Page 144 of Banter & Blushes

Turning abruptly, she collapsed onto the floor, burying her face in her hands as a primal scream tore from her throat. Her shoulders shook with the force of it, and she felt the beginnings of hot tears welling up, spilling over her cheeks. She wiped at them hastily with the back of her hands, smearing them across her skin. Suddenly, a chill shot up her spine as the back of her shirt grew icy cold, drenched by a sudden surge of water which had seeped through the weatherstripping around the door, cascading down to meet her.

Scrambling to her feet, she raced back to the counter, ready to give up on the whole summer event. As soon as she was done, she’d call her father and tell him she was resigning from being mayor. Then she’d tell Gigi and Mabel they’d have to put together a proper election without her on the ballot. Boomer could announce it between tuba sets.

Wouldn’t that be something for the bingo card?

The shop was suddenly awash with a cascade of bright lights, illuminating every corner with an almost blinding brilliance. Caroline lifted her hand to fend off the glare. She heard the sharp, resonant slam of a truck door cutting through the rain like another thunderclap.

She held her breath as rapid footsteps splashed across the pavement and an impatient hand clanking against the doorknob filled the room, followed by a pounding on the door.

“Caroline? You in there?”

She blinked, not trusting her ears.

“Caroline!”

Pushing off the counter, she tripped over herself in disbelief.

Another yank on the door, and there he was, soaking wet and looking every bit the answer to her prayers.

“Beck!” she practically shrieked, unable to hide the overwhelming relief in her voice.

“You really have bad luck, don’t you, Hollis?”

A gust of air slammed the door behind him, shutting out the storm. “How did you find me? When did you get back home?”

“Just arrived,” he said, shaking the water from his hair. In a few strides, he was at her side. “I thought you’d be at The Holler & Fork, hunkered down with Sandy and the Friday night bingo game.” She stared at him for a beat too long, struggling to grasp he was actually there. “Are you coming? The storm is going to get worse,” he asked. “Don’t make me carry you.”

“You came back!” she said, the words barreling out in a mix of accusation and surprise. “You came back for me.”

“Of course I came back.” His eyes softened. “You think I’d leave you to weather this on your own?”

“I didn’t know.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

He closed the distance between them, his presence already chasing away the shadows.

“Well, now you do.” He reached out a hand, dripping with rain and other promises. “Grab your things.”

She nodded, grabbing her tote. Shoving the phone, food, and every hope she had for the summer into the bag, she swung it over her shoulder and grabbed Beck’s hand with both of hers. “Let’s get out of here.”

“I thought you’d never ask,” he teased. Just as they reached the exit, Beck pulled on the handle. It didn’t budge.

The door was stuck.

Again.

He gave it another quick yank.

She felt him tense, knuckles going white on the metal.

“It has to open,” she said, her voice a frantic blur. “Beck?—”

“Hang on.” He gave her a look. A challenge mingled with determination. “We’ll get it.”

“Oh, my land. I’m going to die in a bait shop.”

“You will not die, Hollis.” Tugging harder on the door, it still wouldn’t budge. “I think we’re stuck here, though. Why did you even come down here?”

“What?” she snapped, suspicious. “You think I planned this, Beckett?”

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