Chapter Eleven, Old Mill Square

Beth hummed a happy tune as she entered the restaurant. Browsing the shops at Old Mill Square proved to be a great tonic for her gloomy mood. Guilt had nipped at her as she fell into a fitful sleep last night and greeted her when she awoke. She should be focused on what to do about Kyle, not busy wondering when she might hear from Adam again. Window shopping had been just the thing to take her mind off it all.

She loved the Candy Kitchen. Their fudge is melt-in-your-mouth-heaven. Her mouth watered just thinking about it. And watching the taffy-pulling was so much fun. She toted two pounds of each with plans to send some to Tiffany and her kids. She could imagine their face splitting grins when they opened their package.

And Adam was right about Pigeon River Pottery. They have the most beautiful color schemes and designs on pottery that I've ever seen. I think I'll send a couple pieces to Mom. And I just have to buy some pieces for my hope chest!

Her heart squeezed at the thought. Ignoring the pain, she focused on following the hostess who led her to a window seat. Just outside, ran Little Pigeon River. She could see a wide, low waterfall downstream that turned the mill.

Opening the menu, her phone trilled. She dug through her purse to retrieve it and smiled wide when she saw caller ID. Flipping it open, she said, "Hey, stranger! What's up?"

"Hey, yourself. Just calling to see how your shopping trip is going." Adam sounded more rested and cheery today.

"Actually, I finished my shopping and just sat down to grab a bite at the Old Mill Restaurant. Have to try those corn fritters," she smiled to herself.

"You're at the restaurant? Where did they seat you?"

"I think I'm on the highest platform in the back…next to the windows overlooking the river."

"Awe…nice view, isn't it? That's my favorite spot."

"It's beautiful. Thanks for the recommendation."

"You're welcome. Have you decided what to eat?"

"No. Everything looks so good. I'm debating between the Southern Fried Catfish, and the Old Mill Chicken and Dumplings. Have any suggestions?"

"All of their food is tasty. Just go with whatever you're hungriest for."

Beth giggled. "You've tried it all, have you?"

"You could say that." Adam chuckled. "By the way, what do you think of the deer head hanging on the wall by the entryway?"

Beth looked up and gasped. Then, laughing to cover her embarrassment, she said. "Its not a bad looking deer head, but I must be seeing things. His hunter looks a little too real and an awful lot like you."

She watched as his grin spread from ear to ear and he crossed the room in a few easy strides.

"I thought you were going home. How did you end up here?"

Stopping next to her table, his eyes seemed to drink in the sight of her. "Thought I'd swing by and see if I could catch you. Mind if I join you?"

Realization that they were still talking into their phones dawned on her. She flipped her phone shut and smiled. "Guess we don't need these anymore." Tucking it inside her purse, she gestured to the opposite chair and said, "I'd love for you to join me. Please…have a seat."

Adam placed his phone back in its holster and sat. Leaning forward, he folded his tanned, muscular arms on the table and spoke with a soft intensity. "It's good to see you, Beth."

"Thanks. It-it's good to see you, too."

Feeling her face flush, she turned her gaze back to the menu that lay open on the table. When she started picking at the corner of her napkin, he scooped up her hand and began tracing his thumb across her fingers. Stunned by the intimate contact and unable to pull away, she stared at him wide-eyed.

His gaze pierced hers as he raised his eyebrows and said, "What's this? No ring?"


~Linnette R Mullin