throat. “So . . . we were just talking about how the town was coming along.”
“I was telling Reese the concert is already sold out,” Sawyer said.
Griffen took a bite of brownie as Sawyer went on about the media circus they had planned. His mind was elsewhere. Namely on the cute little thing tucked into his side.
He took another bite and offered Reese the rest. When she shook her head, he shrugged and finished it off.
Reese slanted him a look.
What’s gotten into you?
He raised his brows and lifted his shoulders ever so slightly.
Isn’t this what you wanted, Miss Operation Jealousy?
He wasn’t sure what was up with the hand-holding thing he’d walked in on, but he’d rallied big-time if he said so himself. And he had to admit, it wasn’t all bad, being with Reese and Sawyer. Gave him an excuse to do everything he’d wanted to do for three years. And if he were honest, it felt kinda good, rubbing it into old Sawyer over there. He already had a fiancée and a gaggle of worshipping fans—would it be too much to ask to leave this one for him?
