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I can’t resist pushing us further.You might have to chase me.
Then I can hold you down.
I almost lose it, but my grandma glides up to my desk. Placing my phone aside, I get serious fast and hope my face isn’t as flaming as my insides.
She places a pamphlet on my desk for the third-grade Little Sunbeam Pageant, and I look it over, shaking my head. “I’m glad they didn’t have this when I was a kid. Eight is awfully young to find out you’re not pretty enough to be a sunbeam.”
“Birgitte Brewer Bailey, that is not what the Little Sunbeam Pageant is about.” Gran gives me a scolding look. “It’s about community service. We pick three different winners over six categories ranging from poise, talent, public speaking, and a town project. Appearance is only a small part of it.”
Gran has also spent the week meeting with leaders from the different town groups. I had no idea there were so many social groups in Eureka. We have a beautification society, a conservation club, a women’s foundation, and of course, the Little Sunbeam Pageant that raises money for the Little Sunbeam Park.
“Appearance is still a part of it, and that’s a lot of disappointed little girls.” My phone buzzes, and I glance down to see another text from Aiden.
You’re hotter than a sunbeam.Pressing my lips together, I glance around the room, but I don’t see him.Where is he?
Gran narrows her eyes at me. “What are you reading?”
“Nothing.” I lower my phone to my lap and quickly reply,All this reading material has me overheated.
A rustle from the hall, and I look up to see him walking in looking like sex on wheels and acting very serious and focused. Not at all like we’ve been sending naughty texts all morning.
He stops at Holly’s desk with his back to me, and I study the way his biceps stretch the short sleeves of his brown uniform shirt. His dark brown pants hug his butt just right, and I wish I needed groceries or a burger or just a ride around town.
He lifts his phone and studies the screen. Then he glances over his shoulder, and when our eyes meet, his full lips curl into a smile. Heat flashes all the way to my core, and I bite my lip to keep from exhaling a swoon.
“Can I see you in my office for a minute?” Gran’s voice startles me, and when I look up, I realize she’s been watching me watching him.
“Sure!” I stand quickly, shoving my phone in my pocket and doing my best to act casual.
Doug has been working with his own groups, the library and the high school, on their assorted fundraisers. The library is repeating its very popular dunking booth, and when I pass his desk, Doug holds up a poster that readsDunk Deputy Doug.
“3-D,” he announces. “Get it?”
It’s a little corny, but I point both fingers at him. “I don’t need glasses to dunk you.”
His laugh shakes his shoulders, and he nods. “Oh, I know it!”
“You need to work on your heckling game.” Aiden’s deep voice makes my stomach squeeze. “Get people riled up so they’ll try harder to sink you.”
He walks over to where we’re standing, and Doug shakes his head. “I don’t have to do much to get people to want to sink me. They show up ready to go.”
“Are you still planning to attend the festival with Owen and me?” Aiden looks down at me, and I want to reach out and slide my hand into his.
“I am.” My voice is quiet, and I smile up at him. “Do you want to meet here at the courthouse?”
“Sure. I can pick you up after lunch?” We’re speaking softly, and I don’t realize we’ve drifted closer together until my hand brushes his. It’s a little shock of bliss.
Doug clears his throat, and I step back, glancing at him. He’s studying his 3-D flier intently with his lips pursed, and I’m pretty sure he’s fighting a grin.
I motion to Gran’s office. “I’d better see what she wants.”
“Owen has lacrosse practice, so I’m headed out. They’ve been going all week.”
“Okay.” I want to sayI miss you, but I settle for, “Tell him I said hey.”
“He’ll be here tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’ll bring Edward so they can finally meet.”
