Page 155 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“This isn’t your fault.”

She knew Nate was right, but it didn’t help. “Are they bothering Molly yet?”

He shrugged. “It depends on how you look at it. She’s happily taking their money while she sells them soup and sandwiches and tells them no comment.”

She made herself smile again. “I hope she makes a killing.”

“She’s closing up now. Reports are that her soup pots were empty when she was locking the doors.”

“Good,” Callie said with a decisive nod before she averted her gaze. “I’m not going to be able to go back there for a while. That’s the last thing Molly needs.”

“It’s probably better if you hunker down here.” He lifted her chin with a nudge of his fingers, stroking her skin. “Just until this dies down a bit.”

She nodded and made her lips curve again, even as she felt another piece of her freedom slipping away.

“Hey.” He cradled her face. “You don’t have to be a tough guy for me.”

She gripped his strong forearms. “I’m fine.”

He narrowed his eyes as he studied her.

“I’m hanging in there,” she amended. “What about you?”

“They’ll go away.”

“It could be weeks.” She needed for him to understand. “They could be here for weeks, Nate.”

“Sanderson’s not that exciting.”

She shook her head and stepped back. “This isn’t a joke. Nothing about this is funny.”

“This sucks.” He hooked his finger in her belt loop and pulled her back. “Let’s not pretend it doesn’t, but there’s nothing we can do but let it blow over.”

She swallowed as she looked toward the shaded windows, well aware of everything she might lose in the meantime.

“Let’s try to have a normal night.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “Just you and me. Dinner—which smells incredible—and a movie.”

“But what about the press? They’re practically camped out in the front yard.”

“Shawn and Mac can handle it. What’s going on outside has nothing to do with us until tomorrow.” He kissed her. “Be my date.”

She nodded, wanting to pretend with Nate that everything was going to be okay. “I’ll boil up some pasta for the sauce.”

He wiggled his brow. “Perfect.”

“All right then.” She moved to the counter to grab a pot. Tonight could be theirs for a little while. Their ugly reality would be waiting for them in the morning.