Page 57 of Finding Home

“I’m supposed to meet up with Carmen.”

“Just bring her.”

“Umm…alright.” Elle said.

“Clayton, you in?”

Clayton shrugged and Elle nodded. Guess they were going to a beer tasting.

“I’ll make a cheeseboard,”Elle offered.

“Hey whiners, you’re up!” someone shouted from the darts area.

“Let’s go.” Todd tugged Noah away.

“I love Todd for him.” Elle sighed gleefully, motioning to Noah, now in a headlock by Todd.

“He’s the only person who flusters Noah.” Clayton said, sipping from Elle’s drink like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Oh, you need a fresh drink. Want something?” He scrunched his nose.

“Better make it an iced tea. I’m driving.”

“I’ll grab it.” He squeezed her shoulder.

Elle’s gaze lingered on his back as he retreated. Or rather on how his jeans hung on his hips until snapping fingers flashed in front of her.

“What’s going on there?” Aunt Janet probed.

“He’s getting me an iced tea,” Elle said coyly.

“Is that a euphemism?”

“Janet!”Distract her. “Hey, I have news. I have to fly to Boston on Wednesday for a work thing. I need to buy a dress. Do you want to go shopping on Monday? I’m taking the day off. My assistant found an adorable boutique in Williamsville that I’d like to check out. We could do lunch after.”

“Hell yes!” Janet squealed.

They finalized details as the last match of the night began. The Charles Brothers, who had won every Thursday for the last six years, stood against Team Walk the Dog. The air thick as everyone inched closer to the dart boards.

Clayton stepped to the line holding his yellow dart. Tiny beads of sweat dotted Pete’s brow, undermining his confident stare. Elle gave Clayton a reassuring thumbs up as he lined up his shot.

Everyone held their breath as Clayton lifted his arm and let his dart fly.

“Bull’s-eye!” Noah yelled, jumping in the air to chest bump Todd.

Everyone cheered, Pete swung Clayton in the air like a rag doll.

Janet bellowed at Pete to put Doc down before he hurt his back. “You’re almost 50!” she jeered.

Placing Clayton down, Pete ran over to his wife, scooping her up for a big sloppy kiss.

Elle watched Clayton, who shook hands with the other team.

As Clayton turned to walk away from the Charles Brothers, he stopped and locked eyes with her. Grinning from ten feet away the sea of congratulating spectators faded away.

Jump!Elle’s heart sucker punched her logic and took control. Without thinking, she ran toward Clayton and leapt into his waiting arms. Clayton dipped his head and kissed her hard. In that moment everything and everyone else dissolved. It was just them.

“I knew it!” Janet’s shrill voice jolted Elle back to reality.

Elle wiggled free of Clayton’s arms and faced her aunt. Clayton threaded his arms around her waist. Janet’s features toggled between “I knew it” and gushing. Pete stood, arms crossed, with an expression that Elle couldn’t read.

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