Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Kaiden
The next morning, I stopped by Evergreen Books & Trinkets. I needed to thank Miss Lila, and not just for the books.
“Kaiden! It’s good to see a handsome face on this cold morning. How are you, dear? Did my friend Harper drop off the books?”
“Good morning.” I tipped my head in her direction and stood in front of the counter. “She did. That’s actually why I was coming by.”
“Oh? Did I send the right ones?”
“Yes, the stack was exactly what I wanted. No issues, which is why I wanted to say thank you. For the books and for me introducing me to Harper.”
Miss Lila’s eyes twinkled yet she wore a mask of innocence. “Found another book lover to connect with?”
“Yes. She’s great. So, thank you again.”
Miss Lila watched me closely, trying to read between the lines, but I didn’t offer more. There was no need to get ahead of myself. I cleared my throat. “You’re welcome, sweet boy. Will you be a dear and salt the sidewalk before you go?”
“Of course. Have a good rest of your day. And let me know when the next release comes out from Stephen King. I read a preview of his new one and it sounds good.”
A slow grin spread across Miss Lila’s face. “I think that’s the most words I’ve heard you say at one time.”
I shrugged and walked over to the door, grabbing the bag of ice salt she placed next to it. “Guess I’m feeling talkative today. See ya.” I hightailed it out of there before she could ask me anything else, or figure anything out for that matter. Miss Lila was as sharp as a tack and I’m pretty sure she had her suspicious already.
After icing her sidewalk, I did some plowing for the town, clearing parking lots at the schools and town buildings, most looking to reopen soon. When my work was finished, I drove home, took Junie for a walk, and showered and dressed for my date.
I called Hank earlier, the owner of The Rusty Elk Tavern, and made a reservation for a table at seven, wanting to sit in a booth set far back, away from the main dining room. Hank promised to hold it for me, assuring me it was the perfect spot for a date.
When I pulled up in front of Harper’s cottage just after six, a rush of anticipation at seeing her ran through me from head to toe. With the latest romance release under my arm, I walked up to her door and rang the bell. A few moments later, the door opened, and Harper stood there, looking more gorgeous than ever.
She looked stunning, with her hair falling around her shoulders instead of tucked in a bun, her jacket open in the front and revealing a flowy dress underneath, with a knitted cardigan on top. Her skin glowed, her mouth red and pouty, and every part of me wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her to bed.
Be a gentleman.
“Hi.” Harper smiled, her body visibly relaxing when our eyes met.
“Hi, sweetheart. You look amazing.” I took a step closer, and her delicious scent filled the air between us. “You smell amazing, too.” My voice deepened, the sound almost growl like. I couldn’t hold back much longer, the urge to make her mine in every way powerful.
Harper placed her hands on my chest. “As do you.” She lifted up on her toes and brought her face close to mine, her lips only grazing mine for a second.
My reaction was quick, my hand instantly finding the back of her neck and bringing her mouth back to mine. “Not so fast, gorgeous.” I held in place, right where I wanted her, and covered her mouth with mine.
Our kiss grew heated quickly and before I changed my mind about taking her out for dinner, I tore my mouth away from hers and stepped back, not without taking her hand in mine first. “If we don’t go now, we’ll never make it to dinner.” I growled.
Harper’s eyes widened and a naughty grin played on her lips. “Is that a promise?”
I chuckled. “One day it will be.” I nodded my head towards the car. “Let’s go eat.”
The Rusty Elk Tavern is a cozy, wood-paneled restaurant with hearty food and all different types of craft beers. Hank Montgomery, an older man, a little gruff around the edges, but with a kind heart, owned the tavern and greeted us at the door. “Kaiden! Good to see you. And who’s your pretty date? I haven’t seen you around before.”
“This is Harper. She’s new to town. Took a job at Evergreen Books & Trinkets with Miss Lila.”
“Lucky lady. Miss Lila’s a treat. Make sure you visit my wife Clara over at her cafe. Especially if you love coffee. Enjoy your dinner, you two.” Hank clapped Kaiden on the shoulder and offered me a warm smile before showing us to our table.
Drinks, food, and conversation flowed, a couple of hours passing by in the blink of an eye. I’d never enjoyed someone’s company as much as I enjoyed Harper’s and all it did was leave me craving more.
We ordered dessert to go, her a slice of chocolate cake, me a slice of strawberry cheesecake, and I drove us over to Misty Mountain Lookout.
“The views are stunning.” I said as I parked my truck and turned off the headlights.
“You can see so many stars, so much of the night sky wide open.”
We shared our desserts, each stealing bites of each other’s, in between stolen kisses and laughter.
“You taste like chocolate covered strawberries.” Harper grinned before stealing another kiss.
“And you always taste delicious.”
We kissed again and a buzzing sound came from Harper’s side. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and when she looked at the screen, her face went pale.
“What’s wrong? Who is it?” I asked as I took her hand in mine, my voice full of concern.
Harper hit the side button causing the screen to go dark. “Nobody. It’s nothing.”
The phone buzzed again.
I grasped one of her hands with both of mine. “I’m here for you, Harper. Whatever, whoever it is.”
She pressed the side button once more and sighed. The phone started again.
I squeezed her hand and offered an encouraging nod.
“It’s my aunt.” Harper said, her eyes wide. “She hasn’t called me in a long time. I don’t know what she could possibly want.”
“Maybe she has good news. Or just wants to check in on you.”
“Yeah, maybe…”
“I’m here for you no matter what you decide to do.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes, the phone no longer buzzing, when it starts again. With a deep breath, Harper answered the phone.
“Hi Auntie.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“When did this happen?”
“Are you just now finding out?”
“But I thought…I thought they proved…”
“Okay.” Harper’s voice broke and she choked on a sob. My heart fractured at the sight of her in pain. “Thanks for letting me know. Yeah, miss you, too. Love you too, Auntie. Bye.”
Harper ended the call, her cell phone falling from her hand and landing on the floor of my truck. Her cries came then, the sobs breaking free as they took over her body.
I lifted the middle console and slid her over to me, wrapping her in a giant bear hug. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Let it out.”
Harper cried until no tears were left, only hiccups and sniffles. I kept her safe in my arms, not once letting go.
When she sat up straight, she shook her head before looking over at me. “I’m sorry. I spoiled our date.”
“No, you didn’t. Any time I get to spend with you is time I’ll forever be grateful for.”
“Even when I’m a blubbering mess?”
“Yes, even then. C’mon, let’s get you home.”