I try to think of the other items on my list, but the details are fuzzy.
“Tricia? Are you okay?” Matt asks, his brows scrunching down as he watches me.
“Fine, just fine. Had a moment remembering some of the trouble we got into.” I give him a bright smile. “But that reminds me. Thank you so much for the shoofly pie. It was so sweet of you.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
Not even bothering to hide my grimace, I shake my head. “Nope. It was dreadful.”
Throwing his head back, Matt laughs and I can’t help joining him.
When our laughter tapers off, we’re left smiling at each other across the table and it hits me once again how natural being with him feels.
Could the love spell really have worked?
The urge to call a few of my friends is strong, but I shake it off. It was just a bit of fun, nothing really serious. Right?
***
Matt
Gazing at Tricia’s sweet smile and shining happy eyes, a sense of rightness fills me, and I realize that Jared’s correct. Something is going on with me. I’m completely and utterly infatuated.
With a woman not quite half my age.
Maybe that’s stretching things a bit. Still, sixteen years isn’t something to brush aside. I was getting my driver’s license when she was a newborn. A rather daunting realization that makes me question if it’s wise to continue this date.
A bitter flare of distress squeezes my insides at the thought of thanking her for a wonderful evening and never seeing her again.
Maybe after a few dates Tricia will decide that the differences in our ages and lifestyles are simply too insurmountable for a relationship to flourish, and she’ll end things.
Or we’ll find out we’re a compatible couple and things will proceed naturally, and we’ll forge a life together. Which is a much more pleasing thought.
No matter what, there’s no way I’m not going to take the chance. I might get hurt, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
After my divorce, I hadn’t given much thought to remarrying. Now, I see I would be a fool to rule out a second opportunity at a family.
“Tricia, when can I see you again?”
Her grin grows. “I insult your gift and you still want to see me? How did I get so lucky?”
Fighting back a chuckle, I say, “I was thinking the same thing. How did I get fortunate enough to meet you?”
“Who knew someone would be grateful for sore muscles?” she teases.
“Ahhh… so I should be thanking the long hours and stress for leading me to you.”
Her eyes squeeze shut and her face bunches up as she laughs. “You’re dreadful. I love it.” Opening her eyes, her gaze sweeps over me, lingering on my lips and sending a bolt of heat straight down to my cock. “When would you like to see me?”
“I want to see you tomorrow, but my schedule is packed, and I’ve already committed to doing a prerecording for an upcoming webinar,” I admit, not even attempting to keep the disappointment out of my voice. “What about Thursday?”
“Friday,” she counters.
“Want to try D’Angelo’s again?” I waggle my brows and wink. “This time I’ll pick you up.”
Red blooms on her face. “I am so sorry about that. I couldn’t even call you because I don’t have my phone.”
“You don’t have to keep apologizing. I’m not upset. Everything worked out.” A happy sigh eases out of me before the second half of her apology sinks in and my grin freezes. “Wait. What happened to your phone?”