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“I’m pretty busy helpin’ rebuild the bakery after that bear ordeal. I’m not sure I have time to get away this weekend.”
“The bakery is nearly finished. What else is there to do?”
“New appliances come Friday and we’re installin’ trim.”
“Okay… can they make do without you?”
He nods. “For the right price.”
Why did I think this was going to be like one of those romance novels where he’d be super sweet and willing to do this for free because he’s secretly seen me around town and has been wanting me too?
“I have two grand to spend on this.” The number makes my stomach turn. It’s all my savings, and I was hoping to spend it on the pet spa I’ve been wanting to open, but I doubt that was coming to fruition anyway, considering I’m going to need way more than two grand to make it happen.
His eyes widen. “Shit! Two grand! I reckon I could spend the weekend with you for two grand.”
I bet he could. This might be the lowest point of my life.
“Yeah, but again… the chemistry thing. Plus, there’s an age difference. I’m not sure I thought this through.”
“So, you don’t need me?”
I swallow down the lump in my throat that’s been resurfacing since my mother told me about this stupid event. “I’m sorry I’m confusing you. I appreciate you coming out, but I’m clearly losing my mind.”
He reaches out his arm and knocks on the table twice, as though he’s done with the conversation. “Come to my place tonight. Six o’clock. I’ll make us dinner.”
“What? Why?”
“Because I can’t leave for long periods of time. I just got a puppy.”
“I can’t imagine you with a puppy.”
“A German Shepard. She’s still house trainin.’ Eventually, she’ll be at the rodeo with me.”
“As what?”
“Emotional support. You like cowboy food, or are you one of those vegans?”
“Wait, I don’t understand what’s happening?”
He grins. “You need a date to a weddin.’ I’m saying yes. I assume we need to iron out some details, so I’m invitin’ you to dinner.”
“You just said you can’t leave your puppy.”
“My brother, James, can help out for a few days.” He stands from the table and suddenly the coffee shop feels small. I’m not even sure how he got through the front door. “I’m lookin’ forward to tonight. Be good ‘til then.”
Now I’m laughing. “Be good?”
“Yeah, be good.” The smile that’s annoyed me this entire exchange has shifted, and my heart is doing a squeezing thing it wasn’t doing before.
I roll my eyes in playful protest of whatever is happening. “What should I bring?”
“Just your mouth. I like all that backtalk. It’s cute.”
My cheeks heat and my gaze sticks on his.
“That’s the kind of chemistry you’re lookin’ for, right?”
I swallow hard and drag in a deep breath. “Yeah, something like that.”
