Page 48 of A Cup of Autumn
“Matchmaking,” they said in unison.
Both laughed.
Then, her expression grew more serious. She leaned forward. “I’m glad you came to Silver Falls. I hope that job works out for you, but my mom always told me when one door closes, another opens. Only she believed in slamming the door fast, so the bugs didn’t fly inside.”
The deep, rich sound of Keaton’s laughter wrapped around Raine like one of Margot’s quilts.
She glanced at the counter. A line was forming. “I should get back.”
He picked up his cup. “I’m taking this with me for the walk home. It’ll put me in the right mood to work.”
“On your book?”
“Maybe later. I have two proposals to finish up so I can present them to you tomorrow.”
“Thanks for taking the Boo Bash so seriously.”
“It’s important.” He sounded so earnest, as if the community event had an impact beyond one small town.
But earnest wasn’t the same as excited, the way he got when he talked about writing. “Your book is important too so don’t push it aside.”
He blinked. “You are the only one besides my mom who thinks so.”
“You light up whenever you mention it. That tells me your book is important to you.” She winked. “You’re not the only one who reads body language.”
“Well-done.” His gaze locked on hers.
Her breath stilled. The noises in the shop faded.
“See you tomorrow,” he said, breaking whatever spell was between them.
“Looking forward to it.” As in seeing him, not hearing about the Boo Bash.
She swallowed. What in the world was happening?
Chapter Ten
Saturday morning dragged.Raine kept busy, hoping the afternoon would arrive sooner than later. She wanted to hear what Keaton had come up with. Timmy took his lunch break first, and then it was her turn. But anticipation kept her on edge.
When the bell jingled, Raine glanced at the door. Pippa walked in.
Not Keaton.
Raine slumped. She’d thought he would be there by now.
“If I had a dollar for every time you’ve glanced at the door, I would have more money than what’s in the tip jar.” Timmy prepared a caramel hot apple cider. “What’s going on?”
“Just waiting for Keaton. We’re discussing plans for the Boo Bash.”
Timmy snickered. “Only the Boo Bash?”
“Yes.” The word rushed out faster than the steam on the coffee machine.
His smile suggested he didn’t believe her. “If you say so, Boss.”
The bell on the door jingled yet again.
Don’t look.
