Page 57 of Love's Cure

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Crystal was alone inthe Café preparing for the final day of Summer Faire when Emmett showed up and knocked on the locked door. Smiling, Crystal went to let him in.

“How’s it going?” he asked.

“Business has been booming. How about you?”

“A case of heat exhaustion, a couple of scraped knees, and a sprained ankle.”

“Thanks for helping with the baking contest. Everyone was really into it—clapping for each winner and then lining up to buy goodies for sale. I think we raised a lot of money for the Community Center. I’m glad we did it.”

“Me, too. All the store owners I talked to seemed pleased by the business. I couldn’t make it to the canoe races, but I heard they were fun. This whole weekend is a real small-town adventure.”

“It’s one of the town functions I love,” said Crystal. “By the way, I talked to Whitney and Taylor this morning, and we’ve been invited to a barbeque at their cottage Sunday evening. Do you want to go with me?”

“Sure. Sounds like a good way to end the weekend. Are you set to meet my mother and me for dinner at eight?”

“Yes. Will you pick me up?” asked Crystal already nervous about it.

“Of course. I’d better pick you up at 7:45 to give us time to make it to the inn on time. My mother doesn’t like it if I’m late.”

“Okay,” said Crystal, suddenly aware she’d set aside the wrong dress to wear. This was going to be a more formal affair than she’d thought.

Emmett drew her to him. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered into her ear, “Everything will be fine. Just be yourself. You’re perfect.”

Crystal closed her eyes as his lips met hers. She loved the confidence he had in her. It made her feel worthy of him and his cold family.

When they pulled apart, Emmett smiled at her, adding light to his eyes. “You make me happy.” He sighed. “I’d better go. See you later.”

She let him out and locked the door behind him, leaning against it a moment to let her racing pulse slow. The chemistry between them was on fire. She clasped her hands together thinking of what the future might bring.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Crystal studied herselfin the mirror. She’d finally decided to wear a simple, black-linen, sleeveless sheath adorned only by a gold chain necklace holding a small single diamond that matched the small diamond studs in her ears. Both were graduation gifts from GG—one for high school, the other for culinary school. She treasured them.

She fussed with her soft blond curls. Her hair cut shorter and changed back to her natural color gave her a better look. She added another swipe of pale, pink lipstick to her full lips and sighed. Ready or not, it was time to go.

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