“Thank you.” I turned around and noticed he’d been checking me out, which totally made my day.
It had been so long since that had happened to me or happened to me by someone I might actually care about, and it was such a good feeling.
I walked over to the cabinet with the plates and grabbed a stack of bread plates and bowls.
“We really had a great time with Dotty and Todd,” I told Dwayne as I set everything on the counter. “It was really nice of you to include us, and we stopped by the library today.”
He drew in a deep breath, and our eyes connected. “I know. Jewels called me after you left.”
I swallowed the lump down in my throat. “And?”
“It sounded like she went into a little more detail than I initially had about the boating accident.” His eyes stayed on mine as if he expected me to flee.
I nodded, unsure of what to say. Pain darted through his gaze, and I wanted to fling my arms around him and tell him everything was fine, but it wasn’t. Not for him.
“It’s something I don’t really bring up.” He pressed his lips together, but his green eyes stayed on mine. “What’s there to say?”
“I can’t pretend to know,” I said softly.
He nodded, and his jaw twitched. “I like you. A lot. I know we’re still getting to know each other, but I honestly didn’t know how to bring it up.”
I moved a step closer and nodded, folding my arms across my chest. “It’s not easy. Bringing anything up from the past isn’t simple, especially when it’s something so…tragic.”
Dwayne ran his palm along his jaw and drew another deep breath. “I haven’t actually dated anyone since I lost her. I’ve never had to bring it up. I only concentrated on my little nephew and what he’s gone through.”
“But you’ve both gone through something tremendous. You can’t ignore it.”
“I miss her every day. I think about her every day,” he admitted. “Time hasn’t healed my wounds.”
I ground my fingers into my chest as I watched such a strong man confess something to me so tender and so raw that it made it almost impossible for me not to break down for him.
“And I was okay with that. I was okay with wallowing in the loss I’d suffered, slugging around, and putting effort into my nephew and nothing more. I built a fortress around us and blocked everyone out.” He slid his tongue on his bottom lip and paused. “And then I met you. Well, the back of you in the store. And I heard your laughter, and I heard how prickly you got to your friend, and my heart literally skipped a million miles. For that moment, I forgot about the pain. I forgot about the walls I’d built around my boy and me.”
My jaw dropped, and I ran my hands down my sides.
“For the first time in a really long time, I remembered what it was like to want to get to know someone.” He smiled, and a low chuckle rolled off his lips. “And I’ve never been able to think of pasta the same since or horses.”
I reached out for Dwayne’s hand and brought it into mine. “You just made me realize that love really can exist out there in the big, bad place of reality.”
He let out a sigh and smiled. “I didn’t just scare you off?”
I shook my head. “Not in the least bit.”
Dwayne brought both of my hands up to his lips and kissed them softly. “I’m not looking to replace anyone. I’m not looking to compare anyone.”
My heart fluttered, and I sucked in a trembling breath.
“But I am looking to explore this. I’m looking to get to know you.” His lip curled slightly. “See where it can go. I might have used Aaron as an excuse to see you, but the truth is that I can’t get my mind off you. Your lips, your shiny hair, the way you smell like—”
“Pancakes?” I giggled.
“Well, today, maybe, but normally, it’s like sunshine and roses.”
“Really?” I asked as he kissed my knuckles.
He nodded, and my heart squeezed. “I’m not making any promises. You might hate how I chew food or think my jokes are dumb. You might not see me enough with my job or—”
I squinted my eyes at him. “Your pizza and hot dog chewing skills seemed perfectly adequate and quiet. And so far, the alpacas have shown me that you can laugh at yourself, which is a good thing.”
Dwayne’s mouth hovered near mine, and I prayed for another kiss like the other day. “I think I’m asking if we can stop using the boys as excuses and maybe start seeing each other.”
I looked into his beautiful green eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “I’d like that very much.”
His lips touched down to mine as I sank into this unexpected moment and memorized everything about it. The way his lips tasted of honey and his strong hands slid along my spine as I let myself fall into this fantasy with the sheriff.
“Is dinner ready yet?” Colby shouted from down the hall, and I chuckled.
Our lips broke apart, and I smiled. “And just like that.” I lovingly rolled my eyes in Colby’s direction. “Yes, it is. Come and get it.”
The sound of a thundering herd came in our direction as Dwayne dropped his arms from me and I started filling up the bowls with piping hot stew.
“I love stew,” Aaron said, glancing at his uncle. He narrowed his eyes on Dwayne and cocked his head slightly. “Why are you wearing lipstick?”
I spun my head in Dwayne’s direction and hid a chuckle.
“Yeah. That’s the same color as my mom’s.” Colby’s eyes widened as he looked at Dwayne and then at me. “Did you smooch my mom?”
“Do you want any cheese for the stew or—” I asked, trying to divert the conversation.
Aaron nodded as Dwayne began filling bowls.
“Did you?” Colby asked again, and Dwayne looked at me for help as he took a paper towel to his entire face.
“He did.” I nodded, knowing honesty was the best policy with Colby.
“Oh.” Colby wandered over to the table and sat in his regular seat in front of the bowl of stew we’d put over there.
I brought over the biscuits, and Aaron immediately snagged one and took a bite. “These are amazing.”
I looked over at Aaron and smiled. “Thank you.”
“My mommy is a good cook.” Colby grinned. “She used to want to own a restaurant, but Daddy wouldn’t let her.”
My eyes widened, not expecting Colby to know that or bring it up.
“Daddy wouldn’t let her do much of anything. She wasn’t allowed to leave the house.” Colby took a bite of stew as if what he’d said wasn’t a big deal, and I glanced in Dwayne’s direction.
His eyes widened, and I shook my head just as Dwayne’s phone rang.
“Pardon me,” he said, sliding his phone out of his pocket and answering it.
I looked over at Colby, who was busy buttering his biscuit, and my heart twisted into knots. I couldn’t believe how much he’d internalized in the short time of his existence. What else did my son know about the marriage?
“A black sports car? No driver. Uh-uh. Out of Portland?” A pause. “Curious.”
A few more seconds of silence. “And the caller asked for me by name.” He let out a deep breath. “All right. I’ll be there in a few.”
Dwayne hung up the phone and let out a heavy breath. “I hate to do this, but I need to go help out on a call.”
I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to pretend that I didn’t overhear the details of his call or bring it up to see if it had anything to do with my run-in.
“I can take Aaron to his grandparents, who—”
Aaron shook his head. “No, I want to stay here.”
Dwayne shook his head. “Claire has to wake up early for work. I might be gone late.”
I shook my head. “It’s okay. As long as you boys promise me to go to bed on time.” I looked over at Dwayne, who was grinning as he stood up.
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Totally. Aaron hasn’t even gotten to finish his dinner. Kind of like you.”
“Hazard of the job, I’m afraid.” He smiled grimly, and I stood up quickly.
“I’ll keep some for you in the fridge.” I walked him to the door. “For when you come back tonight.”
His brow arched, and he smiled. “Tonight?”
I nodded and bit my lip. “I’m not promising I’ll be up, but I’ll be here. It might be easier that way to bring Aaron’s clothes and stuff. You know, for the boys.”
Dwayne smiled and cocked his head. “Ah, right. For the boys.”
I wanted to stand on my toes and kiss him once more, but I knew I had two sets of eyes drilling the back of my head, so I smiled at Dwayne.
“Stay safe.” I reached over and rubbed the lipstick off that he hadn’t managed to get with the napkin.
“I’ll do my best.” He walked out of the apartment, and I closed the door softly before turning to face prying eyes.
“Do you like my uncle?” Aaron asked as I walked back to the table.
“Your uncle seems like a really incredible man.” I nodded. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you and him more.”
Aaron beamed, and Colby stared at his stew quietly.
“You okay?” I asked Colby, and he brought his gaze to mine.
“My uncle is the best.” Aaron looked at his friend. “He likes you a lot.”
Colby’s head tilted. “He does?”
“Yup. He says what an amazing boy you are. He said you’re stronger than any kid in our class and could be the next Fireweed fireman.”
“Really?” Colby smiled and glanced at me.
“Uh-huh.”
Colby happily finished his dinner, and they asked to be excused before tearing off down the hall.
A knock sounded at the door, and I happily dashed over to answer, expecting to see Dwayne.
As I opened the door, I caught a man jogging away through the parking lot, and my heart dropped as a note fell to the ground, and I realized tonight had been a setup.
Chapter Eleven
I woke up from such a light sleep, a spider building a web could’ve woken me up. My pulse raced when I realized it was morning, and Dwayne never showed up. I checked my phone. It was time for me to wake up for work anyhow, and there were several texts from Dwayne. I’d foolishly had the phone on silent.
I started to feel a little less panicky, realizing he was okay. Just busy. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and scanned the texts.
A light knock on the door echoed into the room, and I took a deep breath. It was probably the babysitter. Usually, I was already showered and ready to go when she’d arrived. I wandered over to the door and looked out the window to see Leslie, our sitter. I didn’t have to be at the café at my normal time, so she came a little later than usual.
I opened the door and smiled, welcoming her in. She had a key but rarely used it in the morning.
“I fell asleep on the couch.” I ran my fingers through the tangled strands on top of my head. “And I’m a mess.”
Leslie grinned. She was wearing a red sweater and black leggings and looked as fresh as a daisy. It had to be youth on her side.
“It happens.”
“Colby’s best friend spent the night because his dad had some work to do.” I glanced at my phone with a new message sliding over my screen. “I’ll go get them up and ready before I hop in the shower.”
“You sure? I don’t mind waking them up,” Leslie offered.
“Nah.” I grinned. “I miss my little guy. He was completely preoccupied with his buddy, so I need my fix before I go off to work.”
She smiled and nodded. “I completely understand. Go get your fix, and I’ll make a special breakfast.”
“Really?” I loved Leslie.
“Totally. I’ve wanted to try out these oven pancakes for months, and I noticed you have all the ingredients.”
“Have at it.” I waved and trundled off toward Colby’s bedroom.
When I rounded the bend, my heart literally melted, and I couldn’t help myself from letting out a little gasp from cuteness.
Colby was sleeping on the floor in his dinosaur sleeping bag, and he’d let Aaron sleep on his bed. Aaron was curled around Colby’s favorite teddy bear.
I knelt down by Colby and gently played with his hair and softly rubbed his back as he slowly woke up.
“Hey, honey,” I whispered. “It’s time to start waking up.”
Colby rolled around and flopped on his back with his eyes still closed as I rubbed his belly. He yawned and slowly opened his eyes. Realizing he was still on the floor, he sprang up and jumped on his bed to wake up Aaron.
“Such boys,” I whispered, laughing as Aaron groaned and threw the teddy bear at Colby.
“Leslie’s making a super special breakfast for you guys. I’m going to hop in the shower.”
“Okay.” Colby giggled as the boys started chattering about the school day.
After turning on the water for the shower, I texted Dwayne to see how his long night-turned-morning had been and apologized for not answering his texts since I’d fallen asleep.
He wrote back quickly.
So sorry for leaving you the boys all night. Some pranksters tried to run me all around the island last night. I’ve been working on finding out who it might be.
My heart stilled as I thought about last night’s note. I’d planned on showing it to him when he arrived last night, but he never made it. I wanted there to be absolutely no connection between the note, the sports car, and the calls Dwayne had to deal with last night, but the little nagging feeling in my stomach told me otherwise.
I quickly texted back.
Hey, can I show you something this morning at my work? I don’t know if it’s related or not, but I feel like I should fill you in.
He wrote back.
Absolutely. I’ll meet you there around eight. Does that work?
I quickly confirmed that it would work great and let out a deep breath.
I pushed down a dry swallow as the steam from the shower rolled into the rest of the bathroom. Everything was going to be fine. Quickly undressing, I walked into the shower and let out a groan of frustration.
If my ex-husband were paying people to spy on me again or threaten me, the only question I had would be, why? He didn’t care about me. That much was obvious.
As I scrubbed the exhaustion from my face and rinsed the conditioner out of my hair, I thought about my future on Fireweed. Colby loved it here. I was starting to make friends and understand the town. I loved the downtown shops and cafés, and I loved my job.
I turned off the water, dried off, and quickly dressed before hearing the pleasant melody of the boys laughing down the hall.
Leslie was making up a story about the pancake’s origin, and the boys looked mesmerized. I walked down the hall and saw Leslie putting a piece of pancake on each of the boys’ plates.
“Wow. You made it in a casserole dish?” I asked. “It’s so puffy.”
“I think I can count it as a success.” Leslie still had a red-plaid potholder on her left hand, but she grabbed a piece of oven pancake with her right hand and took a bite. “Mmm.”
I tore a piece off and dunked it in Colby’s syrup. “Oh, so good.” I looked at the clock and drew a breath. “I should probably take off so I’m not late.”
“Okay, Mommy.” I kissed Colby’s forehead and patted the top of Aaron’s head.
I motioned for Leslie to follow me to the door so we could step outside. Not that I knew that anything was going on, but I wanted to clue her in.
She followed me outside and closed the door. “What’s up?”
My gaze dropped to the concrete sidewalk before lifting my eyes to hers. “So… I have an ex-husband, and he made our divorce pretty awful. He hired private investigators to report on me, and I thought that was behind us since the divorce, but I’m not so sure any longer.”
Leslie shook her head and sucked in a breath. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks. I just wanted you to be alert to any we
ird happenings or strangers hanging around a bit.” I furrowed my brows. “I don’t think he’s dangerous or—”
Leslie interrupted. “Love does crazy things.”
I nodded. “It can, but I don’t think he was ever in love with me. I think he just didn’t want anyone else to have me.”
Leslie shook her head and looked toward the parking lot. “That’s probably worse.”
I let out a nervous laugh and nodded. “If this makes you uncomfortable in any way…”
“It doesn’t. I’ll be more careful, and I’ll keep a lookout.” She patted my shoulder. “Try not to let it stress you. Fireweed is pretty safe.”
I nodded and smiled. It wasn’t Fireweed I was worried about. It was the strangers who’d suddenly seemed to make themselves at home here.
“Thanks again for watching Aaron too.” I waved and started toward my car as Leslie went back into the apartment.
When I arrived at the café, I saw Sally’s car in the parking lot. The lights were already on inside, which meant the heat had already been turned on. That was a good thing on a crisp fall morning like today.
I walked into the café and saw pumpkin streamers hanging from the ceiling and tiny pumpkins on each of the tables.
“So cute.” I grinned.
“I thought I’d do it before the morning rush.”
“Need any help?” I asked, setting my items in a bin behind the counter.
“Nah.” She let out a deep breath and watched me for a few seconds.
“What?” My brow arched.
“How do you like it here?” she asked.
“I love it.” I walked over to the counter as she moved a tiny step ladder in front of me. “I think it’s the perfect place for Colby.”
“Did you know anyone before you came here?”
I shook my head. “Not a soul, but I’m slowly starting to build a network. Hey, have you heard about the library’s Halloween costume party?”
Sally shook her head.
“Well, it sounds pretty fun. You should go. I plan on being there.”
Discovering Love on Cranberry Lane (Island County Book 11) Page 9
