Page 95 of Enticing Her Love

“That’s fair.” He dipped his head beside her ear, whispering, “I should’ve had you go straight for the anaconda.”

THE DIN OF music, laughter, and conversation hung in the air at the arts and crafts fair. Children clung to balloons and danced around a folk band in the center of the brick-paved town square, while fairgoers moved in and out of canopied vendor booths and stood in line for popcorn and other goodies. As they meandered through the booths checking out arts and crafts, homemade furniture, jewelry, and clothing, their affection came as easily as their conversation and banter. Sutton felt like they’d escaped into a bubble of happiness that nothing could pop, which was exactly how she felt when they were at Flynn’s cabin.

“Everyone here is so talented,” she said as they left a stained-glass vendor. “How did you find this town?”

Flynn took her hand. “It was listed on a hiking website. There are miles of trails in the woods, and a number of waterfalls. We should come one day and take a hike.”

“A hike with you without any deadly animals? Now, that sounds fun.”

“We might get lucky and see a black bear.” He stole another kiss, as he’d been doing all day. “Stick with me, Steele. I’ll show you all the hidden gems.”

If she had it her way, she would be sticking with him for a long time.

They walked all the way down one side of the square, which was enormous, checking out every table, talking to the artists, and sharing kisses. As they made their way up the other side, Flynn stopped to talk to a leather artist, and Sutton walked out of the booth to take it all in. She loved being out and about with him, enjoying the sunny afternoon and discovering new things about each other and the little town. She spotted a booth up ahead with pink and black flags around the canopy, black-and-silver sparkling tablecloths, and a sign that read Shiny Things For Cool Kids. Maybe she could find something for Joey there.

She headed back to Flynn. He was still talking with the artist, so she waited until there was a break in their conversation. Then she said, “There’s a booth up ahead for kids that I want to check out for Joey. Meet me there?”

“Sure.” He gave her a quick kiss. “I won’t be long.”

“Take your time.” She walked up to the other booth and was thrilled to see all sorts of trinkets, sunglasses, hair clips, and jewelry for kids.

“Good afternoon,” the woman behind the table said. Her dark hair framed her friendly face, and she wore a black-and-silver sparkly tank top and jeans. “I’m Erin.”

“Hi. I’m Sutton. How are you?”

“I’m wonderful, honey. Thank you for asking. Are you looking for something special today?”

“Yes, a gift for my niece. She’s nine.”

“Nine is such a fun age. What’s she like?”

“She’s a firecracker, and she’s into skateboarding, photography, and riding her dad’s motorcycle.”

“Oh honey, you came to the right place. I raised a very similar daughter, and I had a heck of a time finding things she liked. At that age, my Sailor was into anything with wheels. Roller skates, skateboards, bikes, and just like your niece, her daddy’s motorcycle. She still is, but she’s in her twenties now and has been into classic cars for about the past decade. She knows more about them than all her brothers put together.”

“That’s impressive.”

“They don’t think so.” She laughed and waved her hand. “I’m kidding. They’re so doggone proud of her. Sailor makes a line of charms I think you’ll like for your niece.” She motioned for Sutton to come to the other end of the booth. “I have to keep these locked up, because tiny, shiny things are too enticing for little hands.”

Erin opened a glass display case and took out a tray of charms. “These are all sterling silver and hand painted. Take a look through and see if anything catches your eye. If you find some that you like, I have silver and gold bracelets and necklaces. But if your niece is rough and tumble like my Sailor was at that age, you might want to go with a leather cord instead of a chain, or maybe a thin braided leather. They’re heartier, and I find they hold up well for active kids.”

“That’s a great idea. Thank you.” Sutton looked through the charms and was floored at the intricate detail of tiny classic cars, motorcycles, bikes, skateboards, footballs, tennis rackets, and dozens of other sports and hobby-related charms. There were flowers and hearts and others as well. She chose a silver-and-black motorcycle like Levi’s, a skateboard that looked like Joey’s, a camera, and a tiny silver heart.

Flynn came up behind her as Erin wrapped her purchases. “Hey, Steele. Did you find something?”

She told him about the charms. “I can’t believe I found all those charms. She wants to be a photographer like Tara, a biker like her dad, and a pro skateboarder. I wasn’t sure if she’d like a necklace or a bracelet, so I’m getting a leather cord necklace. She can wrap it around her wrist several times, or Levi can shorten it if she wants to wear it as a bracelet.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it. Can I borrow your wrist for a moment?” He lifted her hand.

“Why?”

“Because I made you a little something.” He put a beautiful bracelet on her, with two thin tan leather cords that had fancy knots evenly spaced around it. Between the knots were two slim gold beads with an iridescent glass bead between them. The glass beads alternated between pink and blue, and he fastened it with a gold button that had flowers on it.

“You made this? Just now?” She had to tease to keep her emotions from taking over. “Like a…friendship bracelet?”

His gaze was soft and warm, and not at all teasing. “Something like that.”

“I love it. It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She hugged him.