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We ate in silence for a few seconds before I asked, “Is holiday decorating part of the Monroe Landscaping experience now?”
“I think I told you it started out as someone asking if I minded putting them up, and then he must have told his neighbors because the word spread. I didn’t charge enough that first time, and now I feel like I can’t increase it.”
“You can always reevaluate where you are, taking into consideration your time. You’re busy this time of year, and if customers want you to do this, then you deserve to be compensated for it.”
“So you’re saying be stronger, and stick to my guns.”
I laughed. “Something like that. Although, I don’t listen to my own advice. I want to do a good job, but I worry I’m not charging enough. Sometimes I think it’s best to have fewer clients paying more, rather than more clients paying less.”
Knox nodded. “I think you’re right. I’ll have to think about what you said. Why don’t you give me your number and email so I can shoot you over the contract?”
“Oh, right. I almost forgot about that.” Thrilled we’d have a reason to continue to talk, I gave him my information. Then I stood, gathering our trash. “I’d better get back. Good luck with the rest of your decorating.” He followed me to my car, and when I reached the driver’s side door, I turned to face him.
His blue eyes were more pronounced next to the navy-colored shirt. “Thank you for stopping by with lunch.”
“You’re welcome.” Was I coming on too strong? Was this not something that a friend did? I’d been working from home too long to know what the right thing was to do in this situation. “I’ll see you around.”
“Sarah?” His tone was soft and pleading.
I hesitated. “Yeah?”
He leaned toward me, and my breath caught in my throat, thinking he was going to kiss me this time. Instead, his lips brushed lightly over my cheek, and his scruff abraded my skin in the most delicious way. Then he turned and walked away.
I willed my racing heart to slow. A brush of his lips shouldn’t send my nerves into overdrive.
I slid behind the wheel and turned on the car. Had it been so long that I had no idea how to interact with a man? He was a friend. It was a platonic kiss on the cheek. I shouldn’t be feeling any sort of way about it.
As I drove away, it sure felt like the promise of something more. I wanted his lips on mine. I wanted more, but I had no business feeling this way.
Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. I couldn’t be friends with a man who made me burn hot every time I was in his presence. I shouldn’t be stopping to share my lunch with him anytime I saw him around the neighborhood.
I went home and tried to lose myself in work, squeezing in time for edits before Addy got off the bus. We ate dinner quickly and then rushed to get ready for the first night of the musical. Technically, it was a series of skits and holiday songs. The director kept everything short so the kids could manage it. I’d seen bits and pieces of it but not the whole thing at once, and I was looking forward to it.
I wondered if Knox would be there for the first performance since Ember was in the play. “Come on, Addy. We’re going to be late.”
“I’m coming,” she called as she ran down the hall and slid in her stockinged feet toward me.
I’d tell her not to run, but we were in a hurry.
“Do you think a lot of people will be there?” She sat on her butt to put on her shoes, and I leaned down to button the straps for her.
I stood and slung my purse over my shoulder. “I would think so. You’re not nervous, are you?”
As we walked outside, Addy couldn’t quite meet my gaze. “What if I mess up?”
“It will be fine if that happens. You’re doing this for fun, remember?” I asked gently.
“Yeah.”
I helped her into the back seat. “You’ll be great. I promise.”
Addy sighed. “I hope so.”
“Besides, you’re my sunshine. You light up everyone around you, and it will be the same when you’re on that stage.”
Addy’s lips curled into a smile.
I climbed into my seat and pulled on my seat belt before turning on the car. “I’m excited to see it all together.” As I drove, Addy talked about the rehearsal practice the day before and how one of the kids forgot his lines.
