by Cindy Kirk
Right now, the attention was on the vendors.
Hadley nearly groaned when Brynn glanced at a massive grill holding brats and burgers. This evening, she was in the mood for something different. Perhaps because tonight felt different, almost like an adventure.
Brynn glanced questioningly at her father.
David smiled. “You have to tell me, Sweet Pea. I can’t read your mind.”
“Do you like…” Instead of addressing her dad, Brynn shifted her gaze to Hadley. Her teeth bit her lower lip.
“I like almost everything,” Hadley told her. “Except anchovies. And sardines.”
Brynn cocked her head. “Do you like whitefish?”
Hadley nodded. “Very much.”
Seconds later, they reached a red-and-white-striped tent. A banner proclaiming Whitefish Forever hung across the front, while a chalkboard gave options and prices.
As the dinner rush hadn’t fully hit, it didn’t take long to get their order—six fish tacos, plus a bowl of chowder for Hadley. She tried to pay for her own, but David waved away the money she tried to press in his hand.
They settled into seats at a picnic table under the leafy branches of a large oak.
Hadley lowered her spoon and kept a smile on her face when she saw Eliza Shaw, er, Eliza Kendrick and her husband, Kyle, approach.
“Mind if we share the table?” Eliza asked.
“We’d love to have you join us.” David spoke before Hadley could respond. The table was large, and at events such as these, everyone shared space.
Eliza slipped into the spot next to Hadley, while her husband sat opposite her, next to David.
Though Hadley had dressed carefully in a blue-and-white-striped dress and wedge sandals, she felt dowdy next to Eliza.
Eliza was known for her sense of style. At one time, the executive director of the Cherries had favored black. There had been a subtle, but noticeable, change when she began dating Kyle. Color, sometimes bright and bold, found its way into her wardrobe.
Like today. While the bodice and waistband of her sleeveless dress might be edged in black, it was the bright red polka dots that drew the eye. When coupled with Eliza’s stunning face, accentuated perfectly by sleek, jet-black hair and gray eyes, it was a striking picture.
Her husband certainly appeared mesmerized. Even as he visited with David, Kyle’s eyes kept drifting toward Eliza. When they exchanged a smile, a yearning rose inside Hadley.
Just once, she wanted a man to look at her that way, to smile at her that way, to love her that much.
There was no obsession in the smile Kyle gave his wife, no threat of violence, only love and tenderness.
“The fish tacos are superb.” The way Hadley figured, when in doubt, talk about weather or food. “I love the creamy avocado sauce.”
Eliza took a dainty bite, considered. “Very tasty.”
Then the woman surprised her by shifting her gaze to Brynn. “Do you like them?”
The girl blossomed under the warmth of Eliza’s smile.
“I don’t like the sauce.” Brynn scrunched up her nose. “I scraped it off.”
Eliza nodded. “How old are you now, Brynn?”
“Nine.”
“My brother has a friend with a daughter your age.”
“Is Ethan still living in Illinois?” David asked.
“He is. He shares a large house with several friends, both male and female. They’re like family to him.”
“Ethan is a partner in a construction company.” Kyle took a sip of beer. “I want him to help me build a company here in Good Hope. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to convince him to move back.”
Eliza smiled. “Not yet, anyway.”
“I wish his friend with the daughter would move here.” Brynn set down her taco. “We might become best friends. Since Mindy died, I don’t have a best friend.”
The pain in Brynn’s voice tugged at Hadley’s heart. She slung an arm around the girl’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze.
“I’m sure Olivia would love to be your friend,” Eliza told Brynn before her assessing gaze landed on Hadley. “Ami mentioned you and David are dating. I approve.”
Hadley nearly choked on a bite of fish.
Kyle chuckled. “Consider this fair warning. Since we married, my wife is determined to help as many friends as possible take that trip down the aisle.”
Eliza reached for her husband’s hand. “What’s wrong with wanting everyone to be as happy as we are?”
“Nothing wrong with that.” Kyle flipped their hands and laced his fingers with hers.
The fish taco formed a leaden weight in the pit of Hadley’s stomach, but she forced a smile. “I’m in the mood to play some games. Are there any you’d recommend?”
David stood back and watched Hadley and Brynn “fish” for prizes in a baby pool filled with toys.
“It’s more difficult than it appears.” His mother, who’d wandered up several minutes earlier, slipped her hand through David’s arm. “Even if the magnet on the end of the pole connects with the one on the prize, the connection often isn’t strong enough to reel it in.”
“A number of fish have already broken free.” David gestured with his head. “Yet look at them. They’re having fun. It’s all good.”
Actually, David was having fun, too. After eating, they’d made the circuit. He’d given most of the games a shot, but had drawn a line at the face painting.
Hadley and Brynn had chosen the “do-it-yourself” booth. They now sported slightly wavy identical rainbows on their left cheeks.
“I feel so foolish. I didn’t realize you were interested in Hadley in that way.” Lynn gave a little laugh. “Clay tells me you’re a couple.”
“Hadley is a beautiful, intelligent woman. We enjoy each other’s company.”
“She appears to enjoy spending time with Brynn.” Lynn’s lips curved when Brynn and Hadley exchanged high fives after Brynn successfully pulled in a fish.
“You’ll get one, too, Hadley.” Brynn’s words drifted on the breeze. “Be patient and don’t pull too fast.”
“I always wished Whitney would enjoy spending time with Brynn.” Lynn sighed. “Have you spoken with her lately?”
“Not a peep.” David thought of the text he’d received from Kim. “We haven’t been in contact since she was here over the Fourth.”
His mother’s lips pressed together. “I suppose Whitney loves her daughter in her own way. But even when she was here last month, she spent more time texting with her friends than having fun with Brynn.”
The promise David had made to Whitney, that he would keep her secret—even from his family—weighed heavy on his heart. Though they were now divorced, it still didn’t seem his truth to tell. “Whitney has a lot of issues.”
Lynn made a dismissive sound.
“Brynn is such a lovely child.” His mother shifted her gaze to the fishing “pond.” “I’m happy Hadley appreciates her wonderful qualities, even if her own mother doesn’t.”
Hadley watched Brynn skip off, her hand nestled securely in her grandmother’s. Her heart gave a ping.
David gave her shoulder a squeeze. “My mother wasn’t about to take no for an answer. She wanted to spend time with her granddaughter.”
“Where is Steve tonight?”
“Mom said he fell victim to the stomach bug that’s been going around Good Hope.” David smiled. “Which left her with her evening open.”
“Brynn was excited to go with her.”
“I’m excited to spend the rest of the evening with you.”
As he studied her, a shiver traveled up Hadley’s spine. Just the two of them tonight. Smiling, she looped her arm through his. “We might as well make the best of it.”
He laughed.
They made their way through the crowd, pausing at the curb. The beat of the bass and the twang of a steel guitar pulsated in the air. The band was good.
Eons ago, Hadley had loved to dance. She remembered the outdo
or concerts at the county fair in Williston the summer after high school. She’d swayed to the music, clapped loudly and fallen a little bit in love with Justin Mapes.
The handsome boy who’d completed his first year of college had been attentive and fun.
At first.
“What’s the matter?”
Hadley blinked away memories and gazed into David’s assessing eyes. “Nothing.”
“Something brought that look in your eye.”
There was a brief second of fear. What had David seen? Nothing, she reassured herself. Over the years, she’d become adept at hiding her emotions.
Hadley gestured to the street filled with gyrating bodies. “It’s been a long time since I’ve danced.”
David’s smile turned wry. “This is more like moving to the beat than dancing.”
Studying the crowd, Hadley realized he was right.
“There’s Ami and Beck.” David took her arm. “Let’s say hello.”
Ami’s face lit up when they drew close. After hearing Steve was ill, Hadley hadn’t expected to see her friend at the dance. She wondered who was watching Sarah Rose this evening.
Stop thinking of children, Hadley told herself.
Ami clasped Hadley’s hand. She had to yell to be heard above the music. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Dressed in cropped white pants and a red-and-white shirt sporting a sailboat along the bottom hem, Ami looked summery fresh.
Hadley let the music seep into her bones as she and David began to move in time to the music. One fast song turned into two. Then Hadley lost count. She shimmied, shook her hips and gave in to the infectious beat.
It was a perfect night for dancing. A light breeze kept bugs at bay, and the moon cast a golden net over the square.
While Beck and Ami continually touched each other while dancing, David kept his hands to himself. Something Hadley found mildly irritating.
Hadley had just suggested they stop and get something to drink when the music slowed.
When they turned to go, Ami’s hand clamped on her arm. “You can’t leave now.”
“We’re not leaving,” Hadley explained. “We’re grabbing something to drink. Can we bring you and Beck anything?”
“Stay.” Ami’s green eyes turned pleading. “If everyone leaves when the slow songs play, the band will keep playing fast ones.”
As food and beverage vendors appeared to be currently facing an onslaught of customers, Hadley glanced at David.
“Your choice.”
“Let’s dance.” She looped her arms around David’s neck. Though he was taller, her wedged sandals gave her extra height and brought them face-to-face. Hadley hadn’t noticed before how good he smelled, a citrusy scent as enticing as it was subtle.
They swayed to the romantic ballad, and she relaxed against him. Just like they had in his childhood bedroom, they fit together perfectly.
His hands rested lightly on her hips. Hadley swore she could feel the heat of his touch through the dress’s thin fabric to the skin beneath.
The band must have decided to do a slow set, because when that song ended, they launched into another ballad. The haunting melody stirred long-buried emotions.
When tears stung her eyes, she rested her head against David’s cheek and closed them. Slow, regular breaths had helped in the past, so she focused on her breathing.
David must have sensed something was wrong, because his hold tightened on her. Not constraining and possessive like Justin’s had been, but strong and comfortable. Letting her know, without words, that if she needed someone to lean on, she could lean on him.
For several moments, Hadley let herself drift, absorbing the words of the song and the feel of a man’s arms around her in a type of embrace. When she was finally steady again, she let her eyes flutter open.
Ami, ensconced in her husband’s arms, gave Hadley a thumbs-up.
Hadley simply closed her eyes again. This time, she relaxed fully. She wasn’t certain how long they danced. Not until the leader of the band announced they were taking a fifteen-minute break did she drop her arms.
It was like stepping out of a dream, she thought. A very pleasant dream.
“They have frozen watermelon-and-strawberry lemonade this year at the Juice Stop stand.” Ami leaned close. “I hear it’s really yummy.”
Before Hadley could reply, Fin and Jeremy appeared.
“What do you think of the band?” Jeremy asked the four of them.
“They’re good,” Ami told her brother-in-law. “Much better than the one last year.”
“They cost considerably more.” Fin gazed speculatively at Hadley and David. “But they’re certainly a draw. Attendance is up.”
In addition to being tasked with bringing film projects to Good Hope, Fin had added overseeing the implementation of certain community events to her job duties. While there was no admission charge for this evening’s street dance, the increased foot traffic benefited local merchants.
Fin inclined her head toward Hadley. “I’m surprised you’re not working the bakery booth.”
Ami answered before Hadley could respond. “I told you Karin and her friend were on duty tonight.”
Fin’s gaze shifted to David then back to Hadley. “I must have forgotten.”
“I better skip the lemonade.” Hadley offered Ami an apologetic smile. “Since I’ll be up early baking, I’m going to need to cut the evening short.”
“I don’t want you to have to do that.” A look of distress clouded Ami’s face. “You and David came to enjoy the festival.”
“Sacrifices must be made.” With a melodramatic flare, Hadley placed her wrist against her forehead, then dropped the act and winked. “Just remember my dedication when it’s time to give out raises.”
As she and David picked their way through the crowd on their way to the parking lot, the band started up again, returning to the rock ’n’ roll hits that appeared to be crowd favorites. For as far as David could see, dancing revelers filled the streets and sidewalks.
David leaned close to make sure Hadley could hear him. “I don’t recognize a third of these people.”
She smiled. “Ami says strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.”
The words had barely left her lips when a man holding a red Solo cup high in the air pushed her aside with his bulk. The motion had beer sloshing over the rim and down the front of her dress. The burly man kept going without sparing her a glance.
Hadley’s gaze dropped to her wet chest. She sighed, then rolled her eyes.
If she’d been Whitney, everyone within a ten-mile radius would have heard her curses.
David watched the guy bounce from person to person like a ball in a pinball machine. “He must be one of those new friends Ami was talking about.”
Hadley laughed. “Good one, Chapin.”
“Looks like you aren’t the only new friend he’s making this evening.”
She followed the direction of David’s gaze and saw one of Cade’s deputies having a serious conversation with the man. “What goes around.”
“Good sport.” David looped an arm around Hadley’s shoulders. It had been a long time since he’d held a woman in public. Whitney hadn’t been into what she deemed public displays of affection.
Personally, he thought his ex-wife’s hands-off directive had more to do with him messing up her hair or affecting her ability to mingle easily than PDA concerns.
The crowd thinned as they drew closer to the church lot where they’d parked. Thinned didn’t mean clear sailing, only that they could actually make it a few feet without running into a wall of people.
“This is nice.” Hadley glanced up at him.
“What is?”
“Walking with you on a late summer evening.” She smiled. “I feel safe with you.”
Pleased by the sentiment, David tightened his hold on her. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about in Good Hope.”
“There are bad people everywhere.
” Her expression remained serious. “Even in small towns.”
David thought of Clint Gourley and his crime spree. Granted, Clint hadn’t hurt anyone, but people had been afraid. “It’s always smart to be cautious.”
They walked another block in silence, and his mind kept circling her comment. He’d been wrong to brush aside her concern. “This happened years ago, but I’ve never forgotten it.”
She glanced up at him.
“One of the women I knew from my architecture classes was attacked after a study session at the library. Like most of us, she lived in off-campus housing. We knew she walked home alone. Even though it was late when we broke that night, I never thought to offer to walk with her.”
Hadley didn’t ask for specifics, merely closed her eyes briefly. When they opened, he saw the sympathy. “I’m sorry for what happened to your friend.”
David dropped his arm from her shoulders and took her hand, finding it cold despite the warmth of the evening. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”
A curious tension filled the air as their gazes locked.
She touched her top lip with the tip of her tongue. “Because, if anything happened to me, it would be hard on Brynn.”
“You don’t just matter to Brynn.” He cupped her cheek. “You matter to me.”
Her throat moved convulsively, but it was her lips that captivated and drew him closer. Plump and red, like ripened cherries. He remembered how sweet they’d tasted.
Tugging her close, David pressed his mouth to hers.
Chapter 12
The heat of the unexpected kiss scorched a path all the way to the tips of Hadley’s toes. She could end the kiss, probably should end the kiss. They were standing in a church parking lot, for goodness’s sake. But the melding of lips had heat percolating low in her belly, and she forgot everything in the pleasure of the contact.
Hadley wound her arms around his neck, yearning for more.
Then, as quickly as the kiss began, it ended. David stepped back, his eyes dark and unreadable in the dim light.
“We’ll pick up Brynn on our way home.” A small muscle twitched at the corner of David’s jaw.