I drive back out onto main street before pulling over in front of a boutique. I shut off the engine and climb out, heading inside. A woman stands behind the counter and when the bell above the door rings, she looks up with a smile. “Good morning. Can I help you find anything?”
“Yes, actually,” I reply, walking over. “I’m here on business and only packed suits. I need something a little more casual. Can you help me with anything like that?”
“Of course, follow me,” she says, walking from behind the counter and toward the back of the store. “Our men’s section is a little limited, but I think we can find something to suit you. How casual are we talking? Gym clothes?”
“No, something that I can walk around town in and not be stared at. Maybe some jeans, a basic shirt, and some boots?”
She nods. “I have just what you need.” She starts digging through racks and hands some clothes. “Why don’t you try these on?”
I check the size on the jeans, and she got me exactly right. “Wow, you must dress a lot of people.”
She laughs. “I have an eye for sizing people up. Let me know if you don’t like something or would like to try a different size.”
“Okay, thank you.”
I take the items into the dressing room, remove my suit, and try on the jeans. They fit snugly, but in just the right places. I slide my feet into the boots she brings in, and while they feel foreign and weird compared to my dress shoes, they fit well. She picked out several different shirts and jackets, so I try a couple combinations and settle with what I like best: a black leather jacket and a navy-blue tee. I change back into my suit and take the items to the counter to check out.
“Oh, good. I thought this shirt would look amazing with your eyes,” she says as she starts ringing me up and bagging the clothes.
“Well, I hope she thinks so too,” I tell her, digging my card out of my wallet.
“Oh, this is for a special girl in town?”
“She doesn’t like my suits,” I say with a shrug.
She giggles. “Everyone loves a man in the suit, but sometimes, you just want to relax. Where are you taking her?”
“I’m not sure yet. I want to think outside of the box.”
“Oh, well Lover’s Lake is always a good spot.”
My brows raise. “Lover’s Lake?”
She nods. “Mm-hmm. It’s a secluded lake that’s practically surrounded by the mountains. It’s easy to get to and if you get the right spot, you’ll feel like you’re the last two on the face of the planet.”
I nod as she hands me my bag and card. “I’ll take that into consideration. Thank you.”
“Have fun,” she says as I walk out. I wave over my shoulder and hop in my rental. I was going to go by the event center and see if there’s anything that needs my attention, but now I have some research to do to plan this date.
At the hotel, I hang my new clothes so they won’t wrinkle, and sit behind the desk with a stiff drink. I pull up a map of the area and try finding this Lover’s Lake, but have no luck. Then I get an idea. I grab the phone and call Evan. He’s been living here for a few years. Surely he knows how I can get there.
He picks up on the third ring and while he laughs at me for wanting to go there, he tells me exactly how to get there. I call a restaurant and order some dinner to go, then leave again to get everything ready. I buy a picnic basket and a blanket to sit on. I buy wine, glasses, a bucket to chill the wine, and some candles. Before I know it, it’s time to start getting ready for my date, and I’m excited as I drive back to get changed.
Chapter Eleven
DESTINY
Ican’t believe I agreed to this date. This is either the worst idea I’ve ever had, or the best. I’m not sure yet. Either way, I’m a nervous wreck and have no idea what to wear. I went to my favorite boutique and attempted to find something new, but I left empty-handed. I finally gave up and came home to find something in my own closet. I go through everything I have. It’s hard to pick something when I don’t know where we’re going. I mean, if we go dancing, I’ll need a dress and some heels, but if we do something more casual, I should dress comfortably.
I give up trying to choose something for the moment, and instead go shower. I take my time, shaving, washing, and calming down. When I get out, I focus on fixing my hair and makeup. Eventually, the time comes when I have to get dressed. Ugh.
I don’t want to wear jeans because that’s not comfortable or nice looking. I settle for a white summer dress that’s like a robe. It ties in the front. I slide my feet into a pair of wedge sandals and check my reflection. I look nice and I feel comfortable, so I guess it’ll do. I apply a layer of lip gloss and head to the living room. I pour a glass of wine to help with my nerves as I watch the clock tick away, counting down the minutes until his arrival.
At seven on the dot, Shepard knocks on my door and as I’m walking to it to answer, I suddenly remember that I never told him my address. Total stalker vibes. I’ll make sure to ask him. I open the door and there he is, standing in front of me in jeans and boots. I smile as I take in his appearance.
He motions toward himself. “I hope this suits your ‘no dress clothes’ clause.’”
I laugh. “It does. You look very nice.”
