Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“Sometimes, we can say no to things, especially if we’re not feeling that great. You are more important than dinner at the Crowleys’. Just say the word, and we’ll go home, or we can go to the camper and just chill for the night. The two of us.”
Conor shook his head and wiped at his almost-dry cheeks. “I’m okay now.”
“If you change your mind, just ask me if my headache is back, and we’ll leave.” Hayden signaled and then pulled onto the road. Within minutes, they were parked in front of Crow’s house.
“You know he’s the whole boss of Oyster Bay?” Conor said as they walked toward the wide-planked stairs leading to the porch.
“People definitely think that about Crow,” Hayden told him, not bothering to explain that a mayor in town made all the decisions. Mostly because Hayden had no idea who it was or who sat on the city council these days. At one point while growing up, Lee had been on the council and laughed when he’d have to vote on whether an oyster farmer could expand his enterprise.
Conor beat Hayden up the stairs and knocked. Hayden could hear the Crowleys in the kitchen but couldn’t see anyone down the hall. He was about to knock again when he saw Devy coming down the stairs in a short sundress and cowboy boots. Boots he was willing to bet she hadn’t brought with her from Chicago.
“Hey,” she said as she pushed the screen door open. Hayden caught the door and never took his eyes off Devy.
Conor handed her the flowers. She smiled and brought them to her nose. “These are beautiful, Conor. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Is Maren here?”
“She’s in the kitchen, helping Crow. Head on in.”
Conor ran down the hallway and into the kitchen. “You have a dog!”
Devorah laughed, clearly remembering what Hayden had said about Conor wanting a dog. Hayden chuckled but kept his focus on Dev.
She turned her head slowly, meeting his gaze. He swallowed hard at the sight of her with her dress showing a bit more skin than he was used to seeing from her. Tonight, she had her hair in a long braid, and her skin seemed to shimmer. He’d learned enough from Sofia over the years to know that lotions and sprays often had shimmer or glitter in them. The shimmer, he liked. The glitter sometimes got everywhere and one time had ended up in his eyes.
Whatever Devorah had on, he was a fan of it. He had a difficult time tearing his gaze away from her. Mostly because he had to stop himself from leaning down and inhaling the scent she wore. It was vanilla, coconut, and summer, and it was perfect.
Hayden adjusted himself as discreetly as possible and cleared his throat. He leaned against the door casing, kept his other hand behind his back, and crossed his foot over his ankle. “How was your first day?” he asked as he tilted his head and smirked at her. “I meant to come in, but the guys left a bit later than I planned on.”
“Really good, actually. Laila came in. She apologized for the other night and asked me to join the festival committee.”
Hayden’s expression lit up. “Seriously? That’s fantastic. Are you going to do it?”
“Yeah, I think so.” Devy took another inhale of the flowers. “These are very pretty.”
“What can I say, my son has taste.” Hayden brought his hand up and showed her the flowers in his hand. “These are for Maren.”
“From you?” Devy asked, with a slight grin.
Hayden beamed. “Of course. I can’t have my son showing me up in the flower department. What would the Crowley women think of the McKenna men?”
Devorah threw her head back in laughter and thankfully didn’t correct Hayden on the usage of “Crowley” versus “Campbell.”
“Well, these are lovely. Conor has impeccable taste in arrangements. I’m going to go put them in water. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Shit, I forgot. I’ll be right back.”
Hayden jogged back to his truck and grabbed the six-pack for Crow and the dessert. He didn’t bother knocking when he came in and headed right to the kitchen, where he found Conor and Maren, each standing on a chair, with Crow in between them. He was teaching them how to cut a roast.
“Crow, I brought you a six-pack.” Hayden held it up and waited for Crow to acknowledge him. “I’ll put it in the refrigerator, along with this chocolate cake I brought.”
“Cake?” Maren turned so fast she almost fell off the chair.
“Did I hear cake?” Devorah said as she came into the kitchen.
“Well, now I know the way to yours and Maren’s heart.”
“Mine too,” Crow said casually.
“Right, the Crowleys love chocolate cake. The McKenna men have made a note.”
“All right, everyone,” Crow said. “Grab a seat at the table; I’ll bring everything out.”