Page 130 of Banter & Blushes

“Not sure.”

“Looks like you have quite the dilemma.”

He frowned as he took a deliberate step back, putting distance between them. “Are you always like this?” he asked.

“Like what?” Caroline knew exactly what he was talking about. This was it. He was dropping her project and going to help whoever called. It shouldn’t matter. He only promised one brainstorming session, and he had already given up two weeks of his time. A twinge of hurt—no, jealousy—spread across her chest.

When Beck didn’t answer, Caroline took a step closer to him. “What am I like?”

“Like you’re ready to fight someone.”

“You should take the project.” A tight smile crossed her lips, and she softened her tone. “I’m serious. I know I’m not your first choice.”

“You don’t know a thing, Caroline Hollis.” She didn’t know how to respond, so she chewed the inside of her cheek. “Think you can manage without me?”

“I’ve managed just fine my entire life without Carter Beckett.”

“Well then, you won’t even miss me.”

Caroline looked down at the now-crowded clutter of the porch. The collaboration between them had grown until the entire deck was covered with projects, drafts, and plans. There was even enough food to sustain a small nation, thanks to surprise visits from Gigi and Mabel and their casserole brigade.

“Not even close,” Caroline challenged, praying her voice didn’t crack. They both knew the truth. She would miss him, and so would the project.

“Good. We have something in common.” He rubbed his jaw. “At least you don’t have to worry about the council pushing for a new charter. You’ll do just fine, Hollis.”

As she listened to him, she clenched her fist, her nails pressing into her palm. His tone carried a hint of irritation and disappointment.

“Maybe running away will be good for you,” she shot back. “Have it your way, Beckett. If you want to give up before we’re done, just go.”

“I didn’t say I was going. You think I’m the type to ditch out?”

It was Caroline’s turn to glare. Beck tucked his hands into the pockets of his faded shorts, his gaze lingering for a moment too long. She lifted her chin, determined not to show just how much the thought of him leaving stung.

Without another word, he turned and headed inside, leaving Caroline on the porch with only the crash of waves and her own annoyingly foolish expectations.

She’d overplayed.

He’d pushed back.

Her heart pounded, and she didn’t understand whyshe cared so much.

To avoid the space Beck left behind, Caroline looked around and pretended she didn’t feel him slip away.

She let out a long breath and sank into a chair, the one not resembling a tangled fishing net. Her head fell back, and she debated texting Gigi to pick her up since the Hollis Express needed a new battery and she hadn’t had time to have it installed.

Gigi would have a field day with this as soon as she found out. She’d probably invent some new bingo card with every juicy detail, ready to pass around at the next town meeting. Both mayors leaving town to go to Florida? Free space!

Caroline could already hear Gigi’s merry laughter, and she imagined Boomer giving a full run down when he announced the news like a town crier outside The Holler & Fork.

Swiping at her eyes with a quick motion, she reached into her back pocket and pulled out her phone. The screen showed three missed calls. All from Mabel. She groaned, dropping the phone back in her lap.

There wasn’t a moment to breathe before Beck was standing in the doorframe. Through the screen, she saw him pause, his shoulders dropping like he was bracing for something. He hesitated, but opened the door again, stepping outside to the porch. His jaw was tight, expression unreadable as he approached her.

“I’m sorry, Caroline,” he started, handing her a bright pink highlighter. “Here, before Quint chews this one to death, too.”

She accepted it, confused by the tone of his voice. “Surprised you came back.” The words coming out with more bite than she intended.

“It’s my house.” Beck picked up the binder and handed it to her. “Can we just take this down a notch?”

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