Page 50 of Hideaway Reunion

CHAPTER 16

The sunset glowed brightly in the sideview mirror as Brayden drove them back to Brookwell Island. Ahead of them, the sky was awash with soft pastels as the evening light inched toward dusk.

“We’ll be squeaking into the dance class right on time,” she said. “The bank took longer than I expected.”

“But we’re all set now.”

His confident smile, the way he held her hand, made her feel melty and wonderful inside. She was like ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. It was the strangest sensation and she hoped it lasted forever. Hoped they lasted forever.

“We are, that’s true.” Just as her father had promised, everything had gone smoothly at the bank. She had physical, notarized copies in the protective tube at her feet, in order to preserve the integrity of the originals. When she had a chance, she and her sisters would decide the best place to store this set of documentation.

“I really hope Abigail comes to the class. With her family.”

“She will.”

Brayden’s certainty surprised her. She studied his profile, equally happy and awestruck that she could do this anytime she liked, openly, without worrying about it getting weird. “How can you be so sure?”

“Because it’s you. You build connections and inspire loyalty.”

“You’re just saying that,” she deferred, uncomfortable with the compliment.

“I’m not,” he countered. “You’re awesome and you need to practice accepting praise.”

“Sure,” she chuckled. “I’ll get right on that.” If taking compliments was what he wanted her to practice, she would try. Better than thinking he’d been critiquing her performance in bed.

“Good.” He smiled again. “Sure you don’t want to stop for food?”

Her stomach growled, but she declined. “Celeste will probably have a full buffet set up for the event tonight. Hey,” she shifted in her seat to face him. “Did you really ask Jess to send over more agency protectors for dance lessons?”

“I did.” That sly smile on his face made her heart flutter. “You’re not satisfied with your current protector?”

She bumped his shoulder. “As if. But why?” He rolled his shoulders, looking extremely uncomfortable. She pointed at his face. “Is that what I look like when you give me a compliment?”

He glanced at his reflection. “Probably so.” His gaze cycled through the mirrors and returned to the road. “You and Natalie have significant others now. Celeste doesn’t. I wanted to make sure she had a dance partner if she wanted one.”

“You are too sweet. Way down deep where only someone who could get this close,” she leaned across the console, “would ever see it.”

“Good to know.” He flexed his hand on the steering wheel. “Did I do the wrong thing?”

“Not at all. Although, I wish I could be sure the fire chief shows up.”

“They’re an item?”

Roni snorted. “No. Though Nat and I have been encouraging it. For the record, I think he’s really into her, but she keeps blowing off their conversations and pretending she doesn’t recognize his interest.”

“Why?”

“I wish I knew. She deserves someone as steady as Chief Miller.”

“He’s a good guy,” Brayden agreed. “And a great landlord. His number is in my phone if you want to extend a personal invitation.”

She practically jumped at his phone. “I’ve always liked being devious with you.”

“Just wait until we’re out there dancing on the sand. You’ll like me even more.”

This kind of bantering with him was new and she was enjoying herself tremendously as they neared Charleston. It was fascinating to discover a flirty side to the boy she’d known forever and the man who’d always kept their friendship on an even keel.

“Square up in your seat,” he directed. “Please.”