I was drawn to you.How can I resistthat?
I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. Maybe me coming here and crossing paths with Sutton again was destined to be.
Looking over the table, I bat my lashes his way. “So, about that pie?”
“You still got room?”
I scoff. “One thing to know about me. There’salwaysroom for dessert.” I lean in close and drop my voice to a whisper. “Besides, it’ll give us more time to talk about where we’re going next Sunday for our second chance at a first date.”
“It’s a date?” he croaks out.
“Is it not?” I ask and for a moment, I start second-guessing our whole conversation.
“No,” he says before shaking his head. “I mean, yes. It’s a date. I just didn’t know if youwantedit to be.”
I quirk a brow. “Did I not suggest you ask me out?”I thought I’d made myself pretty damn obvious… even for me…
“Well, yes. But–”
“And did I not accept your lovely invitation?”
His lips twitch, his eyes crinkling at the sides. “Yes.”
“Then yes, it’s a date.”
The slow-growing smile that transforms his whole face is mesmerizing.
And wouldn’t you know it, I give him one just as bright back.
Chapter 6
Sutton
Despite us both staying at the ranch, I still put my phone number in Blair’s phone so that she could contact me–if she wanted, of course.
The way I see it, if the universe–or maybe the mountain spirit–have decided I get a do-over with Blair, then I’m damn well sure I’m going to do this right.
Even though we’ve seen each other every day since then, I’ve still kept my phone on me at all times in the hope that she’d reach out. Thankfully, she doesn’t make me wait long and messages me Tuesday night after dinner.
Blair: Hey. It’s Blair.
For once I’m glad it’s just Jude and I in the living room and not the rest of the family. I’m also thankful that he’s lost in a book about native plants in the arctic circle instead of paying me any attention. That’s because as soon as I read the message, I can’t stop the smile that takes over my face.
Sutton: Hey. How are you?
Blair: Well, in the whole hour since we last saw each other at the dinner table, I’ve managed to iron my work clothes for the rest of the week and talk to both of my best friends while doing it.
Sutton: You’re telling me you’re a multi-tasker?
Blair: Is there any other way to get through life?
Sutton: Very true. That’s more than I’ve done. I’ve spent at least half of that time just trying to find something to watch on the TV.
Blair: Found anything yet?
Sutton: Unless you count Alaskan Antiques Roadshow then no…
Blair: Haha. What are they calling an Alaskan antique?
