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Chapter Three
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Baylee gave her friend a plate of coffee cake and a mug of coffee. Something the woman said made Baylee laugh. The sound floated through the air like a song. When it stopped Drew found himself wanting more.
She sat down across from him once again. Although now she looked more… nervous. About what, he couldn’t tell. Her conversation with her friend appeared to be positive, lighthearted. He cocked his head and smiled at her.
“You were right.”
Her eyes brightened a little. “I was? About what?”
“The coffee cake is better. Although the cookie was a close second.” He pointed to the now empty plate in front of him.
She giggled. Man, she was cute.
“Well, thank you.”
He nodded. “You’re welcome.”
“How long will you be staying in town?”
Of course her question was a fair one, one anyone would ask of him since he was visiting mainly for Kate’s wedding. But the thoughts of his life back in New York, his injury, being out of the game he loved so much flooded back and turned the coffee and cookie in his stomach sour. His feelings must have showed on his face because Baylee said, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t pry.”
“It’s not prying to ask someone how long they’re in town.”
“I know, but…” She looked down at her lap, her fingers toying with the pocket on her apron again.
But she knew why he was here. She and Kate were close. Kate must have said something.
“I’m not sure how long I’m I town.” He looked around. A few people had left, the room now quieter than it was before. “I was only going to stay until after the wedding but now… Now I might stick around for a bit.”
The small smile she gave him went straight to his heart. Was she glad he was staying?
“It must be so different here for you from New York.”
He nodded.
“Not a man of many words, are ya?” Her accent thickened with the question.
“And you’re not from around here, are ya?” He teased.
She laughed at that. “Guilty. Texan through and through.”
“That’s what I guessed.”
“Kate said you guys grew up in Boston.”
“Yep. That accent didn’t stick. Not with me anyway. Our older brother, David, still has his though. So, what brought you here from Texas?”
Her smiled faded at that. “After my divorce I wanted a new start.”
Ah. Divorced. Not married.
“What’s making you want to stay here a while longer?”
He searched her eyes for… for what? Flirting, teasing? No, he only saw the desire for an honest answer. Maybe it was about time he gave one.
He took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m sure Kate’s told you about my injury.”
