Page 8 of Hold Me Instead (Elmwood Falls #1)

Charlie

Charlie cut through the short path in the park.

Large maple trees with vibrant bursts of orange and red dotted the area, a view that normally stopped her in her tracks.

Now there wasn’t time to admire its beauty, with the cool air fueling her frustration and speedy steps.

This was no cozy fall evening for Charlie.

“‘ Here to help ,’ yeah,” she muttered.

She emerged on Main Street, where shocks of yellow from slender ginkgo trees alternated with black wrought iron lamps along the sidewalk.

Their warm light buzzed as dusk settled, and the breeze bopped the witch hat and pumpkin paper lanterns hanging on the posts.

Century-old red and cream brick buildings lined the road, housing small businesses, new and old, some there for decades.

She passed the floral shop with the bridal shop upstairs, waving absentmindedly to the owners, and marched to Cleo’s Local Goods.

She pushed open the door to laughter carrying through the empty shop, a melodic harmony to the bell announcing her arrival. The sugary smell from Dorothy’s Bakery next door permeated the air.

Great . She wanted to vent, but the mood inside was softening her edge. And triggering her need for more cookies .

“Hi!” Amber appeared from the back, costume intact. She weaved through display tables garnished with bats and crows, but despite the apple blocking her face, Charlie saw her smile drop. “What’s wrong?”

“Zachary’s back,” Charlie blurted.

“Oh! Ohhh .” Amber guided Charlie to a small counter where they served customers samples of local teas for sale. She poured Charlie a cup. “Spill. Not that tea,” she joked, chuckling at herself but steeling her expression when Charlie gave her a pitiful snort.

Charlie took a sip, warmth seeping through her as cinnamon and ginger danced on her tongue. She inhaled the spicy scent, reminiscent of eating apple pie in an orchard, her shoulders settling. “He’s going to fill in for Daniel.”

Amber clapped. Then stopped. “This is bad?”

“We haven’t worked together in years.”

“That’s okay! You two got along so well, I’m sure you’ll fall into a rhythm right away.”

“I’m going to be in charge this time.”

Amber wiggled her eyebrows, indicated by the slight bob of her hat. “Exciting.”

Charlie groaned. “You don’t understand. He has a very specific way of doing things. He used to tell me all the things he’d change if he were in charge, and he’d argue with Daniel constantly.”

“You’re not Daniel, though. And Zachary’s been gone a long time.”

“None of that matters.”

“Why?”

Charlie flicked a hand with a small huff. “That kind of stuff doesn’t just go away. ”

“Alright. So you might bump heads a bit. Or you won’t. There’s a lot on everyone’s minds right now, maybe Daniel being sick will unite you or something.”

Charlie turned the cup in a slow circle on the countertop. As slowly as Zachary’s finger had trailed over her skin, his delicious scent delivered right to her nose while he dared to look adorable wearing a toy sword, likely to appease his nephew.

She shivered. “He’s irritated with me for some reason.”

“What? Why?”

She had her guesses, but she couldn’t be sure. They’d never talked about it.

Amber leaned toward Charlie and stilled her futzing with a firm touch. “How could he hate you? Maybe it’s a misunderstanding. That’s possible, right?”

Charlie shrugged.

Amber nudged her shoulder. “You know what I think? All the feels are back.”

“What!” Charlie scoffed. “No. Definitely not.”

Amber let out a gleeful chuckle. “How does he look? I’m guessing he aged well, and that’s part of the problem. Like you didn’t think he could get any hotter?”

Charlie spun off the seat and approached a tea towel display.

“Why would that make a difference?” Her fingers trailed over the fabric, screen printed with snowflakes and the words Stay Out Of My F*cking Kitchen.

Maybe she just needed to buy him a candid towel as a welcome home gift to help get the point across.

“Uh, when it comes to your job, nothing frazzles you. You’ve run that office no problem when Daniel’s been on vacation in the past. ”

Charlie whipped around. “Are you saying I’m frazzled? I’m not frazzled.”

“Sure, is that why your voice sounds like it’s about to crack? Or break into hysterical laughter any second?”

Charlie took a moment to compose herself. “Yes, okay, he looks great. And still amazing in navy hoodies, damn him.” That detail had not skipped her attention.

Amber sputtered a laugh. “What?”

“But that has nothing to do with it! I’m telling you, something happened when he left, and he hasn’t let it go. His attitude was immediate, even at the hospital.”

“You saw him at the hospital? The first night?”

“Yes.”

“And you didn’t tell me?!”

“I did tell you! In my text.”

“Wait, wait, wait. You mean the very detailed one you sent when I asked how you were doing? You responded ‘I’m okay. Saw him. I’m home now.’” Amber crossed her arms.

Charlie winced. “See, I said I saw him…”

Amber rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right, definitely. How was I supposed to decipher that message?” She turned off the electric kettle and closed the tea canister. “So, how is he? All manly and grown? I know you were all about that jawline, but did you get a look at his ass?”

Charlie clenched a stack of embroidered cloth napkins. “He has one now, if that’s the question.”

Amber hooted. “You totally checked him out!”

“Hey, I still maintain he has a sexy jawline. ”

“That’s just because it houses a smile that makes you swoon,” Amber sang.

“You know, if I wasn’t already feeling transported back to high school around him, this conversation would definitely do it.”

“Oh, come on. When’s the last time you actually talked about a guy? That wasn’t Daniel?”

Charlie grimaced, her gaze finding Amber. “That’s unsettling.”

“You’re telling me.”

“Gah, you’re a shit,” Charlie said, shoving her way toward the seasonally themed candle display along the back wall. Maybe determining which fall scent matched her personality would calm her nerves. If Amber ever stopped cackling.

“Amber, leave Charlie alone,” Cleo scolded, appearing from the back room.

Charlie’s mouth dropped as she took in their friend.

Cleo’s tall, graceful frame was draped in a silvery-blue leotard with a wide neckline that exposed her dark brown skin.

Short sleeves puffed around her shoulders, and elbow-length gloves glittered.

A full tulle skirt floated to her calves like a dreamy waterfall.

“Oh my God, Cleo.” Charlie breathed.

“Doesn’t she look amazing?” Amber said.

Cleo gave them a modest smile, her lips painted a deep berry. “Sasha made this for the community production of Into the Woods last year.” She swished the skirt slightly, and a crown sparkled on top of her loose, buoyant black curls.

“Wow. It’s gorgeous,” Charlie said.

Amber sighed, hands landing on her hips. “I thought you two were taking a break? ”

Cleo feigned nonchalance, tidying up a table. “With the holidays, figured we might as well spend the time together. Nice and easy.” She glanced around the shop, her deep brown eyes bright, silver glitter covering her eyelids. “Who’s ready for a drink?”

Amber narrowed her eyes, looking between Cleo and Charlie. With a huff, she jerked her thumb toward Cleo. “She’s closing up early. We’re meeting Magnolia at River Bites. Join us, we can all gripe together! Free pretzel bites to any table in costume.”

“Speaking of, you two are helping me with a costume next year,” Charlie said.

“Is that a yes?” Amber asked. She tossed Charlie’s cup, then bounded around the counter.

Charlie checked her watch. “I should go home and feed Toothless.”

“Nice try. It’s too early for her dinner,” Amber said. She nudged Charlie toward the door.

Once they stepped outside, Cleo locked up behind them.

The crisp, chilled air snapped against Charlie’s skin. She tugged at her sweater, surprised how unaffected she’d been on her walk over. “I left my stuff at the clinic,” she said, turning toward the park.

“Oh no, no.” Amber grabbed Charlie’s arm. She marched them in a half-circle to face River Parkway. “If you go back, next thing I know, you’ll be texting me from home.”

Not a bad plan . “But my wallet,” Charlie said.

“Walter’s known us since we were in diapers. He won’t let you go thirsty. If you still haven’t added credit cards to your phone”—Amber gave Charlie a side-eye, then shook her head—“I’ll spot you tonight.”

“Face it, Amber will get you there no matter what,” Cleo said as she wrapped her sweater closed, skirt blowing around her .

“You at least need to eat something,” Amber protested as she tugged Charlie along. “This’ll be good, though. We’ll come up with a plan to help you manage Zachary.”

Amber was right—Charlie handled things smoothly when Daniel was out of the office in the past. Unfortunately, it was hard enough finding relief veterinarians to step in when they had planned vacations, let alone when someone was sick.

Logan Fletcher often filled in, but from time to time, they had a new face around the office.

She could treat Zachary like a new employee.

It had been years—enough time had passed that they could start over.

They didn’t really know each other anymore.

A trick-or-treat banner stretching across the cobblestone road thwipped in the breeze, and strands of hair whipped her face.

She brushed at her cheek, her hand slowing, remembering his soft touch, the warmth of his fingers.

His focus on her face. The clench of his jaw as their skin slid together in the smallest of places, though she felt it zing through her entire body.

How quickly her mind traveled to what it would be like to reach up and hold his hand there, to lock eyes, to trace his lips.