Page 37 of View With Your Heart

“I’d be too late if I tried to go now,” I whisper to Henry. He nods as though he agrees, but he’s still upset.

Shiitake. While I have my reasons not to be around Gavin, some of them seem less threatening. Gavin isn’t interested in a relationship. He isn’t proposing marriage. It’s only dinner.

Suddenly, I feel no better than Zoey, his ex-girlfriend, who wouldn’t support him. The entire film festival is important to him and his future, and I can’t even be there as an old friend. I’m not that kind of a bitch, and I hate myself for acting the way I am.

Just tell him the truth, and he’ll run away on his own anyway.

“Fine.” I stand, my chair scraping back. Glancing down at my phone, I send a quick text to Gavin.

Running late.

“I’ve got to go.” I slam back the remainder of my margarita, needing the liquid courage. Next, I’m passing Ethan and Ella on the stairs and racing down them, intent on getting to the alley behind the tea shop for my car. I don’t have time to go home and change as it will take me thirty minutes to get to the city. The summer dress I’m wearing will just have to do.

My heart hammers as I cross Main Street and nearly run down the block. Rounding the corner for the alley, I’m lightly jogging toward my car when I see a man in a suit leaning against a closed convertible parked next to mine. With his ankles crossed and arms linked over his chest, he holds a phone in one hand. His head is lowered, but he looks up at the crunch of gravel under my feet.

Gavin.

As if he heard me call his name, he straightens at my approach. My feet carry me quicker than I expect, and I race right up to him, throwing my arms around his neck. He catches me, and when I lean back about to apologize for the unrestrained greeting, his mouth crushes mine.

This time, I don’t pull back.

His mouth is heaven against mine, lighting me up like stars pinpricking the dark sky. As I’m clinging to his neck, he grips me under my thighs and picks me up, spinning me so my back is pinned to the side of his car. His mouth continues to devour mine, hungry for me, and I didn’t realize how starving I was for a kiss like this. Eager. Tempting. So good. Slowly, he pulls back, tugging my lower lip with his before breaking free from my mouth.

“You taste sweet. Has my Candy been drinking?” Gavin teases, while one hand comes to the roof of his car. The other curls around the side of my head, fingers digging into my hair.

“Just one margarita with Jenna and Henry.”

He nods at my answer. “And you owe me one dinner.” His brow arches, wondering what happened to me. Perhaps even what happened in this greeting, and I’d like to explain myself, but I don’t know how.

“I should have been there for you. I’m sorry.” I panicked, I want to add, but I don’t, and Gavin nods again as if he understands. He glances down at my mouth.

“Good thing I haven’t eaten yet. You can make it up to me by going to Town Tavern for a burger.”

“What if I’ve already eaten?” I tease, no bark in my bite as my eyes fixate on his mouth as well.

“Then you’ll watch me eat.” He snaps his teeth together, and I chuckle. After pressing off the roof of his car, he steps back, but I step forward, grabbing the lapel of his jacket.

“Wait. I didn’t mean to spoil your night or make you leave the dinner early.”

Gavin looks at the edge of my hairline, then strokes strands of hair behind my ear, watching his fingers as they move. “My date ditched me, so I didn’t feel like sticking around.” He doesn’t sound hurt, but I can’t be forgiven so easily.

“I thought you said it wasn’t a date,” I joke. “But I will make it up to you.”

Gavin’s lips crook up on one side, popping out that singular dimple. “Oh, I’m counting on it, but first, dinner.” He winks.

“Not like that,” I gasp.

“We’ll see. I’m undecided on how I’ll seek retribution.” He steps back and shrugs out of his suit jacket before tossing it into his car. Next, he rolls up his sleeves to his elbows, meticulously folding over the material, and I swear I could watch this action on repeat. He has the sexiest forearms. Once he’s set, he holds out his hand for mine, and I slip my fingers into his. This has all kinds of rumor starting written on it. I’m a single mother and business owner in this small-town, and Gavin is one of their own, returned like a hero. For one night, though, I want to give in to the heat of the evening. I want to remember what it was like to be young and carefree.

Only, I lose my courage by the time we reach the back entrance to the bar and gently tug my hand free. He glances down as my fingers slip from his, and then his gaze jumps to my eyes. His forehead furrows, but he doesn’t ask for clarification. He opens the door and motions for me to step forward.

Inside the bar, Gavin is recognized by a few locals even I don’t know. He grew up in this town while I’d only been a visitor until years ago. Even then, while I might be a local business owner, not everyone loves tea and thus knows of me.

We take a booth, and Gavin sits across from me. The bar is loud even though it’s not crowded. Most people are out and about with the anticipation of fireworks later this evening. Gavin orders a local beer, and I order another margarita, sticking to the alcohol I started drinking earlier. He orders a burger, and I opt for the fish tacos, keeping to a Mexican theme.

“So what’s next? Now that the film festival is over,” I ask.

“I’m here for another week. Jess Carter—do you remember him?—he’s getting married next weekend, and he’s asked me to stand up with him.”