Page 5 of Coming Home

Summer’s brows lifted. “You’re scared to tell him how you feel.”

“It’s just a crush. It will go away.”

“A crush that you’ve had since you were ten. Eighteen years and that crush hasn’t died yet.”

“Can we talk about something else?” Nat rolled her eyes. “Can we discuss how fabulous this place looks?” She gestured to the twinkling purple lights crisscrossing the ceiling beams and tables bedecked with mason jars full of purple daisies and tiny barrel-shaped candles.

“Thanks.” Bashful pride sparkled in Summer’s dark brown eyes.

Before Summer moved back to Perry eight years ago, pregnant with her son, Liam, she worked in New York City as an event planner. Over the last few months, Carmen Herrera,the Village Mayor, convinced her to revive her skills. She’d managed several village events, including the upcoming fall fest. Several local businesses and individuals had also hired her to plan parties and events. She’d organized the Farmer’s Ale Grand Opening. Now, she was helping Elle and Clayton plan their wedding and pre-wedding events.

“I see you both aresansdrinks. I come bearing liquid courage.” Todd sauntered up, carrying a tray with a stemless glass of rosé and a pint of ale.

“Liquid courage? For what?” Summer’s expression twisted with confusion.

“We’re some of the only single people at an engagement party.” Todd handed both ladies fresh drinks, then slid the tray under his muscular right arm.

“No courage needed. I prefer being single.” Summer tossed her long chestnut hair behind her shoulder and sipped her wine.

The green in Todd’s eyes sparked as he studied Summer’s pink tongue darting out to lick excess wine off her red lips. Her gaze remained on Nat, oblivious to his attention.

Amusement curled Nat’s lips while she watched the game of crushing cat and ignoring mouse.

“Plus, Noah and Willa are also single. Also…” Forehead puckered, Summer peered around the room full of couples.

“See!” Todd smirked with triumph. “In the sea of two-scoops, we’re the single ones.”

“Well, if I’m a single scoop, I’d come with rainbow sprinkles,” Nat declared, raising her pint.

“I like that.” Summer clanked her glass against Nat’s.

“Summer would be cookies ’n cream.” Todd winked.

“Oh, sweet creamy vanilla with a fun cookie surprise.” Nat cheered.

“What would I be?” Todd lifted his chin.

“Rocky Road!” Summer and Nat laughed in unison.

Todd shrugged in acceptance. “A little nutty. A little marshmallowy. Lots ofsmoothchocolate.”

“Not to mention too much will give you a stomachache,” Summer snarked.

Todd placed his hand on his heart. “A nearly fatal blow. Here I was thinking I was growing on you.”

“Like fungus.”

“Don’t underestimate the power of fungus. It gave us penicillin.”

“Well, I’ll ring you when I need a shot,” Summer sassed but winced at the suggestive nature of her quip.

“Noted.” The low timbre of his voice was almost purring. His gaze dragged down her curvy figure again, and then, as if chiding himself, snapped his eyes back up to Summer’s face.

With an eyeroll that did nothing to cover up the crimson coloring her cheek, she shifted her gaze to the other side of the room.

Nat smiled. This game played on repeat each time Todd found himself in Summer’s vicinity. In many ways, Todd was the male version of Nat, butwaymore obvious. She tipped her glass to him in salute.

“I should get back to work.” He turned and walked away.

---