Page 12 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Chapter Five

Nate sat on one of the counter stools at Carter Island Deli and Bakery, polishing off the first of two pumpkin spice pastries Molly had put on a plate for him. “Man, these are good.”

Molly rolled her eyes as she topped off Buzz Deacon’s black coffee. “I think you alone keep me in business.”

“Hey, it’s my duty as Carter County Sheriff to support our local businesses.” He took another huge bite of pumpkin spice heaven. “I take my job very seriously,” he said through his mouthful.

Buzz snorted out a laugh as Molly rolled her eyes again and gave her attention to Buzz.

“Can I get you anything else?”

Buzz sat back in his chair and blew out a long breath as he slid his hands over his portly belly. “It’s nearly lunchtime, but I might as well grab one of those pastries too. Your big brother’s quite a salesman.”

Nate sent Molly a smug smile. “Just one of my many talents.”

Buzz all-out laughed this time.

Molly plucked up Buzz’s pastry with a square of waxed paper and set it on a plate in front of him. “See what Gwen and I had to grow up with?” She settled her hand on her hip as she looked at Nate. “Go be the sheriff or something. I need to get ready for lunch. It’s going to be busy today with everyone setting up for tonight.”

Nate wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. “Let me know if you need a hand.” And they both knew he meant it. He’d hopped behind the counter more than a few times to help his sister with the lunchtime rush.

“Looks like we’ve got some stragglers left in town.” Buzz gave a nod toward the large picture window.

Nate turned his head and perked up, watching Callie lock her bike to the rack at the bookstore across the street. He hadn’t seen her for a few days—not since their walk on the beach Saturday night. She looked just as good today as she had then. She wore midthigh-length black shorts and a breezy black-and-white-striped tank top, showing off arms that were just as well toned as her legs. “I’m going to head out.” He picked up the remaining half of his pastry and walked outside into the unseasonably warm temperature, checking for cars before he crossed to the opposite sidewalk. “Hey, neighbor.”

Callie turned and smiled as she took off her helmet. “Hi.”

Christ, she was like a punch to the gut. She looked young and carefree with her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She smelled great too—like the shampoo he’d breathed in when she laughed in his arms. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re officially a ‘weeker’ here on Carter Island.”

“I know.” She grinned as she put the helmet in the bike basket, then settled her sunglasses on top of her head. “Eight whole days of vacation.”

“And it doesn’t seem like our journey into the Atlantic left you any worse for the wear.”

She laughed. “It took me a little while to warm up afterward, but otherwise, no harm done.”

He’d planned to stop by the cottage and check on her Sunday morning, but then he’d thought better of it. The last thing he wanted to do was come on too strong. They were both living on a tiny island. They were going to run into each other from time to time—like right now. “That’s good.” He took another bite of his pastry.

She looked from the baked good in his hand to the storefront across the street. “That’s your sister’s bakery?”

He nodded as he swallowed and held the golden bread to her lips. “Wanna try?”

She blinked, clearly surprised.

“It’s pumpkin spice.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, looking at him as if she wasn’t sure at all.

He nodded again. “You won’t be sorry.”

She took a polite bite. Within seconds she was pausing midchew and letting her eyes close as she hummed her appreciation. “Oh, my goodness.”

He grinned. “Good, huh?”

She nodded. “Amazing.”

“Do you want the last of it?”

She shook her head. “Thank you, though. I’m going to get one of my own.”