“Yeah, it wasn’t a bad place to grow up,” I agree. “Busy during the tourist season, but the rest of the year, it was pretty quiet.”
“Did you spend much time at the beach?” she asks. “I remember the water being really cold. But I guess if you live there, you’d get used to it?”
I chuckle. “Somewhat. But I was more interested in hiking than swimming. Plus, during the summers, I used to help my parents out at their store. They owned a shop right in York Beach. One of those places that made custom T-shirts and other touristy stuff. Once I was old enough to actually be helpful, I spent a lot of time there.”
Angel’s expression brightens with interest. “Oh, that sounds fun. Do they still have the store?”
“They sold it a couple of years ago. They weren’t planning on retiring yet, but they got an offer they couldn’t refuse. Now, my mom’s in a bunch of crafting clubs, and my dad recently got involved with the local government. Plus, I have a brother who lives up in Freeport with his wife and two kids. So my parents head up there a lot.”
“That’s nice.” Her gaze turns wistful for a moment. “I’m glad your family is close.”
A weight presses down on my chest. “I’m sorry, Angel. I didn’t mean to bring up a sensitive?—”
She touches my hand. “You didn’t.” Lips curving slightly, she adds, “First off, I asked about your family. Just because I lost my parents doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear about yours.”
“Still.” I wrap my hand around hers. “I don’t want to make you sad.”
“You’re not. Trust me.” Angel’s smile widens. “I’m the furthest thing from sad.”
My heart lifts. “Oh?”
“Of course I am.” Her voice lilts up with enthusiasm. “This has been a great day. I got to watch Haley learn to ski, which was awesome. Plus, having lunch at the lodge, and coming here to see your house, meeting Murphy…” Angel laughs. “Skiing and playing with a dog? I think you made Haley’s year.”
“And what about you?” I ask impulsively. “What would it take to make your year?”
“My year?” As she thinks, her cheeks go pink. “This is pretty close, I think.”
Pride swells inside me. And with it comes the urge to do even more—to truly make her year instead of just getting close.
“It’s been a pretty great day for me, too,” I reply. “I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”
Angel arches an eyebrow at me. A teasing glint comes to her eyes. “So far? Are you implying that my dinner could be less than enjoyable?”
“Of course not.” I glance over at the ingredients set out on the island. There are a lot more than what I use when cooking, and that’s being generous. “I can’t wait for dinner. If it’s even close to as good as your cookies, it’s going to be amazing.”
Angel follows my gaze. “I hope so. But I don’t want to get your hopes up only to disappoint you.”
My heart tugs. “That’s impossible. You could never disappoint me.”
Her surprised gaze jumps to mine.“Ronan.”
I lace my fingers between hers. “I mean it, Angel. You?—”
“Mom! Ronan!”
As Haley bursts into the kitchen, Angel yanks her hand from mine. The pink that only just faded from her cheeks comes rushing back. Disappointment slashes at me, sharp and unexpected.
I liked holding her hand.
I liked touching Angel, full-stop.
And now that I’m not, my hand feels cold and empty.
“What is it?” Angel asks. She picks up the box of pasta and turns it over in her hands. “And inside voice, remember?”
Haley nods. “Okay,” she replies in a much quieter tone. “I was wondering…” Her eyes widen pleadingly as she looks between Angel and me. “Could I take Murphy outside to play? I think he’d like it.”
Angel glances at the window, where dusk is settling in outside it. “I’m not sure about that, Hale. It’s getting dark. And with all the woods around…”