I’m feeling this way because I want her to see this place.
To like it.
Hell, to like me.
When I stumble across a luxury landscaping and design company that also offers “Full-Service Holiday Transformations,” my Badger perks up.
Perfect.
Wreaths, trees, twinkle lights, garland—the whole Christmas circus.
I don’t even read the pricing.
I just hit Contact Us and type a message, like a man possessed.
Need full holiday interior and exterior design ASAP. Must be done by Friday night. Client prefers a warm, inviting atmosphere—traditional with a hint of whimsy.
Money is no object. Time is everything.
Eb Rogers
Send.
Satisfied, I grab my phone and scroll to the one app that’s been driving me insane all week.
Date to Mate.
The little red notification sparkles with a new message bubble from Honey.
God, I love that nickname more than I should.
I tap the chat window.
Me
I wanted to thank you for coming to dinner with me tonight.
It takes a full minute before she replies.
Honey
Oh sure. Um, are you canceling our match now? Is that why you signed on?
What the heck? Oh, hell no. Time to settle this.
Me
What? No! I told you, Honey—I made a mistake. And for that, I wholeheartedly apologize. But I’m not ready to walk away from this.
Another pause. I can picture her now, biting her lip, narrowing those amber eyes at her phone.
Honey
Eb, I really had a good time, but forgive me for being blunt. I just don’t want to waste time on someone who isn’t interested.
The Badger inside me growls.
Not interested?
