Page 13 of More Than Words
I didn’t have much time to ponder it, though, because a moment later, the seat onmyother side scraped back.I turned as Ethan settled his big frame into the chair next to me.
My shoulders stiffened reflexively.I turned away, but not before I saw his easy smile.He smelled of soap and sawdust and whatever sinfully good cologne he was wearing that should be outlawed in a small, enclosed space where I had to sit next to him.
I didn’t acknowledge him.
“Evening,” he said anyway, low and smooth, just loud enough for me to hear.“I was hoping you?—”
“Of course I was going to be here.”I cut him off sharply.“My business is important to me.”
“I think we’ve established that already.”
I turned and glared at him for a second before straightening my shoulders again, focusing on the front of the room.
“The agenda looks like?—”
“The meeting is starting,” I said, grateful for the distraction.
Next to me, I could have sworn I heard Lauren and Brody giggle.I regretted my choice of seat, but it was too late to change without looking stupid, so I focused on the council at the front of the room as the meeting started with the usual budget updates and long-winded acknowledgments on the progress of various committees.
Finally, the focus shifted to the only reason I’d attended.At the front of the room, Tilley Beckett moved in front of the crowd.Tilley was the head of the festival committee—yes, Trickle Creek had a festival committee chair.The town took their celebrations very seriously.
Tilley, who, from everything I’d been told, had held the position both officially and unofficially as long as anyone could remember, stood and clapped her hands for attention.
“Okay,” she started.“Fall into the Plaza is just over a week away.There are still a few details to work out.”
A few murmurs rippled through the room.I didn’t miss Lauren’s quiet groan beside me.
“This year,” Tilley continued, “we’ll be doing the passport challenge again.Any business that wants to participate will give customers a stamp on theirleaf.” Tilley held up a big construction paper maple leaf.“Once the card is full, they can enter for a raffle prize basket.Prizes donated by all of you, of course.”
Someone asked a question about booth sizes, and another about permits.I was halfway checking off my mental to-do list when Ethan’s voice broke through.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said.“But I don’t have a booth.”
My attention snapped back to the meeting as Tilley slid her glasses up her nose and assessed Ethan.“That’s right,” she said.“We set up the map of the tables before you took over the space with your new brewery.”
Next to me, Ethan nodded.“I was just wondering if there are extras or any way to squeeze one in.”
“Hmm.”Tilley looked concerned.“The maps, information flyers, and posters have already been printed up, Ethan.I’m not sure what we can do.”
Someone on the other side of the room spoke up.“Maybe another business could share?”
Instinctively, I stiffened.I knew exactly what was coming before anyone said it out loud.The universe was lining up to screw with me.
I dropped my gaze to my lap, but there was nowhere to hide.
“Delaney.”
I flinched at the sound of my name on Tilley’s lips.
“You’re right next door, and you have a great spot with excellent visibility.What do you think?”
Every eye in the room turned to me.Including his.
I could feel Ethan’s gaze burning into me.Hot.Expectant.And I’m sure there was a grin on his lips, too.I didn’t need to confirm it by looking.
“I…I…” I cleared my throat.“Sure.Fine.”
“Perfect.”Tilley beamed.“I’m sure it’ll be a match made in heaven.”
