His cheeks redden and he looks at his feet a moment before meeting my gaze again. “I was hoping you’d go out with me some time.”
I bite my bottom lip. This is unexpected. For the past few years, I’ve been head down working to support myself and Sophie. When Gran passed, she left me the house, so I’m lucky enough not to have to worry about rent, but doing this alone is hard.
I’ve thought about dating, but it all just seemed too difficult to go out and meet new people.
“I'd like that.”
His eyes light up. “Really? That’s great. Maybe we could go for coffee tomorrow?”
I nod. “That sounds good.”
He grins. “See you tomorrow, Cassie Warren.”
“See you tomorrow.”
I turn to unlock the car, pausing before I get in. He has a bounce in his step as he walks away, and it makes me feel all giddy.
It’s so far from the high school days of not being sure if I was being pranked—we’re adults and he likes me. I like the look of him.
He didn’t even flinch at the mention of my daughter.
If I’m going to be with anyone else, they need to know up front that she’s my whole life.
Nothing and no one is more important than her.
14
CASSIE
I’m so busy first thing that I almost forget about agreeing to go for coffee with Mark.
He doesn’t.
He stalks toward me midmorning, and my heart flutters.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi.”
“I didn’t see you earlier.”
“Oh, I’ve been busy out back. We’re getting close to doing our stocktake, and there’s a ton of things to organise.”
He grins. “Do you think we could go for coffee? To discuss the store changes.”
“The store changes?” I can’t help but smile. For the first time in my life, I’m a hundred per cent sure someone’s flirting with me.
“Of course.” He grins back.
“I guess I’ll have to.” I place my hand on my chest. “If it’s work related.”
Mark chuckles. “Maybe not completely work related.”
“Now the truth comes out.”
“Please?” His dark eyes dance with mischief, and I’m sucked in even further.
“I’d like that very much.”
