His and Hers by Ashley Ludwig Page B

rocked gently as he dragged his hands through her tangle of hair, and kissed her senseless.

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Fourteen
     
    Misty parked the old black and white coupe in the dusty lot, between a Humvee and a pickup truck. It looked like the whole of Long Valley had descended upon the Olive Grove for Cain’s concert. She turned off the engine. Outside, the masses exited their vehicles, lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets in tow. “Don’t these people have anything better to do on a Friday?”
    Grandma sat alongside, digging in her handbag. “It’s Long Valley, kid. Not much else to do.” She leaned into the vanity mirror and swiped bright lipstick across pursed lips.
    Misty watched as she rubbed them together, observing the effect in the reflection.
    “Ready to go hear that new man of yours?”
    “He’s not my man. He’s just…” Misty searched for the words, but nothing came close to describing it. They’d shared a handful of moments—an incredible kiss on the porch swing. What was Cain, to her, anyway?
    Grandma shot a knowing glance and folded her hands in her lap, a slight frown marring her lips.
    Misty leaned to dart a quick kiss on her powdered cheek, inhaling her trademark lavender scent. “You look great, Grandma.”
    “It isn’t me I’m concerned with. You need some darker lipstick, darling.”
    Gaze heavenward, Misty accepted the tube, a shade somewhere in the neighborhood of rouge-red. She dotted it on lightly, and didn’t even need to look to see her grandmother’s abject disapproval. “Give me a break! It’s hot outside! It’ll melt before the show’s even over.”
    “Stage makeup, kiddo. He needs to see you out there, alone, against that entire crowd. You want to stand out a bit, don’t you?”
    There was nothing left to say. Swipe she did, and added some powder from her own compact for good measure. “Satisfied?”
    Nona’s jade eyes twinkled as they joined the gathering masses. Arm in arm, Misty walked her from the car to the stage. She un-shouldered the camp chairs, and helped her grandmother settle in as the locals came over to bid their respects to one of Long Valley’s most loved citizens.
    Misty watched, always in awe of this part. Though Grandma almost never went out, whenever she did her celebrity status came into full view. Case in point, three faculty members from the college cornered her to discuss plans for the upcoming festival—the number in the family’s party, where they’d sit, and who would introduce her film.
    “We’re expecting a full house, Mrs. Darling.” The theater professor, Mr. Wiggersham, puffed out his chest like a prize turkey. “We’ve almost got a sold out show.”
    “That’s marvelous. It’s so much. Misty…” Grandma’s hand clenched her arm in a vice. “My granddaughter—will handle all the arrangements. She coordinates me, you see.” With a smile and a slight giggle, she shooed the faculty off to enjoy the show.
    “Since when am I your coordinator!” Misty gaped.
    “Since our social calendar has suddenly filled up! You’re ready to get back out there, kid. Don’t you feel it?”
    Misty swallowed the ice ball building in her throat. “But…”
    “Shh. The show’s starting.” Grandma’s attention riveted to the stage.
    The lights angled and swayed as a young boy of about thirteen messed around with the amplifier and sound system.
    Cain appeared, striding in long steps up the stairs to the stage. He scooped his auburn hair from his forehead and placed hands on hips, scanning the crowd.
    Misty approved of his understated costume, typical Cain in black jeans and a simple, plain white t-shirt.
    The audience hooted in response, and erupted in a scattering of applause. He nodded and waved, answering a few comments from an obvious group of friends circled around the side.
    His gaze settled upon her and he smiled so easily, looked completely comfortable in his own skin.
    Her cheeks bloomed with heat, knowing that broad