I laugh. “Well, we can’t have that.”
“Pick you up at six?”
My insides, which areclearlyfar more limber than I am, are having a full-on dance party.
“Six it is,” I say.
“Well, I should let you get on with your day.”
“Can I help you get everything out to your car?”
“Tell you what,” he says, holding June Bug out to me. “You carry her, and I’ll handle the rest.”
“Deal.” I kiss the pup’s muzzle as I take her in my arms.
Ron gathers her things, and I follow him down the path to his car.
Once he has everything loaded and the puppy secured in the crate, he opens the driver’s side door, his eyes lingering on me.
“It was nice meeting you, MJ.”
“Likewise,” I say. “I guess I’ll see you tonight.”
He nods and climbs into his car.
“It’s a date.” The snap of the door clicking shut is the exclamation point on the sentence.
I wave as he backs out of the driveway, then run inside and shut the front door, leaning against it, my hands on my cheeks.
What did I just agree to?
Am I going on…a date?
“Toastedpraline latte with an extra shot for MJ?” the barista at The Southern Bean calls out.
“Thank you,” I say, grabbing the cup from the counter.
After Ron left with June Bug, I wasn’t able to stop pacing. So, I brought my laptop to the coffee shop to catch up on emails to prevent myself from wearing holes in the floor.
I take the mug back to my table and resume staring at my computer screen, but all the words are blurring together.
Did I actually agree to go on a date? No. That’s crazy. I wouldn’t—couldn’t. My heart belongs to Henry. It always will. I can’t go on a date. Oh God. What am I doing?
“MJ?”
The deep voice that materializes next to me causes me to jump and give a loud screech.
“Oliver,” I say, peering up at his wide grin.
“I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“No, it’s so good to see you. How are you?”
“I’m fine—just on my way to the fire hall and thought I’d stop in for a coffee,” he says. “I’m glad I ran into you, though. I was wondering if…Could I talk to you about something?”
I scrunch my brows together. “Me? Sure.”
“Mind if I sit for a second?” he asks.
