Page 7 of Small Town Prince Charming

“Good.” She lingered another minute. “Don’t let Derek get to you. He’s still bitter about not making it in Cleveland. He’ll tear everyone else down to make himself feel better and push them all away in the process.” She shrugged. “Don’t let him do that to you.”

“I’m not bitter.” Not about Derek. He couldn’t stand him, but he’d deal.

“Good. I’ll see you later?”

“I’m working here until eight. Is that when you close?”

“I close at seven, but she’s welcome to come to the store—like I said.” Tracey quirked her mouth, then sighed. “You know what? I’ll come back over when the class finishes and walk her over to the store. They should be done in the next ten or so minutes. Yes?”

“That works.”

“See you.” She smiled and her eyes sparkled.

“You bet.” He watched her go and his heart skipped a beat. He still couldn’t believe she’d come back to Blakes Creek. He never thought he’d see her again, much less to be so close to her. He admired the sway of her hips and how she filled out those jeans. He’d been a fool to let her go all those years back, but he hadn’t possessed the confidence to properly ask her out. She’d been his fist love and first kiss—not that he’d ever told her.

Christ. He’d been so nervous around her.

Now? He didn’t know what to think. She fried his brains—just like she had in high school.

“Are you done?” Derek marched up to him. “You have work to do.”

“You do realize you dismissed me? But you’re right. I do have work to do. You’re rotten, but correct, and I’m busy.” Ryan returned to the stage and surveyed the set. He didn’t have much left to do, really. The backdrop was in place, scrims hung, and rotating pieces painted. The stage crew would have to work on the choreography of moving them, but he had faith it’d work out. Keelan needed to set the lights, but most of the work was completed.

Ryan hooked his fingers in his pockets and debated his next move. He could visit Miss Donnah and check on Maisey, then work on the backdrop for the recital. Or he could take a break and speak to Tracey again.

A squeal interrupted his thoughts. He didn’t have to look to know who’d made the noise. “Maisey.”

She vaulted into his arms and hugged him. “Daddy, I’m going to do the dance. I’m in the dance.”

“You are?” He held her. “That’s great.”

“Miss Donnah said I’m going to be in the big group. Daddy, I get to dance in front of everyone.” She squealed. “I don’t have to wear Erin’s costume because I get my own!”

“Wow.” So she had switched costumes with someone else.

“I gotta go. Miss Tracey says I can go to her shop because she needs my help. I’m going to be a fashion model.” Maisey beamed. “I like Miss Tracey. She smiles and hugs and doesn’t yell at me.”

“I don’t bet she does yell.” Tracey could be a charmer. “I’ll pick you up at eight at her store, okay? When do you go over there?”

“Soon. She’ll get me when it’s time.” She wriggled and he put her down. Maisey blew her stray hairs out of her eyes. “I’ll be good, Daddy. I won’t get into anything or spill stuff.” She giggled and a wide grin spread across her face. “We should keep her.”

“Who?”

“Miss Tracey. Duh, Daddy.” She rolled her eyes, then hugged him again. “Gotta go. Miss Tracey is here.”

“See you in an hour.” He walked with her across the stage to where Tracey stood in the wings.

“Hi.” Tracey met Ryan’s gaze. “I’ve got some buttons and beads for her to help me with.” She turned her attention to Maisey. “You have an important job. I’m designing skirts, so you will be my assistant.”

“No way.” Maisey squealed again. “Yes.”

Tracey held Maisey’s hand but spoke to Ryan. “She’ll be okay. The question is, are you?”

“I am.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “It’s—she’s getting older and independent...and after we’ve been through so much...I’m glad this is happening.”

“Do you feel like you’re failing?”

He stared into her eyes. She understood and hadn’t spoken down to him. “I do,” he said, lowering his voice. “I’m always busy because I’m trying to keep the bills paid. Feels like I’m never home, and no matter how hard I try, it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.”

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