Page 83 of A Cup of Autumn
She took a step back. Her heart galloped like it had finished running the Kentucky Derby.
Wide-eyed, Keaton’s ragged breathing matched her own. He appeared at a loss for words.
That made two of them.
But they couldn’t stand there all night staring at each other.
“We should get to Lawson’s.” Though she doubted any dessert could beat his toe-curling kiss. Not that Raine remembered curling her toes, but she probably had given the tingles.
A peace settled over her. She’d closed the door to relationships and love thanks to Emmett, but Keaton was pushing that door open. If only…
No, she had to take things day by day. Even if her heart, and now her lips, wanted…more.
*
The day beforethe Boo Bash, Keaton sat at his usual table with an iced vanilla chai with pumpkin cream cold foam drink. He raised his glass in a salute to his revised manuscript. He’d gone over the entire thing yesterday to make sure it was ready. His heart told him it was.
Time to send his story out into the world.
He attached it to the email reply from the agent he’d queried. She’d requested the full manuscript.
“Nothing to lose, and everything to gain.” Keaton glanced at Raine behind the counter, and his chest expanded. He pressedsend. “And it’s off.”
“Yo, Keaton.” Brecken strode over in a hoodie with a baseball cap turned backward. He shrugged off his backpack and sat. “I got a B-minus on my paper. Highest grade so far.”
He gave Brecken a high five. “Congrats.”
“Couldn’t have done it without you. Like seriously because I would have just watched the movie.”
“Didn’t you get more out of the book?” Keaton asked.
“A lot more. Except reading took me a lot longer.”
“There are audiobooks. Check the library if the college doesn’t have them,” Keaton suggested. “Listening is easier for you.”
“I will.”
Timmy, today with hot pink hair, came over to the table with two drinks. He placed them on the table and sat.
“Tell him,” Brecken urged Timmy.
“I got an A-minus on my assignment. The professor said he was impressed with my organized thoughts.” Timmy settled in his chair. “He wants to keep a copy for his records.”
“That’s wonderful.” Keaton was proud of both young men. He raised his drink. “To writing papers and getting good grades.”
The three cheered and drank.
Raine cleaned off a nearby table. She shot a smile Keaton’s way.
Brecken sighed. “I wish you were my instructor, Keaton.”
“Same.” Timmy fiddled with the cup sleeve. “I’d love to have you as my professor at Summit Ridge. You’re better than any of the ones I have.”
Keaton appreciated their gratitude, but… “Thanks, guys.”
“Transfer to Summit Ridge.” Brecken leaned over the table. “Students transfer to other colleges, so I’m guessing professors can too.”
Timmy nodded. “Yeah, and you’d be closer to your family in Silver Falls.”
