So, no. No to the whole idea of anything with Danny or any guy. Not when I’m heading back to California at some point.
Exasperated with myself, I tighten my robe, swing open my door, and almost barrel into Danny as he’s leaving the bathroom, but he manages to put a hand against my shoulder to stop me before I cause either of us bodily harm.
“Easy, girl. That eager to strip down?” he asks with a smile. “Sorry I took so long, but that felt great. My body is beat up after today.”
It takes me a second to say anything because he’s only got a towel around his waist; he’s all muscular shoulders and biceps and ripped chest, and I can’t think.
“No worries. You don’t look too beat up.” Trying to look around and pretend that I can’t meet his gaze quickly becomes useless, but when I do, my nerves ease. As much as Danny can rattle me, he also makes me so comfortable. So, I breathe and steady myself. “If you’re too tired to go out, we can do this another day—”
“No way,” he says firmly. “I still want to go to the farm. I still want this afternoon with you.”
“Okay,” I say in a whisper.
His smile broadens, and he winks as he holds up his change of clothes and backs into my old bedroom. “Besides, if I’m going to spend my summer busting my ass on this house, I should keep getting to know the girl who lives in it again.”
He makes me laugh. “I’ll be ready in a few.”
If I’d been thinking clearly, I would have gotten ready before Danny so that I’d have some time to primp, but as I don’t want to keep him waiting, I scrub myself down as fast as possible and toss on shorts and a tank and knot my hair in a scrunchie. Going out in LA meant way more prep time, but this quick routine does not suck. What’s more awesome? Not caring what I look like and not worrying what someone else will think. Or fussing over every part of my outfit, makeup, and hair. It’s a no-brainer. I’ve already shown him who I am, so there’s no reason to back down now.
When I hop into his truck, Shallots snuggles up to me, and it couldn’t feel more natural.
The next two hours at Mary Ann’s farm are bliss. We pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, corn, and arugula. She also shoves a bag full of baby lettuce through the window before we take off.
“Make a crazy salad!” she screams as we roll out down the dirt road.
On the ride home, I ask Danny if he minds making a quick stop at the market so that I can grab a few things. “I’ve been wanting to try out a recipe for a poblano pasta sauce. So, if you want to stay for dinner—”
“Don’t ask twice,” he says as he parks in front of the store. “We aresostopping for whatever. I haven’t eaten this well in my life—until you started feeding me. It’s a huge step up from my frozen burritos.” He leans his seat back. “Shallots and I will keep the car running while you grab what you need.”
Shopping is so different this time.
Doug happily gives me a pound of ground beef and grins. “My wife, Patty, is dying to meet you on Sunday!”
While I have no idea what he’s talking about, I smile back.
As I’m checking out with poblano peppers, Amelia, the checkout girl, lights up. “See you again on Sunday! I’m bringing my girlfriend, Maya. So honored to be invited!”
“Yeah, okay,” I say meekly, as I’m rather confused.
I slug my bag into Danny’s car and climb into the passenger seat.
“You okay?” he asks.
I’m not hiding my confusion well. “Yeah. Just another billion additions for brunch next week. A brunch that I’m evidently hosting every week. But at this point, it’s whatever, I guess.”
Danny laughs sympathetically. “Oh man. If you want to shut this all down, I’ll help.”
“No, no.” I fluff Shallot’s ears and make silly noises. “No, no. Not at all. I want to make this happen. There just needs to be a bit of rallying on my part.”
“I’m rallying for you then.”
We’re driving away from the store when Shallots sneezes and makes us both laugh.
Danny asks if I can look in the glove compartment for a tissue. “Sorry. Shallots is a little snotty now and then.”
About a million things try to tumble out of the glove compartment, but what I notice most is a colorful glass piece. It’s an orb with striking swirls of rich colors. Before I can ask Danny about this, I catch his glance. He doesn’t say anything, but his expression and the way he looks away so quickly tell me that he doesn’t want to talk about it.
I grab a tissue and wipe the sweet dog’s nose.
