I also felt myself fall off balance as my knee slipped and my backside bumped into the steering wheel, causing the horn to blast. I jumped and tried to hop off Scott, but he laughed and pulled me further onto his lap. His laugh was full and cheerful, and he put his forehead to mine. I couldn’t believe that it was me who made him happy.
“Do you think everyone heard that horn?” I grimaced.
Scott nuzzled into my neck. “Thank you for talking with me Marissa. Thanks for giving us a chance.” He kissed me again and again. I melted into him, buzzing with happiness.
Scott reached up and rubbed his thumb down my cheek, and I leaned into his touch.
“Let’s go eat. I think we gave her enough of a show.” Scott nodded to the sidewalk where Ashley stood with her mouth open. Her phone was prepped for a picture. “Or should we give her something to really take a picture of?” Scott whispered wickedly in my ear.
I laughed and shoved his shoulder. I slid offhis lap, laughing, and waved at Ashley. Rolling down the window, I called out. “Hey, would you send me a copy of that one?”
Scott laughed as he pulled back out onto the road.
“Guess what?” I pulled his hands to my lips. “I’m considering plans too. Aren’t you proud?”
He kept driving. “Wow. That is big.”
“Yep. I've been thinking of maybe trying to do the whole Carol B&B thing.” I sucked in a tight breath. It was scary to say out loud.
“Wow. Um, Marissa, that’s—wow.”
“Huge, I know! I’ve never thought of my life beyond London and leaving Hillsdale.” I shrugged. “I’m not sure or anything, but even thinking about a future plan at all, I thought would make you proud.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
SCOTT
Work had never been sounproductive, and I had never been happier. I handled anything that was pressing, pumpkin complaints and coach disputes included, but everything else could wait.
I especially ignored Clyde Johnson’s calls and emails. Every time I saw something pop up on my phone or email, I felt sick. A few days ago, when Marissa mentioned she was thinking about a future in the B&B, I almost vomited. It took all I had to not spill about the Raymond & Johnson Law Firm. She was onlythinkingabout it. I could picture it though, her running the community events, and me, coaching a recreation basketball team. Getting old in Hillsdale, living the small-town life. Kids running all over the place. It was the opposite vision of everything I had planned for so long, I couldn’t tell which was right for me. The law firm was getting persistent, and I was expecting them to retract the offer any day. I needed to find where my future was headed.
Scott: You home yet?
Marissa: I just got home. Are you watching me? I can’t decide if that is cute or creepy . . .
Scott: Let’s go with cute. Is it too late to come over?
Marissa: Lol. Umm you can, but I told Nan I would spend the evening with her and Bert talking about wedding plans and beating them at Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. If that’s not a party for you, that’s fine.
Scott: I’m game. Maybe if we team up, we stand a chance.
She sent back a smiling face.
Scott: Be there in five.
Marissa: Are you sure? It’s going to be boring, and I’ll see you in the morning.
Scott: Nope. Too long.
She sent a rolling eye emoji.
Marissa: Fine, but if I’m tired tomorrow from staying up too late, you have to tell my boss it’s all your fault.
Scott: Deal, I’m pretty sure I can take him if needed.I chuckled at my joke.
Marissa: I’m in my PJs. If you show up in something fancy, I will throw you out.
I wondered what she wore for PJs. I changed into shorts and a t-shirt, to put it out there to the universe. The thought of cuddling her in shorts and a tank top, her soft skin against mine, made me rush for my keys.
