“Me what?”
He leaned in close, his eyes never moving from hers. “You’re my type.”
Before he knew what was happening, she grabbed him by the tie . . . and kissed him.
***
Harper hadn’t planned to kiss Rusty, but now that she was, she couldn’t stop. She let go of his tie and put her arms around his neck as he kissed her back.Delicious.Then somehow, she ended up in his lap.Even more delicious.By the time they finished she couldn’t catch her breath.
“Harper?” he said, looking confused.
“Yes?” She ran her fingers over his lips.
He smiled and kissed her again, his hand cupping the back of her head, then lightly brushing against her neck. When they parted he pressed his forehead against hers. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited to kiss you.”
“Not as long as I have to kiss you.”
Lifting his head, he said, “What about that guy at the auction? The one sitting next to you.”
“Jack? Ugh. He’s my ex.”
“But I saw you two together.”
“We weren’t together. He was trying to get back with me, though. That’s why I hoped you would come inside, that night you saw us in my driveway. But I understand why you didn’t.” She moved off his lap but still sat close to him. She took his hand, needing to touch him. She didn’t ever want to let him go. After she explained what had happened that night, she said, “I don’t know if Jack is lying or Brielle is. Probably both. I don’t care. I only care about you, Rusty. I think I have ever since you came over for supper that first time.”
Relief crossed his features. “I reckon I should have taken a chance earlier than this,” he said.
“I know why you didn’t.” She put her hand on his chest. “Someone told me you have a tender heart. Although I’d guessed that already.”
He covered her hand with his. “I talked to Amber and Senior. They’re fine with us keeping the house, as long as we add more room and make it accessible for Senior. That last part was Amber’s request. You were right, I was surprised by their answers.” He touched a lock of her hair that had come loose when they kissed and smiled at her crooked bun. “What are you gonna do about your business, though?”
“I’m taking a break.” She smiled. “A wise, smart, and very sexy guy I know told me I need to relax more.”
Rusty grinned. “I’m glad you’re takin’ some time for yourself. Then you’ll be ready to tackle work when you go back.”
“I may not go back. Or I might work part-time. Or find a completely different job. I want to do some more baking. Hang out with my friends. Maybe even learn how to crochet or knit.” She chuckled. “I never thought I’d ever say that.”
“Anything else?” he asked.
“I want to date my boyfriend, and I want to do that as much as possible.” Thebeepof the Instapot went off. “Hope you’re hungry,” she said. “I make some mean baked potatoes. Well, the Instapot does.”
He gathered her in his arms again. “I can wait.” His lips hovered over hers.
She smiled.Me too.
Chapter22
Madge brought the cup of Americano up to her lips, taking a tiny sip. The coffee at Sunshine Café was always exceptional, but she could barely bring herself to drink it. She set it down at the table and looked at the door.
“You’re anxious.” Under the table, Don gave her hand a squeeze.
“A little.”
He frowned slightly, looking so handsome in a cobalt-blue pullover sweater. “Everything we’re going to tell her is good, though.”
“I know, and I’m not sure why I’m nervous.” She glanced around the café, already decorated for Christmas even though Thanksgiving was in two days. Harper had texted both her and Don last night, saying she wanted to meet this afternoon for coffee. Don had called Madge right after answering the text, and they’d decided to tell Harper their news and agreed to meet at the café a little earlier than the designated time.
The door opened and Harper walked inside. She slid off the fingerless knit gloves Madge had made for her last year. This was the first time Madge had seen her daughter wear something she’d knitted for her, and she couldn’t hold back her smile.
