Storms and Secrets: A Small-Town Romance by Claire Kingsley

Author:Claire Kingsley [Kingsley, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Always Have, LLC
Published: 2024-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Marigold

The darkness outside seemed ominous as Preston and I drove through town. I’d thought about canceling. Give myself time to think things through. But I’d decided to keep our date. Audrey had said to trust my instincts, and she was right. I felt like I needed to see him again to cut through all the mental clutter and confused feelings.

If tonight felt right, I’d know. And if not, I could go from there.

He looked impeccable, as always. Full suit, well groomed. He glanced at me, a subtle smile playing on his lips. There was heat in that look. Desire.

It made my heartbeat quicken. Was that anticipation, or something else?

He’d gotten tickets to a musical adaptation of my favorite book of all time, Pride and Prejudice. The helicopter ride and luxurious dinner in Seattle had been extravagant and exciting, but this was close to perfection. He knew I loved to read and how much this story meant to me. I didn’t know if this was something he’d enjoy himself, so it showed a willingness to do things I liked. That was certainly a mark in his favor.

I’d been to shows at the theater at Tilikum College before, usually with Annika and Isabelle. It was charming and intimate, with rows of plush seating, a good-sized stage, and not a bad seat in the house. Preston led me in with his hand on the small of my back. Nights were getting chillier, so I’d chosen a sweater dress and tall boots. Clouds blotted out the stars but cheerful lights leading to the front of the building welcomed theatergoers in out of the cold.

The lobby was crowded with people. I waved to Mrs. Leary, who’d been my client since I’d first opened my salon. Mayor Bill was there along with his wife, as were Sheriff Jack Cordero and his wife, Naomi.

Preston slipped his hand around my waist and pulled me closer. His touch almost made me flinch. I glanced at him but he wasn’t looking at me. His dispassionate gaze was on the crowd around us, but it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

The doors to the theater opened and people lined up to take their seats. Preston didn’t seem to notice the line. Or maybe he didn’t care. He pressed forward, leading me toward the usher taking tickets. No one complained, but I felt my cheeks warm with mild embarrassment. We could have waited an extra minute or two. It wasn’t as if we were late.

It was such an odd contrast to his usual manners. But when I thought about it, his gentlemanly gestures were always directed at me, not other people. I’d never seen him be overtly rude, but he didn’t go out of his way to be gracious to others either.

Our seats were several rows back from the stage, roughly in the middle. We sat and people began filling in the spaces around us.

Preston took out his phone and his brow furrowed, as if something was bothering him.

“Is everything all right?” I asked.

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