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Maybe it didn’t seem like it, but sitting here talking about my family felt like meaningful progress. Because even if I didn’t know whether Rhea and I could ever amount to something more than just acquaintances, if there was a chance of that happening, it was important she know just how significant my family was in my life.
By the time I finished, Rhea looked like she was the one who was out of breath. “Wow. I’m exhausted trying to keep up with all of that.”
I let out a laugh. “Yeah, it’s a lot. But I can’t imagine it being any other way.”
The look that had washed over her face when I’d been laughing hard earlier returned, and once again, she refrained from telling me what had caused that look to appear. “Thank you for sharing all of that with me.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks for listening and being interested. I should probably get going now,” I said.
“Really?”
There was a slight edge of desperation in her tone, like perhaps she didn’t want me to leave.
“Yeah, but I really had a great time talking to you tonight. I think staying in worked out better, and I’m glad you were willing to invite me inside.”
Nodding, Rhea agreed, “Yeah, I think this was nice. But I’m a bit concerned.”
“Why?”
“Well, you didn’t exactly get the chance to tell me about why Westwood’s is seeking to purchase part of my family’s land,” she said.
I shrugged. “I know. But we don’t have to do that, Rhea. I understand you’re not interested in selling.”
“I really don’t think there’s anything you can tell me that’ll change my mind, but if tonight is any indication of what I can expect, I don’t think it’ll be a complete waste of our time to have dinner together.”
There was a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. I had a feeling she was attempting to apologize for having said the opposite the day I’d first walked into her ice cream shop.
I didn’t need or expect the apology, but I was grateful for it all the same. Because it gave me a reason to hope.
“As long as you don’t feel obligated to do it, I would love nothing more than to take you out for dinner,” I told her. “When are you free?”
“The beginning of the week is generally chaotic for me, but later in the week, or even on the weekend, would be fine.”
I nodded. “I’ll figure out a time that works, and I’ll let you know on Monday morning. We can discuss the details then, if that’s okay.”
“That’ll work for me.”
Standing from the couch, I smiled at her. “Perfect. And I’ll definitely be stopping in for ice cream one day this week.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” she returned as she stood.
Though it was probably unwise, I allowed my eyes to roam over her pretty face in silence. I recognized just how necessary it was for me to leave now if I wanted to ensure I didn’t push too hard too soon, but there was no question I was waging a war inside.
This wasn’t exactly a date in the traditional sense, but so much about this moment felt like the end of a date.
I wanted to kiss her. She was looking expectantly at me, and neither of us was saying a word.
The room was filled with tension, but in a good way.
I wondered if I could have made the attempt to kiss her and not gotten rejected.
But there was this little voice at the back of my head telling me to hold out just a bit longer, to be absolutely certain the moment would be perfect for us.
After what I’d had with Rhea last night and tonight, it was safe to say I wanted her more than I wanted anything else.
This was not the time to do something stupid to screw it up.
Begrudgingly, I broke the connection between our gazes and started to move out from behind the coffee table. Rhea did the same on the opposite side and followed beside me toward the front door.
