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TEN
Tancy strode toward the charming gabled bed and breakfast and sucked in a cleansing breath. After spending two hours in a car with a smoldering Teague, she was out of sorts and could barely appreciate the white clapboard building. Something she had every intention of doing since she never had time after Lucy’s book club meetings.
But how she’d be able to focus long enough to admire the dormer windows, gingerbread woodwork, and overflowing flower baskets was anyone’s guess. Their vibe had changed, and dead center of it was Teague’s attitude.
When had the switch been flipped?
Had she inadvertently put something in motion when she announced her desire to resurrect her dating life? Perhaps he simply wanted to hold on to their well-worn routine. Or was he possibly entertaining some of the very same ideas she was? Sweeping her hair off her damp neck, she barely had a second to get herself together before he was at her side, filling the air with his irresistible pheromones.
Had anything smelled like regrettable decisions more?
She made a grab for her suitcase and wasn’t surprised when he moved it out of reach. “I am capable of rolling it in myself.”
“Well aware of that since you insist on carrying all the grocery bags in one trip.” He frowned. “Are you sugar crashing?” Shaking his head, he opened the screen door. “Eating the whole bag of candy wasn’t necessary.”
“Keep talking, Teague, and let’s see if you don’t end the day in a shallow grave.”
“I see someone chose violence today.”
“Better than begging you to take off your clothes,” she murmured quietly.
“Welcome,” a low husky voice called out.
Tancy stopped short and felt Teague bump into her back. “Oh my. Are you…”
“Yes,” the woman who resembled a glamourous throwback to the sixties said with a laugh. “Are you a fan?”
“Does the sun shine?” Tancy squawked. “Is cheese the most important food group?” She moved slowly toward one of her favorite authors. “Ariella Buckwitz, queen of sassy regency romance, as I live and breathe.”
“Guilty,” Ariella replied with a wide smile.
Digging her hand into Teague’s arm, she felt excitement vibrate through her body. “It’s her. In real life. Standing mere inches away.”
“I know,” he replied, covering her hand.
“I have every single one of your books.”
Ariella held her arms open. “Come here and let me give you a hug because I adore my readers.”
She dove into the woman’s open arms and hugged her tightly. “You have given me many hours of entertainment and respite from the world. I went through a thing a couple of years ago, and your stories let me disassociate until I was ready to face reality.”
“That is what I love to hear.” Ariella released her hold and stepped back. “I adore creating a world that my readers can disappear inside.”
Tancy looked around. “What are you doing here? Are you on a writer’s retreat? Can I run out and get you snacks? I’ll do anything to help because I can’t wait to read your next masterpiece.”
Ariella swept her arms around. “I’ve recently settled in Haven full time and own this beautiful B&B.”
“No way!”
Ariella walked over to the desk. “I fell in love with this small town when I visited Lucy’s bookstore and decided it should be my new home.”
“Does that mean you are joining our book club?” She squeaked and looked at Teague. “Can you imagine?”
“Not even a little,” he replied, resting his hand on her lower back. “Are you attending the wedding tonight?”
“Yes to both questions.” She moved around some things on the desk. “Rorke has offered to escort me.”
Tancy took a step closer. “Are we talking about Rorke Hawker? The man who makes statues look like they possess charm and endless grace?”
