Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“They’re next to the sink.”
Luke smiled as he watched Gordan follow me into the kitchen. He was just as pleased as I was that his father had welcomed our visit. I knew then this wasn’t about fixing grief and sweeping things under the rug. This was about moving forward, and that filled me with hope.
Luke cut us each a piece of pie, and we sat at the table, sharing a little small talk and memories. After a while, Gordan excused himself and started back to his recliner in the living room. Before leaving, he glanced back at me and said, “It was real nice of you to come by today, Presley. I hope to see you again real soon.”
“I’d like that.”
Once he left the room, I stood and started clearing the plates and putting them in the dishwasher while Luke finished putting the groceries away. We moved in silence, but as soon as I closed the dishwasher, Luke came up next to me and said, “You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to.” I wiped my hands on a towel before placing it on the counter. I wanted to say something more, but the words just wouldn’t come. So, I said the only thing I could. “I guess I should be going.”
“Yeah, sure… Whatever you need to do.” He followed me over to the back door before saying, “Thanks again for stopping by. Meant a lot to Pop.”
“You’re welcome. I was glad to do it.” I paused for a moment, and knowing I was about to lose my chance, I finally mustered the courage to say, “You know, there’s something else I’d like to do.”
“Oh?” He cocked his brow. “And what’s that?”
“I would like to do something to thank you for helping me the way you did.”
“Not necessary.”
“Doesn’t change the fact that I’d like to try.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I could take you to your favorite restaurant.” My throat started to tighten. “We could eat, and maybe even catch a movie. I mean, if you’re into that kind of thing.”
“Yes, I’m into that sort of thing.”
“Okay, sooo… What do you think?”
“I think it’s not necessary.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Yes, Presley. I’ll go on a date with you, but only on one condition.”
He stepped closer, and I immediately asked, “Okay. On what condition?”
“That we do this right.” He lifted his knuckle up to my chin, gently lifting it so I was looking him right in the eyes. “We take it slow and keep it honest. No more holding back or giving half-truths.”
“Understood.”
“I want to trust you, Presley.”
“You can.”
“I’m gonna need you to prove that.”
“Just give me a chance, and I will.”
“Alright then. How about I pick you up Friday around seven.”
“But I asked you… Shouldn’t I be the one to pick you up?”
“Not a chance.” He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. “I’ll see you Friday at seven.”
I nodded, then turned and made my way back out to the car. The day hadn’t gone as expected. It went even better, and suddenly, the weight of everything that had happened over the past few weeks didn’t seem so heavy anymore.
Nothing about Luke or his world was simple. And trusting him and him trusting me wasn’t going to be either. But I wasn’t looking for simple. I wanted something real, and as I started my car, Friday night felt like something I’d been waiting a lifetime for.
15
GOOSE
“Whatcha thinking?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to decide.”
“Anything look good?”
“Are you kidding?” Presley’s eyes were wide as she studied the lengthy menu. “Everything looks good, and it smells good, too.”
“Tastes good, too. Trust me. Get whatever. You can’t go wrong.”
The restaurant wasn’t anything fancy. No white tablecloths or candles. Just worn booths, good food, and servers who actually wanted to be there. It wasn’t too crowded, so we could actually carry on a conversation.
I held up the menu, pretending to look it over, but I already knew what I wanted, and she was sitting across from me. And I have to say, she was looking exceptionally beautiful tonight. She’d straightened her hair and had one side tucked behind her ear, and she was wearing dark jeans and a brown sweater that hugged her curves in all the right places.
After a few moments, she peered over her menu and said, “I’m torn.”
“You and your commitment issues.”
“I don’t have commitment issues.”
“Bet Gary would disagree.”
“Hey, no fair.”
“Poor ol’ Gary.”
“You’re a mess.”
She laughed, and just like that, the knot in my chest loosened a notch. I ran a hand through my hair, pushing it out of my eyes, and caught her watching. I dropped my hand and asked, “What?”
“Nothing.” Her smile widened. “Nothing at all.”
“Um-hmm. Whatever you say, boss.”
The server came over and took our order, then disappeared to the back, leaving us alone once again. There was a moment where we both just sat there, holding each other’s gaze a second longer than we should, but in that silence, I felt something I hadn’t felt with any other woman.