Page 47 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Chapter Eleven

Callie sent Nate one last wave through the bakery window and turned, wincing when she met Molly’s gaze across the counter. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

Molly shrugged. “It’s fine. I’ll just dock the five minutes from your paycheck.”

Callie nodded. “Of course.”

Molly laughed. “Callie, I’m kidding. It’s pouring outside. No one’s coming in right now.”

She sent Molly a small smile. “I like being on time.”

“Which I appreciate, but today it’s no big deal.”

Callie hung her pale purple fleece on the coatrack in the corner and crossed her arms as she glanced out the picture window again, replaying her conversation with Nate in the woods—like she’d done dozens of times since she’d told him they should just be friends.

“Are you cold? Do you want a cup of coffee or tea?”

Callie shook her head. “No, thank you.” She tried another smile as she dropped her arms to her sides. “What can I do to help out?”

“Right now, not a whole lot. We’re ready for lunch, not that we’ll have much of a rush.” Molly studied Callie closely, a line forming between her brows as she continued her scrutiny. “Is everything okay?”

Callie nodded, then shook her head as she sighed. “I made Nate mad.” She started toward the counter and stopped. “Am I allowed to say that to you? I don’t know how this whole I’m-working-for-one-sibling-and-dating-the-other works.”

Molly grinned. “Yeah, you can say that. Just don’t talk about sex.” She shuddered. “I don’t ever want to hear about you and my brother having sex.”

Callie chuckled. “All right.”

Molly leaned on the counter, resting her forearms on the granite top. “So, you made the big bad sheriff mad?”

Callie wrinkled her nose. “I’m afraid so.”

“Did he do that thing where he gets all friendly—extra agreeable—like he’s all for whatever it is you’re saying?”

Callie blinked. “Yes.”

The front door opened and a sleek, gorgeous woman with light brown hair and blond highlights walked in, flashing the Carter grin. “It’s horrible out there.”

Callie recognized Nate’s older sister immediately as Gwen eyed her from across the room. A year separated Nate from his oldest sibling, but they easily could have passed for twins.

“Mother of my niece or nephew,” Molly said with a smile of her own. “You’re right on time for a good story.”

Gwen grinned again as she set her umbrella in the corner and took off her designer jacket, giving them a glimpse at her small baby belly. “I love a good story.”

Callie glanced from Molly’s snug blue jeans, Carter Island Deli and Bakery T-shirt, and dark brown hair tied back in a simple ponytail to Gwen, who looked like she’d stepped from a fashion magazine as she walked over to the counter in red heels, a navy-and-white-striped pencil skirt, and a three-quarter-sleeve fitted top as her subtle French perfume wafted their way. The Carters looked alike but the similarities stopped there.

“Callie was just about to tell me how she pissed off Nate,” Molly said with a maniacal grin.

Gwen raised her brow as she sat on one of the stools. “I’ve been eager to meet the woman who’s got our brother all hot and bothered.” She held out her perfectly manicured hand to Callie. “Gwen O’Leary.”

Callie returned her shake. “Callie Davis.”

Gwen settled herself more comfortably. “So you pissed off our boy?”

Callie winced. “Yes, I did.”

Gwen rubbed her hands over her tummy. “Did he do that thing where he gets all agreeable?”

Callie couldn’t help but smile. Apparently, that was Nate’s MO.