Page 71 of The Last Love Song
“So the restaurant was born.” Heather remembered how carefully the couple had searched for the right property and how much time they’d spent remodeling it.
“I hope it’s got the best of both of us. But even if it doesn’t become a runaway success, it’s been really cool working on something I’m passionate about with the guy I love. Mack is so smart about business.”
“But he doesn’t know best when it comes to cupcakes.” Bethany pointed to the cooler. “Those are fan-freaking-tastic.”
“And you don’t feel like you compromised?” Heather’s cheeks heated as she asked, knowing she was being too intrusive. But if she couldn’t ask them, who would she ever ask?
“I feel like the plan got fine-tuned.” Nina gestured at her with her cupcake. “Like the dream was this beautiful but hazy idealized vision until I met Mack, and now, it might look a little different, but it’s in perfect, sharp focus and I know just how I can obtain it.”
Heather took another bite of her cupcake, savoring the advice along with the chocolate-coconut bliss on her tongue. She wasn’t ready to change her dreams for a man, though, was she? Sure, she could feel herself getting nostalgic about Heartache. There’d been the rush of pride in her town when Zach had told her she could have been a good mayor. Then there were moments like this when she enjoyed the rituals of small-town life with her family. Even the fishing tournament had felt specialand fun, not just because of Zach, but because she wouldn’t be running off to cast a line at a moment’s notice once she got to Charlotte.
But she didn’t want to shortchange her ambitions before she’d given her all to pursuing them. Nina had offered her a nice compromise option of staying in Heartache and singing at the restaurant. Or maybe moving to Nashville and performing at Finleys’ bar sometimes. But wouldn’t she always know that she’d given up before she’d really tried? At least Nina had the experience of running a shop in Manhattan for a couple of years.
“I think someone’s searching for you.” Nina elbowed her as they sat together, the jab to her waist making Heather glance up.
Zach approached them. He strode down the dirt and gravel walkway with that same unflappable air he’d had since high school, as if he could handle anything life tossed his way. His light blue shirtsleeves were turned up to reveal strong forearms, one hand shoved in the pocket of dark gray pants. His shirt was open at the collar, and yes, her eyes ate up every square inch of bare skin. When her gaze met his, she understood why Nina had elbowed her. The way he looked at her told her he wasn’t there to see just anyone.
He wanted her.
To talk to, anyway.
Grabbing her water bottle, she took a long drink.
“I’d be guzzling it down, too, if a man was looking at me like that,” Nina teased, picking up the napkins and discreetly disappearing with Bethany.
They might have said hi to Zach first. Heather honestly didn’t know. Her heart beat so hard she couldn’t hear much beyond her harsh breaths and the blood rushing through her veins.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” He paused a foot from where she sat, his lean, hard body casting a shadow on hers.
She wanted to tell him he could do more than talk. She’d like it if he tossed her over his shoulder and dragged her into the woods. That’s how light-headed he made her feel. And how she knew it had been a mistake to pretend she could put her feelings for him behind her as easily as she drove out of town.
That was no longer a possibility. Pretending otherwise would hurt them both.
“I’ve missed you.” Shooting to her feet, she blurted out the only words in her head.
Whether or not he returned the sentiment, he deserved to hear it.
He studied her for a long moment, their bodies closer than he’d probably intended since she’d risen to her feet.
“Would that be a yes to talking?” he asked finally.
“Definitely.” She wondered if it was Zach asking or the mayor. He seemed formal.
Reserved.
No doubt taking his cue from how she’d behaved last week. It hurt to think she’d put that distance between them.
“Let’s take a walk then, so we can have some privacy.” He gestured at the long gravel path that would fill up with vendors in the next two days. “I’d rather not stir the pot with the town council, and a few of them seem to think the investigation of your father will be corrupted somehow if we spend time together.”
“I have no desire to defend myself to Tiffany McCord.” She shuddered, falling into step with him as they strode away from the center of the fair. They walked toward the arena where the wood-cutting competition would occur. A two-rail fence had been set up to enclose the space, and a few of the lumberjacks were already on-site, directing trucks with huge logs for carving. Inside the arena, a couple of guys were cleaning chain-saw pieces. A few others stood around the newly delivered wood.
“I don’t recognize many locals,” Heather observed when Zach remained quiet. She’d forgotten her jacket, but she was still warm in the autumn sunshine, her sweater and long skirt keeping her comfortable.
“It was Quinton Lee who wanted to get the event this year.” Zach waved to the owner of Lucky’s Grocer as the guy directed a flatbed trailer into the arena. “He started competing a couple of years ago and thought the event would draw some newcomers.”
“I’m sure it will.” She peered at Zach, more interested in him and why he’d sought her out.
She realized they’d arrived at the Merchants Building, a permanent facility on the fair property where vendors could store their belongings or grab a bite to eat. Zach had a key, and he unlocked the front door to the small structure.
