The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, #2)(70)

While he was debating with himself on where to begin, Hazel spoke first.

‘I wanted to tell you that I know,’ she said, her cheeks pinkening.

‘Um... What?’ She knew? She knew! She knew he was madly in love with her? She didn’t look horrified or disgusted, so that was probably a good start.

‘I mean, I know that it was you and I think it’s really sweet and I’m not sure what else you have planned for tonight, but just know that I really appreciate it and I...’ A wrinkle of worry appeared between her brows right as the realization of what she was saying dawned on Noah. And the expression on his face must have given away just how confused he was.

Hazel’s face fell. ‘Shit. I thought ... shit.’

Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no...

‘Haze, wait, listen––’

‘No, it’s my fault. I jumped to conclusions and I should have realized when you said you were leaving that it couldn’t have been you.’

‘I’m not leaving. I mean, I am leaving but only for a few months, tops and...’

‘Noah, really, it’s fine, you don’t have to pretend.’ She was pulling away from him, her smile dimming and he hated it. He had to make it right.

‘Haze, just let me explain.’

He reached for her hand but at that exact moment her dads, a woman holding two dogs wearing matching sweaters, the entire Dream Harbor Book Club, Hazel’s bookstore employees, George from the bakery, and a half-dozen other residents Noah didn’t recognize crammed through the door.

The mayor was holding a giant bundle of balloons.

Frank had a cake.

The dogs were also wearing bow ties.

The book club was yelling, ‘Happy birthday!’

It was her party. And Hazel had thought he was the one throwing it. She thought he’d planned this whole summer for her and in reality, he hadn’t done a damn thing.

Shit.

Noah watched the emotions flicker across Hazel’s face in rapid succession. Shock, confusion, surprise, and he didn’t miss the flash of disappointment, disappointment in him, before she plastered a happy smile on her face.

‘Dad, Mom, Frank! What is this?’

‘Happy Birthday, Hazelnut!’ Mayor Kelly was beaming as he walked toward Hazel. ‘We got you good, huh? It’s like a reverse surprise party!’

‘I surprised you?’ Hazel asked and the Mayor frowned.

‘No, no, that’s not what I meant.’

Hazel laughed. ‘Just kidding, Dad. I get it. This is so wonderful. Thank you.’

Mayor Kelly thrust the bundle of balloons at Noah so he could hug his daughter. Noah stood there, frozen, with balloons in his face and Hazel’s words running on a loop in his mind.

‘Did you like our little clues?’ he asked, pulling away.

Hazel’s gaze flicked to Noah before returning to her dad. ‘That was you?’ she asked and Noah hated the undercurrent of hurt he heard in them. Disappointment. Embarrassment.

‘Yep. Well, I had help to hide them. A few of the book club members helped me pick the books and that sweet new employee of yours, Lyndsay, I think, she was very helpful. She hid them for us.’ Mayor Kelly beamed. ‘We thought it would be a fun little scavenger hunt for you.’

‘Your father thought it would be fun.’ The woman with the dogs moved in for a hug. ‘I thought you’d be mad about your inventory.’

‘Thanks, Mom.’

‘I’m going to pay for the books!’

‘I know, Dad.’

‘It was all in the dream I had, except I think there was treasure in it somewhere and definitely something about pirates.’ Pete shook his head. ‘Anyway, it gave me this great idea for a scavenger hunt.’

‘We know, Pete.’ The woman, Hazel’s mom, patted his arm affectionately. ‘And look, it worked out perfectly.’

Noah would like to argue that it hadn’t worked out exactly perfectly, but that definitely wouldn’t help anything. Even though, judging by Hazel’s face, she felt the same way.

‘Thanks, Frank.’ Hazel gave the other man a hug, the two dogs now circling Noah’s legs. Despite their dapper attire they didn’t have any manners and were aggressively sniffing Noah’s shoes, making little excited snorts and huffs when they sniffed something particularly interesting. Between the dog inspection and the balloons he was trapped.

The rest of the guests were gathering around now, hugging the birthday girl and leaving presents on the bar. Mac had emerged from the back and was helping Amber fill drink orders. And Hazel was getting further and further away from him.

Amber lifted the balloons from his fist. He glanced at her and found her with a knowing smirk as she tied the balloons to the bar.

‘You got it bad for her, huh?’

He slouched onto the nearest stool. The dogs had found someone else to sniff. ‘Yeah.’

‘You screwed it up?’

He ran a hand through his hair. ‘Maybe? I’m not really sure yet.’

‘Hmm.’

‘What?’

‘Noah.’ She sounded exasperated.

‘What?’

Amber sighed. ‘It’s her birthday. Just tell her the truth.’

‘Right.’ He watched Hazel greet her guests, smiling and thanking them, but that hint of sadness hadn’t left her face. He could see it in the tightness of her smile, the furrow of her brow. Maybe he hadn’t screwed it up yet. Maybe he just hadn’t really tried.