“Yes?”
“To going out with you. It’s okay with Sophie. So, I want to say yes.”
His face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Really?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“Do you have any idea how much I want to kiss you right now, Cassie Warren?”
I laugh. “My daughter did say I should have some kisses.”
“When can we make that happen?” He tilts his head. “The date, I mean. Not the kisses. Although, I can make that happen too.”
My cheeks flush. “The weekend? My neighbour will babysit.”
“Saturday night. We’ll go out for dinner if that works for you.”
“I’d like that.”
As I walk away, there’s an extra skip to my step. Maybe it’s time I moved on with my life.
Maybe Mark’s just what I need.
15
CASSIE
For our first date, we arrange to meet at the restaurant.
I’m not sure about introducing Sophie to anyone too quickly, and Mark understands that.
In fact, he’s incredibly understanding about everything.
Mrs McIntyre is only too happy to come over to stay with Sophie, and I’m so grateful to her. She’s lived next to Gran’s house for years, and the two of them were good friends.
So, when Gran died and I needed help, she would turn up every time.
Sophie kisses me goodbye—the good part about Mrs McIntyre being a part of our lives for so long is that Sophie doesn’t get upset when I leave. She’s been through that phase, and I hated every second of being apart from her.
I still don’t like it much, but I do what I have to so we have food on the table.
Tonight is the first time I’ve put myself first in a long time.
“Have a good night, Cassie. Just remember I’m happy to sleep over if you want to stay out.” Mrs McIntyre winks at me. She’s not exactly subtle about pushing me to move on.
It’s not a long drive across town, but it gives me time to think. I like Mark. I think he’ll be good for us. Over the past week, while he’s been working in the store, he’s flirted with me but he hasn’t pushed. He’s kind and gentle, but I’ve also heard him being firm with his workers and he doesn’t take any kind of shit.
I’m not about to rush into anything with him, but I’m also going to go with the flow.
I have to keep reminding myself that I’m a grown woman and not that insecure eighteen-year-old I was the first time around. The thought of being with an older man intrigues me too.
I’ll never forget the one and only time I was with Patrick, and how neither of really knew what we were doing but we found pleasure together.
What would it be like with Mark?
I pull up to the restaurant and park outside.
Mark waits at the door, and I take in the sight of him dressed in a smart shirt and dress pants—a far cry from the T-shirt and jeans he wears at work.
