I almost ask him when, but I stop myself. I know that that would sound needy if I did so all I do is nod my head. But an hour and a half later, when I know that he's had time to make it home, I can't resist. I text the number that he called me from last night.
"Hey, I just wanted to make sure that you made it home safe since you were so tired."
His text back is instant. "You're worried about me?"
I don't deny it, I just ignore the question. "So I guess you're home then?"
"Yeah, honey. I'm home. Thanks again for the pie and for going out with me."
"You're welcome," I respond. I put my phone away and keep it on silent the rest of the day. I know that I don't need to get all tied up in a new relationship already. He’s the rebound guy. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Chapter 7
Lucas
I'm not sure how I can just meet someone, and already she consumes my every thought. I should probably be training for the invitational this weekend in Kentucky. But instead, I'm driving an hour over into Whiskey Run just so that I can see Becca. I'll probably only get to see her for thirty minutes, and then I'm going to have to turn right back around. But that doesn't even bother me. Thirty minutes is better than none.
We've talked every day this week, and it feels like she's warming up to me, but I want to see her again. I have to see her again. I park my truck on Main Street and walk up to the Sugar Glaze Bakery. I barely get through the door and set my eyes on Becca when she gasps, "Lucas."
I probably need to quit surprising her like this. I probably should have at least texted or called her to let her know I was coming, but I wasn't sure if it was going to work out or not.
But seeing the unguarded smile on her face and knowing that she's excited to see me makes it worth it. I take my hat off and hold it to my chest. "Hey, honey."
She waves at her friend who is working the counter with her and then comes over. I open my arms because I want to feel her next to me. She walks right up to me and wraps her arms around my waist. I wrap mine around her shoulders and hold on to her tightly. I inhale her sweet scent and rest my chin on the top of her head. I could stand right here, just like this, for as long as she'll let me.
She doesn't loosen her hold when she looks up at me. "What are you doing here? I thought you were getting ready for Kentucky."
"I am." I nod. "Or at least I should be. But I couldn't leave without seeing you again."
Her hand goes to my chest, and her eyes widen. I know that I agreed to be her rebound guy, but after getting to know her this last week, I already feel closer to her than anyone that I've ever dated before. There's something building deep between us. I know I can't be the only one that feels it.
"How long will you be here?"
I look at her with regret in my eyes. "I have a half hour before I have to get on the road."
She shakes her head, not understanding. "Wait, are you telling me that you drove an hour here out of your way JUST to spend a half hour... with me?"
I shrug. "I'm not saying that at all. There’s no JUST to it. I drove an hour out of my way so that I could spend a half hour with you. The way I see it, it's definitely worth it."
She looks at her friend behind the counter and then back at me. "I may be able to leave for a little while..."
I would love to be alone with her. As a matter of fact, that's all I seem to think about. But I also know that I'm not sure I can trust myself alone with her right now. She's not ready. And I know that I need to take this slowly.
I nod over to the dessert case. "What I'd really love is one of your desserts. And if you could sit down and maybe share one with me and we can talk a little bit."
She looks surprised but nods her head quickly. "Yes. Is there anything in particular you'd like?"
I shrug my shoulders. "Anything you made will be perfect."
I let go of her reluctantly and watch her walk away from me. She grabs a tray and sets some plates and drinks on them and then brings them over to the table. I hold her chair out for her to sit down and then I sit across from her. She has a big plate with some different samples of desserts on them. "These look too good to eat."