Far from it. And it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. My freaking hand wasn’t getting better. My recruiter was giving me the runaround. And then I dropped the fucking baton!
ALEC: Call me later?
I slipped my phone into the waistband of my pants. I’d text Alec back later. I was too angry and disappointed in myself right now. There was only one person I wanted to talk to right now, and that was impossible.
Oh, Emmett…I miss you so much.
…
“Can I open my eyes now?” Preach had made me promise not to look, so I put my hands over my eyes to cut down on the temptation to peek.
“Not yet.”
The car swayed, and I flexed my core to not move much in the passenger-side seat.
“Sorry. That rain knocked some serious potholes on the road.”
“Oh really? Which road?”
“Nice try. Eyes closed.”
The Jeep smelled more like the fragrance section in a department store, thanks to my rose perfume and Preach’s earthy fresh rain scent. It made my tummy flutter, too.
That, and the single rose I held in my non-splinted hand. It ached, and my fingers still curled up into a claw when I didn’t have the brace on.
I hated that I had to wear it on my special date with Preach. I wanted to look nice for him, and this dumb thing didn’t go with my sleek, long red dress and two-inch platforms.
“Have I said how great you look?”
“Not for a few minutes at least.” I grinned. “Can I open my eyes now?”
“No.” He laughed. “You’re like a little kid.”
“Well, jeez!”
The Jeep swayed slightly and jostled, like we were pulling into a lot or driveway or something like that.
“Almost there,” Preach said.
We came to a stop, and I heard his seat belt click.
“Now?”
“No. Hold on.” His door opened and then shut. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. I was so excited to see what was going on.
I liked this feeling much better than that of dropping a baton at the meet today. That feeling in my stomach was nowhere near the fun, flirty feeling I felt when I kissed Preach.
He’d been right, though, this was exactly what I needed. I’d tried to cancel because I was still so ticked at myself for dropping the baton, but he wouldn’t let me.
Thankfully.
My door opened, and I shifted in my seat, squeezing my eyes shut. Preach’s cologne swirled around me and soft lips touched my cheek.
“Hmmm.” I leaned into that, hoping my lips would be next.
Instead, my seat belt disconnected. “I’m gonna take your hand and help you out.”
“Okay.” My voice cracked a little in excitement. “This is so fun!”