She knew it, and so did he.
Warm, fuzzy tingles raced through her, awakening parts of her body asleep so long she worried she’d challenge the Rip Van Winkle nap record. She’d forgotten how wonderful desire could feel. At least she thought that was what this was. Considering the length of its absence, she couldn’t be positive.
“You coming back to earth soon?” Addie Connell teased, as she waved a hand before Carly’s eyes. When Carly looked up, her friend continued. “I guess you didn’t hear me ask if I could join you hiding here in the corner.”
A blush spread up Carly’s neck into her face. How long had she and Owen been locking eyes? Had anyone else noticed? Her gaze swept over the people clustered around the kitchen, but they seemed engrossed in their conversations. Only Addie noticed her fascination with Owen. “Sorry, with it being so loud it’s hard to hear.”
“Especially if you’re distracted by a certain ex-boyfriend who’s returned to town,” Addie countered as she fiddled with the zipper of her turquoise hoodie.
“Do you think anyone else noticed?”
“That you two were staring at each other for almost two minutes?”
What could she say?Sorry, I know I was ignoring you Addie, but it’s been so long since seeing a guy made me feel anything I got caught up in enjoying the experience?
Carly waved a hand at the empty chair beside her. “Please sit. I’d love the company.”
Because they’d dated best friends Owen and Landon in high school, she and Addie had become friends of a sort, though their lives couldn’t have been more different. Addie had two doting parents, was homecoming queen, and second in their class academically behind her quarterback boyfriend. However, when the pair left for College Station, she and Addie lost touch.
“I’m hoping this spot’s out of the way enough that I can get a break,” Addie said, her once bright green eyes dim since she’d lost her husband, as she sank onto the folding chair beside Carly.
“I can’t imagine how painful being here is for you.”
Addie nodded toward Owen. “This is really rough for him too.”
“I know.”
A friend of Addie’s mother stopped beside them. “Addie dear, I didn’t get to speak with you at the funeral to say how sorry I am for your loss. Landon was a fine young man. I also wanted to invite you to our widows’ group that meets the first Thursday of the month. This Thursday we’re heading to the movies.”
“Thank you for the invitation,” Addie said, her shoulders rounded, as she twisted her wedding ring.
“It’s never easy losing a husband, but time will help you heal. At least you’re young and have a chance to remarry. You should join our group. That would help too.”
Carly gasped at the older woman’s comment. What was she thinking? Obviously not about what she said. Addie needed to join a group of widows twice her age as much as a dog needed cooking lessons. “It’s too bad your group meets the same day as Addie’s and my book club.”
“That is a shame, Carly, but I’m glad you’re seeing that Addie’s getting out. It’s good for both of you, in fact. Since your last young man moved, you’re too much of a hermit, Carly.”
She flinched.Ouch. That stung.
The truth hurts, doesn’t it?
Desperate to get rid of the woman, Carly gazed into the living room, then pointed her index finger at her chest and shook her head. A twinge of guilt wriggling through her for her deception, she said, “Mrs. Sharp is motioning this way. I thought she wanted to speak to me, but I think it’s your attention she’s trying to catch.”
“She probably wants to talk about the women’s program at church. She and I are responsible for arranging this month’s speakers.”
When they were alone again, Carly leaned close enough to whisper in Addie’s ear. “When I get her age, if I don’t have enough brain cells and social skills left to think before I speak and I say something like that, slap me.”
Addie flashed her a weak smile. “Apparently more than one person in this spot destroys its cloaking capability.” When her joke fell flat, she bit her lip, and tears pooled in her eyes. “I don’t know how much more I can take. If one more person tells me time heals all wounds, I’m going to tattoo it on his or her forehead.”
“If you do, I’ll provide an alibi when the police question you,” Carly whispered back. Then she grabbed the other woman’s hand. “Better yet, I’ll prevent the crime. Let’s get out of here.”
Addie nodded, relief washing across her face, and pointed to the left at the garage door. “I think that’s our best bet for a clean getaway.”
When people tried to waylay them, Carly plastered a smile on her face, and insisted they’d chat when she and Addie returned from retrieving something from her car. A couple minutes later they were walking toward downtown, away from the cars lining the street and the noise spilling from the Crawford house.
“Thanks for arranging the escape. I really didn’t want to come, but my parents insisted.” Addie gasped, covered her mouth, and turned to Carly. “That came out wrong. I wanted to see Owen and support him, but I wasn’t ready for everything else. And my parents meant well. They thought socializing would be good for me. Silly me. I thought coming would be easier than arguing with them. Wrong.”
“You think they’d let you start small and work up to town events. These things can be daunting.”
