Me: Well, if you’re ever up for some local fishing spots, I have a few secret ones. Though they might not compare to Bristol Bay.
Bringing her to my home on the pond has a strong appeal now. I bet she’d enjoy the view. The phone buzzes with her reply.
Ember: Are you kidding? I love the water. I’d love that! Though fair warning—I might out fish you, it’s been known to happen.
The playful challenge in her text makes me laugh out loud. This woman is something else entirely.
We continue like this, sharing pieces of our lives until I realize it’s almost 2 a.m.
Ember: Wow, look at the time! This has been so nice. Looking forward to our dinner even more now
Me: Me too, Firecracker. Get some rest and sweet dreams
I set my phone aside. The conversation is still fresh in my mind, and I can’t help but grin. Our chat flowed easily. Ember’s got this infectious energy about her that’s impossible not to get caught up in. I cannot wait for our date.
Chapter 3
Coffee, Confessions, and Combustion
Ember
Isign the last of my hospital discharge papers, tucking my phone into my purse with a smile, thinking about Ryan’s messages from our late-night text session still warms my heart. The way we connected over fishing and travel felt natural and effortless. And now, dinner tonight. My stomach does a little flip. Dinner with Ryan—I never get caught up in a guy like this so fast.
I can still see his warm brown eyes, filled with concern yet sparkling with something more.
“Ready to blow this popsicle stand?” Nic bounces through the doorway, her artistic flair evident in her colorful patch quilt sundress.
“More than ready.” I gesture to my borrowed scrubs. “Though I’m not exactly dressed for a fashion show.”
“Honey, you’re working those scrubs like they’re couture.” Nic wraps me in a gentle hug. “Though maybe we should get you into something less... medical chic before your hot date tonight?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “It’s wild right? I have a date tonight and we texted last night and he’s… dreamy, Nic.”
“You’re glowing—you need this. The good news is, you have your suitcases. Rhett was able to retrieve them from the wrecked car, and he’s already dropped them off at The Azalea Inn for you.”
“Oh, that is amazing because going on this date in scrubs is a no-go.”
We step out into the Georgia sunshine, and my stomach growls loudly enough to make us both laugh.
Nic raises an eyebrow. “When’s the last time you had real food?”
“Define ‘real food.’ Because the hospital Jell-O does not count.”
“Girl, you need sustenance.” She studies my face. “What are you craving?”
“God, I would murder for a proper latte right now. And maybe something sweet? After hospital food, I need to remember the fun of non-bland food.”
Nic’s face lights up. “Oh! Perfect! Let’s go to Sweetheart Scones & Stories. My best friends own it and their lattes are incredible, and don’t get me started on their pastries. It’ll fix you right up.”
Her enthusiasm is contagious. “Sounds amazing,” I say as we head toward her car.
Nic beams at me. “Trust me, it’s what you need to refill your energy.”
The short drive through town gives me a chance to take in Peachwood Grove’s charm. Nic points out various landmarks, but I can tell she’s building up to something by the way she keeps glancing at me.
“So,” Nic starts, glancing over at me with a teasing grin, “what’s the deal with Captain Ryan McCallister? The flirting was top-notch.”
Heat floods my cheeks. “Is it that obvious?”
