The Letter(17)
“Are you staying at the Sweet Tea?”
“I am. I just checked in there late this afternoon. Rebecca insisted I eat dinner with her and Larry.”
“Rebecca, always saving those bachelors from starvation.” Bella smiled. It was so nice to just have Owen here and talk with him. Adult conversations that had nothing to do with homework, sports practices, or eat-your-vegetables.
“Have you seen the boys yet?”
She swore he could read her thoughts. “No, not yet. They’re at Rick’s. It was almost their bedtime as I was pulling into town. School night. I’ll see them after school tomorrow.”
“Did you have any dinner?”
“I had some cheese and crackers, and apple slices.”
Owen raised one eyebrow. “Not much of a dinner.”
“I wasn’t really hungry.”
“Maybe I should go, you do look exhausted.”
“You know, Owen, a woman doesn’t really like to be told that…”
Owen’s eyes widened and he looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I just meant…” He sighed. “I’m really not good at this whole dating thing, am I?”
She laughed at him. “No, you’re fine. I was teasing you.”
“I’m still sorry.”
“I’m sure I do look exhausted. It was a long couple of days. It’s good to be home.”
“It’s good to have you home.” He reached out and took her hand. “I hope we can spend a lot of time together while I’m in town. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to town very often the last few months. I’d so many things I had to deal with for the company. I’ve tried to make it so I can work from Comfort Crossing more. Just need my laptop and an internet connection for a lot of my work. Well, and my phone.”
Ah, his phone. The one that rang constantly. He did at least turn off the ringer when they were out together, but she could see him glancing at it at regular intervals.
“I’d like to spend time with you. It’ll be a bit crazy here for a while. I need to get the new items all set up in the shop, and refinish a handful of them. I’m sure you’ll be tied up helping Jake, though.”
“I’ll make time. I want to see you more.”
Bella’s heart skipped a beat. It still amazed her that this proper businessman from the big city was interested in her, a shop owner in a small Southern town. They were from such different worlds.
~ * ~
Owen really wanted to just take Bella in his arms and kiss her senseless, but he wasn’t sure that was a good idea. He’d been so scarce the last few months, out of town on business so often. He was afraid they’d gone backwards in their relationship, instead of forwards. Every time he came to town, it had only been for a few days. As soon as they seemed to get their footing again, it was time for him to leave. This time he‘d cleared his schedule. He was hoping to be able to stay for a few weeks, maybe more.
He looked down at her small hand in his. Her nails were always painted a bright, cheerful shade of pink. A thin leather bracelet encircled her wrist and a small silver ring with a turquoise stone adorned her first finger. Simple jewelry. He liked that about her, too. She was the most non-fussy woman he’d ever met, always seeming to be secure in herself without a need for fancy designer clothes or jewelry.
“So, are you coming to the opening of Sylvia’s Place?”
“I plan to. It will be late though, after I close the shop. I’ve already gotten a sitter for the boys.”
“Good. I’m sure we’ll be busy, but I’ll try and sit down and eat with you.”
“Becky Lee and Jenny are going to meet me there.”
“Oh, if it’s a girls’ night thing…” He didn’t want to intrude on friend time. He knew the three friends got together regularly.
“Don’t be silly. Of course you can join us. Clay is going to try and meet up with us, too. I think he and Jenny are going to buy a house just outside of town.”
“They aren’t going to move into Jenny’s?”
“I think there are too many memories there for Jenny. I think they want a fresh start. Plus they need room for all their kids, Jenny’s son and Clay’s daughters.”
“That sounds like a smart idea.” Owen knew that Jenny’s husband had died a while ago and Jenny had recently reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, Clay. He’d yet to meet Clay though.
Bella leaned back against the couch and her hand slipped away from his, leaving his hand strangely cold. He couldn’t help himself. He leaned over and slowly kissed her, his hand reaching out to cup her face. Her skin was warm and soft beneath his hand. A small sigh escaped her lips.