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“Call me if you have any questions. My number is taped to the phone.”
“Got it.”
“Okay. Good. Thanks. I know you have it, and I’m not worried at all. I appreciate your help.” I’m not worried about Price. It’s my date that has me feeling anxious.
It’s ridiculous. After all, “my date” pulled me out of a pond and stripped me down to my bra and panties. He’s washed my dishes. And he’s confessed to his grandpa that I’m unexpected in a really great way.
“Scottie?”
“Yeah?”
Price glances at me over his shoulder while he makes the last soda. “Go.”
It takes me a few seconds to think past my nerves. Then I nod. “Got it. Yep. I’m leaving.”
I change my clothes twice. I’d probably change them again, but I don’t own that many things. Simplicity has been my friend, but tonight, I’d love something that feels special, not just comfortable and familiar. Settling on wide-legged jeans and a cream sweater, I slide on my Birkenstocks and recheck my hair.
I pull it back.
Put it down.
Back again.
Down again.
Then, there are three knocks on my door.
Blowing out a slow breath, I open it. “Hi.”
Koen grins, giving me instant relief because he’s in jeans, another flannel shirt, gray and green this time, and his brown boots. But he’s not wearing a hat. His hair’s a little damp and wavy around his ears and forehead like he recently showered—with a bar of his man-smelling soap.
“Ready?” he asks.
“I’m nervous.”
“Nervous? Why? Didyourgrandpa call you on speakerphone to ask what word you used to describe your date? And in the process, did he reveal that the first word he used was ‘unethical’?”
I glance up after sliding on my jacket. “That was the best.”
“The best?” His face sours. “Complete humiliation isthe best?”
“I might decide to date your grandpa.” I grab my purse and follow him out the door.
“What do you like so much about that old man?” Koen laughs and opens the passenger door to his truck for me.
I climb inside. “I can’t do this.”
“Date my grandpa? God, I hope not.”
I relinquish a grin. Koen has an addictive sense of humor. He has a lot of things I find irresistible, and that’s why I can’t do this. “I can’t go to dinner with you.”
His brows draw together.
“I don’t want to get to the restaurant and sit across from you and suddenly feel at a loss for words. I don’t want anything to feel forced or awkward. I don’t want a waiter to interrupt us every five seconds.”
Koen blinks a few times. “I see. So you’re saying you want to go to Home Depot with me to get copper wire?”
I don’tlovehim. But right now … I love him.
