Page 116 of Worth the Trip

“Leadership takes many forms.”

She pointed the spoon toward me. “See why I like him? He aggravates you in complete sentences.”

“Nyla.”

“I’m leaving. Employees are taking bets, though, so y’all might wanna close the blinds.”

The door shut behind her.

Nolani covered her face.

I leaned against the counter. “What are the odds?”

Her hands dropped. “You cannot be serious.”

“I believe in informed decision-making.”

“You’re enjoying this.”

“I’m enjoying you.”

That stopped her.

I let it.

No speech.

No explanation.

Just the truth.

After a second, she stepped closer.

“You really are.”

“Thought I made that obvious.”

“You did.”

“Good.”

Her fingers found mine.

“What are you doing with me, Landon?”

“Courting you.”

Her eyes stayed on mine.

“That simple?”

“Yeah.”

“Just like that?”

“I like you. I want to keep learning you. I want more days like this. Calling that friendship would be dishonest.”

A smile started.