Page 13 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

He chuckled as she grinned and popped the remains of his late breakfast in his mouth.

“Uh.” She pointed to the right of her bottom lip, letting him know he had something on his.

He snaked his tongue out to the side.

She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “It’s still there.”

He swiped at his face with his hand. “Thanks.”

“No.”

He frowned. “No?”

“Um.” She hesitated, then reached up and wiped at the edge of his mouth with her finger. “There.” She dropped her hand as her gaze darted to the ground, and she cleared her throat.

He wiped at the spot after her. “I appreciate it.”

“I just—you probably don’t want a blob of pumpkin on your face when you’re pulling people over.”

He laughed and knew that he was officially a goner—that Callie Davis was going to be someone special in his life. “My stern warnings about the dangers of speeding might lose a little something if the driver’s betting on whether the stuff’s gonna fall off while I talk, huh?”

She chuckled. “Probably.”

There was a loud bang in the park half a block down, where dozens of Sanderson residents worked on getting booths and tables ready for the weekend.

Callie’s gaze flew in that direction. “It’s busy over there.”

Nate nodded, watching a group of men and women securing the last of the tent spikes into the ground. “They’re setting up for Fall Festival. Tonight’s the big cookout and dance. A couple of rides are coming in on the ferry—games and stuff too.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “You should come. It’s a lot of fun.”

Her hand moved to her ponytail in an unmistakably nervous gesture. “I don’t know.”

He wanted her there, wandering around as part of the town. “Most of the locals come tonight to avoid the mainlanders who will come for the event tomorrow and Saturday.”

“I just—Tonight’s mostly locals?”

He nodded. “I can pretty much guarantee it. Plus, Molly’s providing the desserts. If you think her pastries are good, you should try her double-chunk brownies.”

Callie’s brows winged up. “Double-chunk brownies?”

He nodded again, sure he had her now. “Double-chunk brownies.”

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other as she looked toward the big white tent. “What time should I be here?”

He wanted to pump his fist in victory but shrugged instead. “Six-ish. Things should be busy by then. A great atmosphere.”

“Okay.”

“All right, then.” He could tell their conversation was wrapping up, but he wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye. “Looks like you’ve been taking more pictures.” He pointed to the fancy Nikon hanging around her neck.

“A few.”

“What’ve you got?”

“Just some shots I took while I was heading this way.”

“Oh, yeah? Let’s see.”

She shook her head. “I’m still learning.”