Page 45 of Must Love Bees
“I didn’t know any of that.” He set the basket in the middle of the table.
“I know lots about bees now.” Nova nodded.
“I bet you do.” He glanced at Astrid.
“They asked.” Astrid winked at Nova. “She and Halley have eager minds. So many questions.”
“About bees?” He hadn’t meant to sound so surprised.
“And other things.” Halley shrugged.
There it was. Founded or not, a twinge of jealousy soured his stomach. Seconds later, it gave way to relief. He wasn’t going to begrudge the girls someone to talk to. He sure as hell didn’t have all the answers—especially when it came to things relating to girls. Astrid was more suited for that. He should be grateful to her.
He glanced at Astrid only to find her studying him. Openly. As if he was a puzzle she couldn’t quite work out.
I know the feeling.
It wasn’t the first time he found his gaze exploring every detail of her face. Then, lower, to the arch of her throat. Which reminded him. “How is your sting?”
She blinked. “What sting?”
He touched the back of his neck. “Your sting. From the great bee rescue.”
Her smile was blinding. “Oh, I like that. The great bee rescue. That sounds like a book title.” She tucked a strand of long hair behind her ear and touched the back of her neck. “I’d forgotten. All healed. Thank you for asking.” Her cheeks darkened pink and...yes, shewasstaring at his mouth.
It was enough to have Charlie gripping the back of one of the dining room chairs. He shouldn’t be reacting this way. He shouldn’t notice things like that or worry over her bee sting or go warm and breathless from one of her sweet smiles. And yet, there was no stopping it. If only there was some sort of suit, like Astrid’s beekeeping suit, that could protect him from whatever was happening. Unfortunately, he suspected the damage she would leave him with would take more than ointment and time to recover from. If he let her, that is. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. There was no way he’d be foolish enough to let that happen.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ASTRIDWASN’TSUREbut she had the distinct feeling the evening was a success. At least, her family made a point of being especially courteous and including Charlie throughout dinner. Which, possibly, might have been more stressful than leaving him alone.
Poor Charlie.
“What do you think of our tiny town, Charles?” Every time Aunt Mags addressed him, she called him Charles. Nova thought this was hilarious and giggled each and every time. Like now.
“It’s nice.” His attention bounced between the massive serving of lasagna Aunt Camellia had put on his plate, the saltshaker in front of him and Aunt Mags herself.
“I like the café place.” Nova held her fork in one hand and her knife in the other. “I especially like their pancakes.”
“If you like their pancakes, you should try some of the aunts’ pancakes.” Tansy was sitting beside Nova.
“Ants?” Nova looked distressed. “The ants make pancakes? And you eat them? The ants back home don’t do that.”
“The aunts.” Halley sat on Nova’s other side and leaned over to nudge her. “Aunt Camellia and Aunt Magnolia.”
Nova’s eyes widened. “Oh, that makes more sense.” She glanced at Scorpio, propped beside her on her chair. “Scorpio was confused.”
“Where else have you gone?” Aunt Mags redirected the conversation.
Halley and Nova both turned to look at Charlie.
That was answer enough for Astrid.Poor Charlie.
“Well...” Charlie cleared his throat, looking acutely uncomfortable. “Where would you recommend?”
One of Aunt Mags’s finely shaped red eyebrows rose. “I’m sure they’d love the river. And the lake. There’s a lovely little painting shop that just opened up on Main Street.” She glanced at the girls. “And, of course, there will be fireworks and a parade for Labor Day.”
But Charlie wanted to get back to Fort Worth as soon as possible. They probably wouldn’t be here in September.
