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The girl moved to Riley’s side. “And this is my daughter, Maddie.”
“Nice to meet you, Maddie.”
Her nose scrunched. “Easton is the name of a town.”
“Maddie, don’t be rude.” Riley shot me an apologetic look.
I chuckled. “You’re right. It is.”
Maddie’s face smoothed out when I laughed it off.
I kept my gaze focused on her. “You know where I can get a pumpkin for my porch?”
That must have been the right thing to say because she twirled in the direction of Cross Street, which had been blocked off for the festival. “Follow me. I’ll help you find the perfect one.”
We followed her to the vendor with the pumpkins displayed in crates on the ground. She helped me pick out three big ones for the porch and some smaller ones to place around the house. I didn’t have any plans to purchase pumpkins, but if it helped endear me to Maddie, it was worth it. I put them in my truck, then joined them as they walked down the street. We stopped at a vendor to get coffee for the adults and hot cider for Maddie.
Riley stopped at an art gallery. “Want to check it out? No one else is interested in looking at art.”
“Sure.” She moved around the shop, looking at various pieces, and I stayed by her side, eager for time alone with her.
“What are you looking for?” I finally asked.
She glanced at me and then at the painting of blue crabs—the ones you find in the Chesapeake Bay. “I stage the houses I sell, and I’m always looking for new pieces to use.”
Then she looked at the price on the back of a long and narrow piece that represented a map of the bay. It was a beautiful depiction, something I would have bought for my home.
“More and more people are buying vacation homes here, and they like the local touches.”
I loved that she was as involved in her business as I was. It made me respect the hell out of her. “That means crab decor.”
She smiled at me indulgently. “And prints of historic homes.”
Chestertown was a cute little historic town. Not much different than where I’d settled in Annapolis. The only difference was that Chestertown was on the Eastern Shore, separated from the rest of Maryland by the Bay Bridge. Annapolis was more centrally located, close to both Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
Remembering the geographic distance between us should have prompted me to put a pause on whatever we were.
I waited while she bought an artist’s series of blue crabs, then helped her carry it to her car before we walked leisurely back to the center of town. Logan had texted saying they took Maddie to Smat’s, the new ice cream shop in town. I wasn’t sure if I’d get an opportunity to be alone with Riley again, and I was curious. “Where’s Maddie’s father?”
I wasn’t sure I deserved an answer, and I was prepared for her to tell me it was none of my business.
She was quiet for a few seconds before meeting my eyes. “He owns a contracting business in Baltimore.”
I arched a brow. “She see him often?”
“Not as often as I’d like. I learned a long time ago that I can’t control other people’s actions. He made his choices, and I made mine. He sees her for a couple of weeks in the summer, and we split holidays. It’s not ideal, but …” She shrugged.
“I’m sorry.” My parents never seemed concerned about how their actions or inaction affected my life. I was told many times the world didn’t revolve around me and what I wanted.
When the crowd on the sidewalk thickened, she moved closer to my side and wrapped a hand around my elbow. Even through our clothes, I could feel the warmth of her palm.
She smiled up at me. “Thanks for joining us.”
“I had a good time.” It was surprising for an unsociable guy like me.
She smiled, and it was so bright that it sent a pang to my heart.
“I’m starting to think whatever I can get with you is enough.”
