I restmy hand on Lacey’s thigh as I pull out of the dirt drive to the lake. I was hesitant to bring her here but took the leap that it would be a good time, a place for us to talk uninterrupted. It was the perfect place to come; secluded, romantic with the stars and moon shining brightly on the water tonight. If it wasn’t our first date, I probably would have convinced her to go skinny dipping with me in the water. Always next time for that.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask once we’re on the highway back to Sweet Valley. Lacey has been looking out the passenger window since we got back on the road.
“Everything that has happened tonight,” she says, turning my way.
“Any regrets?” I ask, hoping that she isn’t regretting anything.
“No.” She shakes her head, emphasizing her answer.
“Good,” I say and bring her hand to my lips so I can kiss the back of hers before returning mine to her thigh. “I’ll see you for sure on Monday when I come to install the oven control panel, maybe I can arrange to come as my last appointment of the day, then I could stick around afterwards for a little bit, if that works for your schedule.”
“Maybe. Can I get back to you on that?”
“Of course. Will you be at the bakery on Monday?” I ask, realizing that I’m not sure if she’ll even be there working that day.
“Yes, I’ll be there until closing.”
“Okay,” I tell her, not wanting to push. I told her we’d take this at her pace, and I’m determined to stick to my word. As much as I’d like to see her every waking moment, I know that isn’t realistic yet.
“Thank you for tonight,” she says once I’ve parked next to her car outside the bakery.
“Anytime. I had a great time,” I tell her. I want to pull her back into my arms, so I jump out of the truck and jog around to the passenger side. I open the door, but step into the space, trapping her in the cab.
“What are you doing?” she asks as I turn her so she’s facing me.
“Holding you for one last minute before I have to let you go,” I tell her honestly. I tug her into a hug, and she thankfully goes willingly into my arms. I realize that, since we’re back in her town and out in the open, we can easily be spotted. I’m not sure if she’s ready for something like that, but dammit, I can’t let her go home without one last chance to touch her.
“I had a great time tonight, I hope we can do it again soon,” I say before I brush my lips across hers one last time. I keep it light, nothing like our make out session on the dock.
“Garrett,” she breathes my name. I stiffen slightly as I wait for the regret and rejection to set in. “Thank you for tonight. Can I text you tomorrow?” she asks, and I instantly relax.
“You can text me anytime, beautiful. I’m serious about that. I don’t care what time it is, if you have something to say, you say it.”
“Okay, I kind of need your number, then.” She laughs and pulls her cell out. We quickly exchange numbers and I’m so damn thankful she remembered that we hadn’t done so yet, because I would have forgotten.
“I should probably let you get out of here; text me and let me know you made it home safe?” I ask.
“Only if you do the same,” she says.
“Deal,” I agree.
With one last quick hug, I help her jump down from my truck. She hits the unlock button on her remote and I open her driver’s side door, holding it until she’s in and buckled. “Goodnight, sweetheart. I’ll talk to you soon,” I tell her before I let the door shut. I stand there watching as she pulls out of the parking lot, staying put until I can no longer see her taillights glowing in the night.
* * *
“About time you showed up,”Miranda calls once I hop out of my truck that I’ve parked outside the front of her house. She’s outside with Noah as he colors on the driveway with some sidewalk chalk.
I look down at my watch. It’s only twelve thirty, I’m not that late. “I slept in, sue me,” I retort.
“And why might you need to sleep in?” she presses.
“Because it’s my day off and I work hard all week,” I remind her.
“It has nothing to do with being out late last night?” she asks.
“Maybe a little, but mostly just a long week at work.”
“Oh, does that mean that things didn’t go well on your date?” she asks, her excitement deflating like a popped balloon at a kid’s party.