Page 106 of A Cup of Autumn
Raine came out of the back with a wipe and a spray bottle.
His heart stumbled.
It matched what was happening in his brain.
All he’d been doing since he met Raine Hanover was stumbling. Dumb luck had kept him from falling on his face though he might crash now.
Not if he remained in the car.
He had too much to lose by sticking with the status quo.
Keaton unbuckled his seat belt. He had to take the risk. What did he have to lose?
Everything.
His throat closed. He thought he’d lost everything in September. Now in November, he knew without a doubt. No job—nothing—was more important than…
He blew out a breath.
Raine wore an orange bandana to keep her hair out of her face. Her multiple earrings gleamed under the lights. She was…
Beautiful.
The orange reminded him of the Boo Bash. Of all the pumpkin spice drinks she’d made for him. Of all the hard work she’d put into the Boo Bash. Of all the sweet kisses they’d shared over the weeks they’d been together.
That wasn’t long, but it was enough time for him to know what he wanted.
As he got out of the rental car, he grabbed the gift bag from the passenger seat and nearly laughed at how wrong he’d been about Raine Hanover.
Not his type.
Types were overrated.
Raine was as close to perfection as he would find.
She glanced around the shop, as if checking each tabletop.
He took a breath and exhaled slowly.
Here goes nothing.
Keaton opened the door, and the bell rang. He stepped inside.
She glanced over. Her mouth dropped open. The towel and spray bottle clattered against the floor. She picked them up and set them on the nearest table.
“Sorry if I startled you.” His words flew out.
He wanted a do-over because of course she was surprised. Raine thought he was in Boston. He’d arrived without a text or a call. If he blew this…
Her eyes narrowed as if she didn’t believe he was there.
Keaton hoped this wasn’t a mistake, but he couldn’t walk away from her. He’d done that last month when they said goodbye, and it had been the wrong move. One he’d regretted ever since. “Hey.”
Not the best opening. Given he might hyperventilate and blow this moment, he was doing what he could.
“Keaton?” Her voice rose at the end of his name.
Yep, surprised. The wariness in her gaze, however, made him feel not completely welcome. He deserved that.
