Page 11 of Finding His Fox

“Are you ok?” Owen asked.

Cal nodded, but he clearly wasn’t. Someone handed him a napkin and he let out another huge sneeze, then another.

When Cal looked like he was done, the photographer put her index finger up, letting us know she was going to take another shot.

This time, I could feel Cal holding in his breath, as if he was trying very hard not to inhale anything that would make him sneeze again.

I risked a glance at him and saw him going slightly red. I couldn’t hold it in any longer and let out a loud snort.

In the corner of my eye, I saw Cal giving me a wide grin.

A flash went off, and we were done. The photographer ushered in another group of people for Owen and Ian to take pictures with.

Cal quickly walked away from the photo-taking area. I followed him and found him in a less crowded corner of the square.

His back was facing me, but I could tell that the poor man was still sneezing into a napkin.

I suddenly felt bad for laughing at him earlier. I grabbed some napkins at a nearby table before approaching him.

“Here,” I said, handing them to him.

Cal’s fingers lightly grazed mine as he took the napkins. His touch was electric, leaving a tingling sensation that rippled throughout my body in waves.

Why was my body reacting this way to a complete stranger? Sure, he was a hot stranger, but still. I’ve never felt chemistry like this with anyone before.

“Thanks,” Cal said. He cleared his throat, then asked, “So, is this your first time in Fox Haven?”

I was stunned. Not only did he string together more words than he ever had since we met, he was asking a question about me.

Specifically, my history with the town.

I didn’t like talking about my past here in Fox Haven. Or any time I’ve spent here, no matter how long or short.

I thought about telling him a lie, that I was just here for my best friend’s engagement party.

Because what would it matter? I probably wouldn’t see this guy again until the wedding.

However, there was something about Cal I couldn’t describe. It didn’t necessarily make me want to tell him about my past, but I definitely didn’t want to lie to him, either.

I scratched my right shoulder absentmindedly, an old scar from a hunting incident in the woods years ago.

“I actually grew up here,” I said, hoping my vague response was a sign for him to drop this line of questioning.

“I see. Where did you used to live?” Cal asked.

“Just around Greene Street,” I replied.

Cal’s sudden interest in me caused an odd flutter in my stomach. I crossed my arms over my chest, hoping the feeling would go away.

“Near the woods?” he prodded.

I nodded slowly and looked around. I felt like there was a huge lump in my throat.

My palms were starting to feel clammy. An unwanted flood of emotions suddenly drowned me. Anger, hate, regret, familial guilt. Everything I felt every time I stepped back into Fox Haven.

I needed a drink. Any drink. A server passed by and I grabbed whatever he was carrying.

Unfortunately, it was another glass of champagne. I had a one-glass-of-alcohol rule, especially for social gatherings.