Chapter 21

twenty-one

BEN

By Saturday night, I was exhausted. For most of the week, when I wasn't in my store serving customers or creating jewelry, I was at Pastor Adam's church, making sure everything was ready for the auction.

In half an hour, the auctioneer would bang his gavel and take the opening bid for the first donated item. If the hum of anticipation in the audience was anything to go by, it would be a successful evening.

"Everyone seems excited to be here," a voice said behind me, making me jump.

Daniel had snuck up on me. And oh, boy…he looked amazing.

His charcoal gray suit hugged his broad shoulders and narrow hips as if it had been tailored especially for him. It wasn't as if it was the first time I'd seen a man in a suit, but Daniel managed to take my breath away. "You look very handsome."

Daniel glanced at his suit. "It's the best I could come up with at short notice. Do you like my tie?"

I stared at his chest.

He pulled back his shoulders and laughed.

I poked him in the ribs. "Behave yourself."

"That's not as much fun. They're larks."

For a moment, I had no idea what he was talking about. Then I remembered to look at his tie. Sitting along the edge of the blue stripes were rows of little birds.

"I went shopping at the general store. Jenny convinced me that this tie is a patriotic addition to my collection."

"Because of the larks?"

Daniel grinned. "They're the state bird of Colorado."

"It's perfect." I laughed at the mischief in his eyes. Suddenly, I wasn't quite as tired as when I'd arrived.

A few minutes later, Riley and Eric arrived with Dylan and Alex. While Riley introduced everyone, I studied Daniel.

I didn't know anyone who took a suit on vacation with them, but Daniel wasn't like most of the people who visited Sunrise Bay. I had to keep reminding myself that this part of Colorado would never be on his list of places to visit.

If I'd accepted the jewelry award, he wouldn't even be here. We would've met in Manhattan at the presentation, shaken hands, smiled for the cameras, then gone back to our separate lives.

That thought alone was enough to bring me back to earth with a bump.

By the end of next week, Daniel wouldn't be here. He'd be negotiating with his company's suppliers and getting the best deal he could for his wealthy clients. I'd still be living in Sunrise Bay, creating jewelry, and making sure Acorn Cottage was ready for the next booking.

"There you are," Dylan said to me. "Adam's looking for you. The auctioneer hasn't arrived and he's worried."

I touched the sleeve of Daniel's jacket. "I have to go. Will you be all right with everyone else?"

"Of course, he will," Riley said. "As long as we choose our seats now, we'll be able to sit together."

"I'll be back as soon as I can," I assured Daniel. "Save a seat for me."

"I hope you find the auctioneer."

"So do I." I maneuvered around the people inside the large meeting room. If we couldn't find the auctioneer, we might not have a fundraising event. Unless Pastor Adam was prepared to try his hand with a gavel. And knowing Adam, nothing was impossible.