Blinking fast, she studies my face. “I don’t remember feeling this way before–so relaxed and good. I shouldn’t feel this way.”
“Why not? You deserve to be happy, and I’m glad to be the one to make it happen.” As I say the words, I realize how much I mean them.
“I don’t know. After what happened to Debbie and with Uncle Hugh gone, I feel like I should be sadder.”
We start walking again, holding hands. “It’s okay to take a break from the sorrow, and we’re pretty sure your uncle will return by the end of the week.”
She nods, but the dark cloud is still over her features.
Lifting her hand, I kiss her knuckles. “Anything else on your mind?”
Frowning up at the storefront, she exhales. “I kind of feel like a failure.”
My chest tightens, and I pull her to my side, wrapping my arm around her as we continue walking. “You’re twenty three. You’ve hardly had time to be a failure.”
Her chin drops and we take a few more steps before she looks up at me again. A breath, and I think she’s going to let me in, tell me what’s on her mind.
Instead, she gives me a dazzling, fake smile, tugging my hand towards a small, boutique store. “What’s Ruth’s Rarities?”
“You’ll like this one.”
A bell rings above the glass door as we enter the small store crammed with goods, and a young girl pops up behind the counter in the center of the room.
“Hutch? Is that you?” Her hazel eyes go wide when she sees Blake. “You must be one of those New York girls. Mr. Hugh’s nieces.”
“Carmen Montgomery, this is Blake van Hamilton. Blake, Carmen is Ruth’s daughter.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Blake is friendly, but reserved.
“You’re so beautiful.” Carmen’s voice is filled with wonder. “Are you staying here long? You must be going crazy in this little town after being in New York City.”
“It’s actually a nice change of pace.” Blake smiles, glancing around the store. “I love this place. Are these candles made locally?”
“Yeah, the candles and the jewelry and the art are made locally. We get the quirky stuff like the penis book and the naked president magnets at market.”
“Penis book?” Blake snorts and covers her nose.
“Come look. It’s hilarious.” Carmen grabs her hand and the two jog across the store to where I hear Blake read Penis Pokey aloud.
“Oh, no!” She cries. “It’s a hot dog.”
Glancing up I see them holding what looks like a board book with a big hole in the middle. She cuts her eyes at me, and I shake my head. It’s nice to see her getting along with Carmen.
“Is that really hot guy who was in town yesterday with you, too?” Carmen and Blake walk back across the store to the jewelry case. “Lord, he looked like something out of a catalog. Nobody ever wears suits around here.”
“Probably.” Blake seems indifferent, but I’m curious.
Which of those two dickheads was snooping around Hamiltown and why? I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think they’re here just to check on my girl.
I also make a mental note as Blake admires a necklace featuring a palmetto tree and crescent moon. “This is interesting. It kind of reminds me of something I’ve seen in Dubai.”
Carmen’s eyes go so wide, I’m worried they’ll fall out. “You are the coolest person I’ve ever met. I’ve never even been out of the state.”
Blake laughs, and her cheeks flush. “It wasn’t that big a deal.”
The bell on the door rings, and a cluster of ladies I don’t recognize stroll in chatting loudly.
“Tourists.” Carmen leans in, speaking low. “Will you be at the softball game tonight? We can sit together if you want.”
“Sounds fun.” Blake agrees, and Carmen skips back across the room to her spot at the register.
After waving goodbye, we’re back out on the sidewalk.
“She’s really sweet.” Blake smiles up at me. “Is she a Hamiltown native, too?”
“Ruth moved here with Carmen after her divorce. I think they’re originally from New Orleans.”
“Stinky’d better keep his eye on you. You’re more like the mayor.” Her eyes shine as she teases me. “You know everyone.”
“I’ve just lived here a long time.”
“And you’re close to my uncle. He always talked about you like you were his son.”
I’m not sure what to say to that, but I know how I feel. “I’ll be glad to see him again.”
We’ve reached the end of the sidewalk, and I’m about to suggest we head back to the house when Blake turns to me.
“We’ve still got time to kill before you show off your expert pitching skills.”
“It’s little girls’ softball. I’ll just toss it underhanded.”
“That’s a letdown.” She shrugs. “Either way, we still have time. What’s your favorite place in Hamiltown? Show it to me–if you have one? I’m sure you do.”
“Actually…” I catch her hand again. “I have more than one, but I’ll take you to the closest.”
We head down the hill about a half mile from the main drag to a massive wooden structure nestled in the trees.
“A barn?” She squints up at me.
“It’s not just a barn.” Pushing open the wide, wooden doors, I lead her into the massive open space. “It’s the location of all the town activities, the boiled peanut festival, the Frogmore stew competition, the spring dance.”
She holds up both hands, shaking her head and blinking fast. “What the hell is Frogmore stew? Does it have frogs in it? And a spring dance? Are there cloggers?”
“This is South Carolina, not Appalachia. They shag here.” Looking down, I pull her to my chest.
“Is that like having sex?” Her arms circle my waist.
“It is how some people do it.” I’m liking this little Hamiltown primer. “There are no frogs in Frogmore stew. It’s named after the town. It’s more like a crawfish boil, but with crab claws and shrimp.”
“Sounds delicious.”
“I really want to kiss you right now.” That persistent warmth is back, and I can’t ignore my feelings for her.
A smile curls her lips, and she rises on her toes, lifting her chin. “What are you waiting for?”
Our mouths seal together, and something shifts. The lust burning between us takes on a different form, like a white-hot blaze settling into a steadily burning fire. I begin to have thoughts like she belongs here. It’s her hometown, and I’ll do what it takes to keep her here.
These are dangerous thoughts. We’re in the middle of a shitstorm, and catching feelings will only make it harder for both of us. I can’t turn my back on my promise to her uncle, but I can protect myself from third-degree burns.
15
Blake
“Freeze ‘em out, Snow Cones! Freeze ‘em out!” Carmen is beside me clapping her hands in an adult-sized, bright-red Stinky's Snow Cones jersey.