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“Two minutes,” I say, pulling back before jumping out.
Running up the smooth, wooden steps, my mind races, working out my plan for the rest of the night.
Zach’s waiting for me at the bar, takeout bags waiting in front of him, with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Change of plans?”
“Shut up,” I snap. I already feel like an idiot. I don’t need Zach rubbing it in.
“Hey, I’m happy to help you,” he says with a chuckle, his hands raised in front of him in surrender. “Seriously, man. What happened?”
“I misjudged what Rachel would consider a good time. That’s all.” I survey the supplies in front of me. “Did you find that blanket?”
“Oh, right, It’s just in the back. Give me a minute.” He rushes off, disappearing into the kitchen.
We had a stray blanket left behind after a summer sip & show event on the brewery grounds. Everyone brought a blanket and watched a movie against the barn wall on the back of the property while tasting our beers. Normally, we would have donated any items in the lost and found by now, but we haven’t gotten around to it. Which, now, I am grateful for.
“Here you go.” Zach hands me the blanket over the counter.
“Thanks, I owe you one.” I drape the blanket over my arm before gathering in the food bags and making my way to the door. It’s still pretty early in the night for there to be a crowd, which means I’m able to grab our food and go quickly.
“Don’t thank me, thank Craig. He’s the one that busted ass to get this to you. New guy didn’t want to be the one to fuck up the boss’ date and all.” Zach chuckles.
“Did you threaten him?”
“No. I may have just merely mentioned it was for your date with someone that we’re all rooting for. You know, as his boss, he would want to see you happy.”
“You’re an asshole,” I laugh without any ill intention behind my words.
“Hey, Mitch?” Zach stops me before I go too far. “Don’t fuck it up even more. Mandy won’t stop talking about you two.”
“Thanks.” I roll my eyes, leaning my back against the door to open it.
My gaze immediately locks on Rachel’s as I step foot outside. She’s waiting patiently for me.
And she’s so goddamn beautiful.
I rush to put my items in the backseat, not wanting to waste another moment of my time with my girl.
That’s right.Mygirl.
I’m not taking into account what Zach said. I’m aware the women would be rooting for us since we’re all part of the same friend group. Lord knows they love their tight groups with get-togethers and parties. While I would never be with someone purely to be a part of that, I can see myself settling in. I can see Rachel there, too. I don’t know if that means we would do that together, but the thought doesn’t scare me as much as it should.
“Sorry that took so long. No more interruptions tonight, I promise,” I say, firing up my truck.
“It’s okay.” Her hands are clasped on her lap, her eyes down.
I reach over the console that separates us, grabbing her hand, and lacing her fingers with mine. Her wide eyes shoot to my own at our connection.
My reaction to holding her hand is unexpected. There’s electricity—a zap that shoots from our joined hands right to my dick—but it’s the calmness that is surprising. My unruly heart slows down and an overwhelming sense of ‘right’ washes over me. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.
I can’t help myself as my thumb rubs along the back of her hand. Her skin on the back is so soft, while her fingers are calloused from working with flowers and tools. I love the contrast.
“This isn’t how I wanted to start our date off, and I apologize for that. I want to make it up to you. If you’ll let me.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for, Mitch.” Her voice is airy as she settles back into her seat.
“Yes, there is. You deserve everything, Rachel. Not some shitty start to a date. I promise, I can fix this.”
The small smile on her face is genuine as she looks up at me. “Let’s do it.”
