Travis (Pelion Lake) by Mia Sheridan

I felt Travis’s gaze on me too and glanced his way. He appeared to be wrestling with something. But then his expression cleared and he leaned in, his breath at my ear as he said, “Look at me adoringly, Haven.”

“What?”

“Look at me like I’m the only man here at this festival.”

I blinked, tipping my chin, our faces close, those golden-brown eyes catching the sunlight as he smiled that slow grin. I stared, mesmerized, and suddenly, it did feel like he was the only man at the festival. I swallowed, pulling my gaze from those spellbinding eyes to where Gage stood, his brow lowering further as he watched us. The woman talking to him swatted at his arm as if he’d neglected to answer or comment on something she’d said. Gage startled, responding to her and, evidently satisfied, the woman continued talking.

Travis took my hand in his and leaned in again, mock whispering. His hand was warm and enveloped mine. Small sparkles danced up my arm. “Men are simple,” he whispered. “Add a little challenge, a little healthy competition, and the interest increases tenfold.”

I turned to him, my hand still held in his, “Is that true of you too, Travis?”

“Of course. I’m a man, aren’t I?”

“You are definitely a man. I can’t argue with that.”

He laughed softly and those sparkles danced again.

Gage stepped away from the woman he’d been talking—or rather listening—to, and headed our way. I let go of Travis’s hand, feeling a strange loss.

“Haven.” Gage smiled, his straight, white teeth gleaming. “Travis,” he muttered, not moving his gaze from me. “You look like you’re having fun.”

“I am.”

“We are.”

Travis and I both spoke at once, our heads turning toward one another. With a smile I turned back to Gage. “Yes. We both are. Having fun.” I gave Travis a grin. “It’s been a wonderful day.”

Gage’s eyes grew warm, his gaze lingering on me. “Good. You look beautiful.” His eyes moved from my face to my toes and I felt a warm flush of happiness at the attention from him. My crush. The perfect guy I’d been hoping would look at me in just such a way since the day I’d first seen him.

In a way that suggested he was perfect for some harmless, summer fun.

“Thank you,” I said, casting my eyes down momentarily. “How are you?”

“I’m good. I’m supposed to present an award at the grandstand so I should get going.” He paused, his eyes lingering on me. “There’s a concert in the park next weekend. It’s not as big as this event, but it’s a nice time, especially if the weather cooperates. Maybe you’d like to go?”

I felt a small thrill between my ribs. Was he asking me on a date?

“You too, Hale,” Gage said, not looking at Travis.

Okay, maybe a group date?

“We already have plans to go to the Crawfordsville Antique Fair next weekend,” Travis said smoothly.

Hold up, what? My head whipped toward Travis, but his eyes were glued to Gage. Gage stared back, his lips tipping slowly.

“I didn’t know you antiqued, Hale,” Gage said. “Do you crochet too?”

“Ha. Funny joke,” Travis said, glancing at his fingernails as though he was more bored than amused by Gage’s humor. “No, no crocheting.” He smiled at me. “But, Haven’s inspired me to try all kinds of new things,” he said, pausing for a beat. “Plus, the flimsy bachelor pad furniture I’ve been living with is getting old in more ways than one. I’ve decided it’s time to invest in more permanent pieces.”

Gage’s eyelids flickered minutely and he nodded slowly. “I agree. Completely.”

Travis regarded him placidly. I noticed that he didn’t add any version of, “You too, Buchanan,” in reference to our apparent antique fair outing.

“I was sorry to hear about your breakup,” Gage said, and I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on between the two of them at the moment, but Gage did sound sincere. Travis merely grunted. “Have things changed . . .” Gage moved his finger back and forth between the two of us.

“No, no,” we both said at once, looking at each other and laughing awkwardly. “Still just friends,” I murmured.

Gage was looking at me now. “I . . . see.” He paused, a smile gathering. “If not this weekend, dinner Wednesday night? I know a great place right on the water.”

A breath caught in my throat. A date. Dinner, just the two of us, was definitely a date.

“Oh,” Travis said, making a low hissing sound between his teeth. “Isn’t that the night Betty has the . . . thing?”

I looked at Travis, leaning forward. “The . . . thing?”

“Right, you know, the—” He widened his eyes very slightly.

“Oh right!” I said, looking back at Gage. “Betty has a thing. She needs me there. For the . . . thing.”

Gage looked slightly amused, and slightly perturbed. “Friday?” he asked. “What about Friday?”

Before Travis could get a word in, I said quickly, “I’d love to?” My eyes widened at the question I’d added to the end. “I’d love to,” I amended.

Gage smiled. “Great. What’s your number?” I gave him my phone number and he quickly entered it in his phone. “Maybe you’ll tell me more about those possums you love so much.”