Ethan looked a bit hesitant. “What do you have in mind?”

“Easter baskets.” She smiled.

Chapter Sixteen

It was party time.

And yet Hannah lacked enthusiasm. Things with Ethan were still tense. And she didn’t know how to fix it. She wasn’t even sure she wanted to fix it.

She pushed the troubling thoughts of Ethan to the back of her mind. Tonight was about celebrating her new friend’s upcoming nuptials. She was so happy for Amelia. Just because Hannah’s engagement to Brad hadn’t worked out didn’t mean she’d give up on true love—at least not for others.

But right now, she had a big decision to make. What to wear to the party?

She’d messaged both Lily and Josie. Both let her know they were wearing dresses and heels. To be honest, there weren’t a whole lot of reasons to get dressed up on the island. Bluestar was known for its casual, relaxed atmosphere. Usually the only reason for getting fancy was for either weddings or funerals. Thankfully this was the former.

Hannah examined her small collection of dresses—twice. She wanted to wear her newer pink shimmery dress, but she didn’t want to outdo the bride. She placed it back in her closet. Instead she pulled out an aqua dress. The hemline stopped a couple inches above her knees. It had a wide shimmery belt, a V-neckline and cap sleeves. It was fun but modest. Perfect for the wedding shower.

She had to get moving. She’d already delivered the cupcakes but she’d promised Lily and Josie that she’d return early and help them with the final touches.

Hannah yawned. Maybe she should have another coffee, but as she checked the time, she realized it was much too late to make one. She’d be fine.

She grabbed her purse and coat and slipped on her black heels. Pulling the door shut behind her, she turned and rushed down the stairs. She rushed into the bakery to make sure everything was turned off before she left and came to an abrupt halt.

There was Ethan sanding the wall. He didn’t seem to notice she was standing there watching him. He moved the hand sander with smooth strokes up the wall. He didn’t deviate. Each stroke was in the same direction. She found herself incapable of turning away. She continued to stare. When he lowered the sandpaper to his side, the silence jarred her back to reality. She wasn’t ready to deal with him. Not tonight.

She just needed to quietly back away.

He turned. “Hannah wait.”

She froze. Not sure what to say, she remained silent.

His mouth opened but no words came out. His widened gaze skimmed down over her dress. Heat swirled in her chest before rushing up her neck and settling in her cheeks.

“Wow! You look nice.” His gaze finally met hers.

“Thanks.” She momentarily forgot she was still upset with him. “I…I didn’t think you were working tonight. Don’t you have plans with Greg?”

He nodded. “We’re going to watch hockey, but that isn’t until a little later. I thought I could get some work done before then.” He set aside his hand sander. “Listen, about earlier today at the auction, I’m sorry. I saw how much you wanted the chandelier and I thought I was helping. I didn’t mean to overstep.”