“Don’t worry, Big. We’re good. I mean, what’s a little snuggling between friends, right?”
His gaze bores into mine, and I’m certain my racing heart is turning my neck blotchy. I’ve got goosebumps making my arm hair stand at attention, and the skin on my wrist under his hand feels like it’s permanently tattooed with his fingerprints.
Now that I think about it…a Mack tattoo might be the only sort of tattoo I would ever consider getting.
I’m afraid he’s going to call my bluff, but then he blinks. “Alright. Good.”
Mack dropped me off at The Downer, and I got to work on time. He texted me at nine a.m. with the contact information for a porta-potty company. I called and reserved everything we needed for the Party at the Park.
Crisis averted.
It’s almost noon, so I grab my purse and make the quick drive to Getaway Café.
I push open the door, and the rush of air conditioning feels good against my warm skin.
Inez is at the register. She waves. “Poppy, hey! What can I get for you?”
I study the chalkboard with the specials. “I’ll take two iced vanilla lattes, a turkey-avocado bagel, and one of your loaded BLT sandwiches to go, please.”
Yes, I fully intend to ply Mack with coffee and lunch on me as a giant thank-you for sorting out the toilet situation.
“You got it.”
I step back to let Inez serve the people behind me in line, and I spot Willow Dunlap. She waves when we make eye contact.
“Poppy, dear. I am getting so excited about the Promenade, aren’t you?”
“Beyond excited,” I say with a smile.
“What’s this?”
My spine stiffens as Tricia turns in her seat to face Willow and me.
“Poppy had this great idea to have a dance at the Party in the Park this year. I think it’ll be so romantic. Who doesn’t like to cuddle up with their love under the stars?”
My cheeks heat as my mind flashes to Mack and me in the bed of his truck last night.
Tricia sticks up her nose.
Willow doesn’t seem to notice her skepticism, but I feel the need to defend our plan.
“We thought it would be a nice event for the adult crowd.”
Tricia narrows her eyes at me, and I can’t help myself.
“Mack is handling the lighting, and he’s planning to make the pavilion by the lighthouse look like it’s dripping with lights. It’s going to be stunning.”
Tricia scoffs. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? That man can’t be counted on. I’d hate to see your new event flop.”
“Poppy! Here’s your food,” Inez calls from the counter, but I don’t tear my gaze from Tricia.
“I’m not concerned. I trust Mack. Completely.”
I stare at her for an extra heartbeat before I bid Willow goodbye and grab my food from Inez.
“See you later this week for girls’ night?”
“Definitely!” I walk out of the café with an extra bounce in my step.
