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“I understand.” His lips curled into a wry smile. “But I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance to try again. Can I take you out tomorrow?”
My pulse galloped wildly, and I gnawed on my lip, nervous about what I needed to say, but knowing it had to be said. “I thought maybe I wasn’t your type. I’m a hot mess and you seem like you’ve got everything figured out.”
He smiled softly. “You’re sweet, funny, and gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to date you.”
“Including you?” I asked, feeling shyer than usual.
“Including me,” he confirmed with a certainty that erased my hesitations. “I’m sorry about the misunderstanding earlier, but let me make it up to you. Please?”
A delicate tendril of hope unfurled within me. Cal liked me, exactly as I was, and he was willing to take a chance on me.
I exhaled shakily. “I’d like that.”
“Thank God.” He grinned. “You had me scared for a moment there.” He dipped his head and kissed my cheek. “I’ll message you with the details.”
I brimmed with happiness. “I can’t wait.”
7
CAL
I droveto London’s place early on Saturday evening. It was the last week of summer, so it would still be light outside for another couple of hours. The weather had been wonderful today, and a warm breeze stirred the air as I got out of my Ute and slung a backpack over my shoulder.
A riot of emotion swirled in my gut. Nerves, excitement, and a stubborn thread of hope that despite our differences, London and I might have something special together. After all, it wasn’t as though she was an addict. My primary reason for avoiding scattered, impulsive women was that being raised by an alcoholic had left me with a desire to never be forced into being responsible for another human ever again. But my instincts told me that even if London was disorganized and accident-prone, she wasn’t the same as my mother. I could take a chance on her.
She strolled down the front steps, looking fresh and gorgeous in jeans and a tank top. I’d kept our plans for this evening under wraps, but asked her to dress for the outdoors.
“So,” she called as she approached. “What are we doing on this top secret date?”
I grinned. “Wait and see.”
She rolled her eyes. “I hope you’re not going to make me do anything that requires coordination, because you’ll be disappointed.”
I held her gaze. “I doubt that.”
Her eyes darkened, and her soft lips parted in surprise.
“Come on, this way,” I added, touching her elbow and guiding her around the house.
She frowned. “Where are we going?”
As we drew near to the stables, I spotted Kate in the corral, with Jessica and Debs saddled up and ready to go. She’d even added a saddlebag to Debs, as I’d requested.
“All set,” Kate said, smiling widely, her gaze bouncing back and forth between London and me.
“Thanks, Kate.” I went to Debs and unloaded the contents of my backpack into the saddlebag.”
“Is one of you going to tell me what’s happening?” London asked, sounding exasperated.
I turned to her. “We’re going to have a picnic dinner up the Castle River Valley.”
Her eyes widened, and pleasure lit up her face. “Seriously?”
I shrugged. “If you’re happy with that. I figured since you like riding and I’m a passable horseman, it might be a nice way to spend time together. What do you think?”
She bounced over, miraculously not tripping over anything, and planted a kiss on my cheek. “I think this is going to be the best first date I’ve ever had.”
“Way to set the bar high,” Kate muttered, and sent me an amused look. “You’ve got a lot to live up to now.”
