I could feel my cheeks heat slightly at all the gushing, and I gave Joanne a polite smile when she glanced over at me. I turned and looked at Brighton, who was studying me.
A smile passed over her face, but she quickly rebounded, smoothing her features into a neutral expression. “Aw, that explains what you were doing at Turning Pages today.”
Her words caused me to draw my brows in slightly. “I’m sorry? Did we meet there?”
She laughed. “No, not exactly. We ran into each other, literally, outside the bookstore and I followed you in.”
Recognition dawned on me. “That’s right. Again, I’m so sorry I wasn’t paying attention.”
Brighton brushed off my apology with a soft chuckle as she placed food on her plate and glanced over at me again. “Don’t worry about it.”
We exchanged a friendly smile, and I thought the conversation was over…but clearly Brighton wasn’t finished.
“What did you think of the owner, Greer Larson?” she blurted out.
I paused with my fork at my mouth as I searched my brain for a reply that wouldn’t involve my dick going hard again. “Ms. Larson?” I asked, to stall for time.
Brighton nodded and tilted her head, waiting for my reply.
With a quick glance around the table, I realized everyone seemed to be focused on me, also waiting for my answer. “I thought she was, um, very nice. Are you close friends with Ms. Larson?”
Brighton smiled again as she shook her head. “No. I mean, I consider her a friend, but not a close friend. I actually live in Boston. I’m a lawyer there.”
“Really? I’m originally from Boston. Moved to New York City when I was out of college and started working for The Washington Post.”
She lifted her brows. “Impressive, Mr. Higgins.”
I chuckled. “Please, call me Hudson.”
Brighton nodded and then turned to Amanda and Pete. “So tell us all about your wedding.”
Her words launched Amanda into endless chatter about the wedding, the reception, and their plans for the remainder of their honeymoon. When Amanda finally came up for air, my plate was empty, and I stood to help Mrs. Rogers clear the table.
“No, you don’t need to, Mr.—”
I raised a single brow, which caused the older woman to chuckle. “Hudson. No guest here clears the table. Now, dessert will be served in the living room in about thirty minutes. I also keep a plate of goodies out at all times in the hallway on the long table, in case you haven’t seen it yet. It’s filled with cookies, brownies, and different types of breads that are made at Adams Apiary. Arabella is dipping her feet into baking for the bed and breakfast.”
I nodded. “An apiary, huh? I don’t remember that from when I was younger.”
“They do tours; you should be sure to check it out. They also have a little shop and café as well. Arabella, the owner’s daughter, makes the best chicken salad I think I’ve ever had. Her father and mother, James and Sharon, are dear friends of ours,” Joanne added.
“I’ll put that on my list of places to visit.”
Joanne leaned in closer to me and softly said, “Arabella is single too. Pretty young thing with eyes the color of the sky. So blue you have to wonder if they’re real.”
That had me drawing my head back in surprise. Was Joanne trying to fix me up with someone?
She kept right on talking. “Of course, folks will tell you Greer is the more outgoing girl. Sweet Arabella is quiet and likes to keep to herself. But she’s a lovely girl. Mind you, Brighton is single as well.”
“Mom, did you need me to take those plates from you?” Brighton asked, shooting me a look that said she was sorry.
“Oh no, it’s okay, darling. Mary Lou will help me.”
As Joanne walked toward what I was guessing was the kitchen area, I faced Brighton. She was a very attractive woman, though not as beautiful as Greer. And she didn’t make my body feel anything when she smiled at me. Unlike Greer’s smile, which certainly had an effect on my body. “Please tell me Mary Lou isn’t also single.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Happily married with three kids. She’s been working here at the bed and breakfast for what seems like forever. She does a little bit of everything. The gardening mostly, but she does help Mom with the dinner and clean-up a few times a week.”
I nodded as I looked around before clearing my throat. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, Brighton, I’ve got some work to do.”
“Enjoy your evening, Hudson.”
“I will. You too.”
Turning, I headed to the staircase and quickly made my way up two steps at a time. I turned right at the top and walked all the way to the end of the hallway where I entered the key code on my door. I was glad that I didn’t have to carry a key card around or, God forbid, a skeleton key like at the last bed and breakfast I’d stayed at.