“I’ll need a rain check on the hot tub invitation.” I want a bit more time with him before we end up in bed together…or, in this case, in a hot tub together. I would have zero willpower if we were alone, close to each other, naked. Just the thought has me squeezing my legs.
Those caramel eyes flash with desire and care. “Okay, maybe after the next date.”
“Maybe.”
TWENTY
Kendall
Ican’t stop thinking about our date. It was perfect. I don’t know how Dane will outdo himself after this one. He suggested another date for this upcoming weekend, but I asked to move it to after the openings. He looked a bit disappointed, and so was I. I’ll enjoy myself more once all of this comes to a close. I want to enjoy it, not stress about anything else.
The weekend passed with more preparation for the salon and spa opening. I finally got in a good CrossFit workout, thankfully. I’ve been pushing it off for a couple of weeks, as exhaustion has taken over every day, but this week I'm getting back to my normal schedule—workouts, work, and sleep.
When Tuesday morning shows up, I’m up feeling refreshed. I even woke up just before my alarm. Since I had a few extra minutes, I made a pit stop at the coffeehouse. Approaching the door, someone comes and opens it, and there Dane is, standing on the other side.
“Finally decided to join me for coffee?” He holds the door as I walk inside.
Quick to the punch, I look around. He can’t possibly be talking to me. “I’m sorry, did I miss the invite?”
He chuckles and places his hand on the small of my back as we walk to the counter. We arrived at a good time, with no line. Dane steps in front of me and orders my coffee and then his.
I squint my eyes at him. “How do you know my coffee order?”
“I know things. And when you think I’m not paying attention, I am.”
“Okay, Mr. Cryptic, tell me.”
He scratches his jaw and hums, but gives me nothing.
Giving his arm a little squeeze, like I mean it. “Come on, spill.”
“Just this once, I’ll let you into my secret…The first time we met here, I listened to your coffee order.”
My head tilts, examining him, and it seems legit. “But that was weeks ago.”
He taps his temple. “There’s a plethora of knowledge up here, including all the things you love.”
“Oh, big head.” I can’t help but giggle at the word that just came out of my mouth.
He doesn't miss a beat. “You would know.”
We grab our orders and walk outside. There’s a pause. Do we kiss? Do we wave? I wave tentatively, and he comes in and kisses my cheek. Dragging his lips to my ear, he whispers, “I hope you have a productive day.” He kisses my neck, right below my ear, and pulls away.
My body is firing on all cylinders, and I want to wrap my arms and legs around him. Yes, right here on the sidewalk. Briefly imagining him leaning me up against his car and taking me on Main Street. Nodding to myself, I say, “Ah…you, too.”
He takes my hand and leads me to my car. Opening the driver's side door for me, I look at him with curious eyes, wondering what it is about me that has him doing things forme…like taking me on a date, meeting me for coffee, opening the door… “Thank you.”
Once I’m in my car, I watch him hop into his and drive away. Still sitting in my car, I text the group chat about our coffee rendezvous.
The rest of the week is the same. On Friday, he asks one more time if I’m possibly free for dinner over the weekend. I politely decline, knowing I’ll be at the salon and spa tomorrow. I hope to complete everything that needs to be done tomorrow and avoid getting caught up all day on Sunday. I'd really like to invite my girlfriends over for a pool day and relax.
Thankfully, Saturday went as planned, so Sunday was a day of relaxation. I slept in until eleven o’clock—not sure the last time that happened. My girlfriends came over, and we floated in the pool, grazing on snacks and sipping margaritas. It was a perfect day. I might have been thinking about Dane all afternoon, but we didn’t really talk much about him. They asked a few questions after the text last week. I think we all needed a down day.
Grand opening week starts off just like last week, where Dane is already at the coffeehouse waiting for me. It’s like he arrives just in time to open the door for me, orders my coffee because he heard once and memorized it, and then walks me to my car. A part of me believes there’s something between us, even though I was telling myself he isn’t one to make a commitment, enjoying his one-night stand life.
Dane buys me coffee all week. We exchange just enough conversation to keep the connection going, respecting the fact that this week is one of the biggest weeks in my life. I like that about him.
On Friday, the soft opening day, he even asks if there’s anything he can do. I told him he should come tonight. I want to share this moment with him, so I suggested he come and hang out with his Gram. I’m trying not to make too big a deal—but for me it kind of is.
