“I’d like that, too. I don’t want to rush into anything.”
“And we won’t,” he assured her. “We’ve got all the time in the world.”
As they continued to talk, their fears and hopes laid bare, the tension in the room gradually eased. Faith found herself relaxing, her earlier apprehension giving way to a cautious optimism.
“You know,” she said, a hint of her usual playfulness creeping into her voice, “this isn’t quite how I imagined this conversation going.”
Joshua raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “Oh? And how did you imagine it?”
She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “Well, for one, I didn’t think I’d be sitting behind my desk like I’m conducting an interview for a story.”
His laughter filled the room. “Would you prefer if I got down on one knee and recited poetry?”
“Heavens, no.” Faith giggled, the sound surprising her. “I think we’ve had enough drama for one day, don’t you?”
As their laughter subsided, a comfortable silence settled between them. She found herself studying Joshua’s face, noting the tiny crinkles at the corners of his eyes. With a start, she realized how handsome she found him. How had she never allowed herself to acknowledge her attraction to him before now?
“What are you thinking?” Joshua asked.
She hesitated for a moment before answering. “I’m scared, but I’m also excited. About us. About what this could be.”
“Me, too, Faith. Me, too.”
He leaned forward. “You know what? We should celebrate this moment.”
“Celebrate? How?”
“How about supper at the Golden Griddle?” A boyish grin spread across his face.
She felt a flutter in her chest, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. “Supper sounds lovely, Josh. But… are you sure? People might talk.”
He reached across the desk, his calloused hand gently covering hers. “Let them talk. I’m proud to be courting the smartest, most beautiful woman in Mystic.”
A blush crept up Faith’s neck, coloring her cheeks. She ducked her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Well, when you put it that way, how can a girl refuse?”
They stepped out into the cool evening air, noting the stars already sparkling against a dark midnight sky. As they walked side by side along the boardwalk, Faith couldn’t help noticing the subtle change in their dynamic. Joshua walked a little closer, taking her hand and slipping it through his arm, sending shivers down her spine.
The Golden Griddle came into view, its windows glowing with warm, inviting light. The scent of homecooked meals wafted out onto the street, making Faith’s stomach growl in anticipation.
“Hungry?” Joshua’s eyes danced with amusement.
She laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Starving, actually.”
Entering the restaurant, the bustling atmosphere enveloped them. The clinking of cutlery against plates, the low hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively backdrop.
As they settled at a small table, Faith couldn’t help but marvel at how different everything felt. The same worn wooden table, the same menu, the same view of the street through the window. And yet the world seemed somehow brighter, more vivid.
“What are you thinking?” Joshua asked.
“I’m thinking, I’m glad we’re here. Together.”
“Me, too, Faith. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Chapter Twenty-One
A heartbeat passed, then two, before Joshua stretched his hand across the table. His calloused fingers found Faith’s, entwining them with a gentleness that belied his strength.
Her heart thundered against her ribs. This simple gesture, so public and yet so intimate, sent a thrill through her entire being. She glanced around, keenly aware of the other patrons’ curious looks.
