Page 7 of Sweet Treat for the Mountain Man

Seeing everyone’s costumes was the best part.

I ate, chatted with everyone, played a few games, and ran the costume contest, giving everyone a voting card.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Colleen came up beside me. We spoke earlier, her dressed as a saltshaker while her husband was a pepper shaker. “Once again. I don’t know how you do it.”

“Me either,” I laughed.

“Did you see Coast? He showed up.”

My heart lurched and I tried hard to keep a straight face. “What? Where?”

“He’s over at my table. In the silly Eeyore costume. You know, from Winnie the Pooh?”

I covered my mouth with my hand as I giggled uncontrollably. “Stop it. He did not wear that.”

“Oh yes, he did. But it’s kind of adorable. I think he wants to say hi, but sees how busy you are.”

“Why do you say that?”

“His eyes keep following you around.”

I blushed.

“You like each other, don’t you?”

“No…what are you talking about?”

Colleen laughed. “You are blushing. Like a girl with a crush.”

“He turned me down, I doubt he likes me.”

“Guys are idiots. He probably didn’t know how to react with a girl asking him out.”

“Maybe.” I shrugged.

“I’ll tell him to come say hi.”

“No, this isn’t high school. I’ll come over to your table with you.”

“Good. I like a woman with confidence.” Colleen winked at me and I threw my arm around her shoulder.

“You’re a good friend. Even though you could be my mom.” I teased and Colleen lightly punched me in the shoulder.

“Ha! You’re lucky I love you.”

I followed her over to her table.

“Everyone, you remember my co-worker, Amora.” Colleen said to her husband and Coast.

Her husband, Greg, smiled. “Hey, how are you? Nice costume.”

“Thanks, you too.”

Coast’s eyes burned through me and my body grew hotter. My cheeks must be flaming red. I finally looked over at him and he smiled sheepishly. God, did he have to be so damn adorable?

Yet the mixed signals. What did they mean?

“Hey. Nice party.” Coast nodded towards the skeleton with a grin.