Serenity clearing her throat was the only thing that was capable of breaking off their moment. Wendy flushed deeply and let out a soft laugh. Tripp didn’t look at all embarrassed about what they’d done in front of her friend. But then, he wasn’t teased on the regular for falling for the town’s ladies’ man.
He braced himself on the counter, resting his forearms atop the glass display. “Did you already get lunch, sweetness?”
She nodded. “Serenity picked us up some sandwiches from the festival thing going on.”
A look of disappointment flickered behind his eyes and she’d be a liar if she didn’t admit to hoping that reaction would stick around for years to come. They were addicted to each other in the best possible ways.
His eyes remained locked on her and she let out a soft laugh. “What?”
Tripp shook his head.
“What?” she demanded again.
“You’re just… beautiful.”
Serenity groaned again. “I’m gonna check on the shipment we just got in.” With that she headed to the back.
Tripp chuckled and Wendy beamed right back at him. “You don’t look half-bad yourself.” She’d gotten used to seeing him almost daily. He went out of his way to demonstrate just how much he cared about her. Hallie had said it was overkill, but it worked forthem. Even if Tripp stopped in for five minutes to bring her a coffee, it was nice to know he was thinking about her.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.”
She moved back to her stool and glanced up at him with interest. “Really?”
He nodded. “Mmhmm. It’s pretty great. But I didn’t want to bring it here. I thought I could bring it to your place later tonight. You busy?”
Her heart stuttered. She’d planned on telling him she loved him when he came in today, but if he planned on coming tonight, maybe that would be better. Then if he didn’t say it back, she’d have a full day to let it settle before seeing him again. Wendy tore her eyes from him and shook her head. “I’m free.”
“Dinner then? Burgers from our favorite place?”
He was adorable. No—handsome. Far from perfect and yet perfect for her. Whenever she was around him, a smile was permanently affixed to her face. Wendy nodded. “Sounds amazing.”
Tripp tapped his fingers on the glass countertop. “Okay, then. Tonight. Burgers. Your place.”
“And a surprise,” she reminded him.
“And a surprise.” Tripp straightened then moved around the counter. She stared up at him as he slipped his fingers into the hair at the back of her head and tilted her face impossibly higher before he claimed her mouth with his own.
This kiss held promises that words would never be capable of describing. If there was any doubt in her mind where his heart was, those doubts had been disintegrated.
Wendy paced her living room.This would be okay. She’d just blurt out that she loved him and maybe she’d crack a joke about the fact he’d been right all along. He’d seen this coming, after all. He had to know just like she’d figured out how he felt about her.
When there was a knock at her door, she froze. This was it. Her chance to lay it all out on the table.
She straightened her shoulders, lifted her chin and strode toward the door. With a firm yank, she pulled the door open then her grip slackened just like her jaw. Standing in front of her door was Tripp and his brother. They were holding a familiar desk. Tripp was grinning so wide that it had to hurt. And all she could muster was one word.
“Why?”
Tripp’s smile faltered and he glanced to his brother. Brent lifted a brow and adjusted his hold on the desk.
“You gonna let us in with this thing? Or are we going to have to stay out here all night?”
“Right,” Wendy stammered backing out of the way while the men adjusted the desk so it would fit through the door. She watched with shock as they placed the antique desk in the middle of her small living room before Brent left the apartment.
“Sweetness—” Tripp murmured, coming toward her. “I thought you’d be happy?—”
Her eyes snapped to his. “This isn’t…” Her question was answered when Brent materialized with a large plastic case. She’d seen them before in her research for an old-fashioned typewriter. She knew exactly what it contained. Her lower lip trembled as she lifted her eyes to the man who knew her better than anyone ever had.
“Well… I think I’m going to head out,” Brent mumbled.
