"You didn't, but that's okay.I figured he'd call me and let me know what it is that he wants me to do."
"It's just that he wants to buy some of my sunflower glazes.I said I'd deliver them, but he said he might enlist your help."
"That works for me.Maybe we can combine the two — unless you want me to take the glazes back with me tonight?"
"No, that's okay.I'll wait for him to follow up.He didn't commit to buying them yet, so..."
Ollie chuckled."I want to encourage you and say that Charles is a man of his word.If he said he wanted them, he wants them.If he said he'll buy them, he will.But it goes in my favor to wait.This way I can come back whenever the two of you have struck your deal."
She smiled at that."I'll look forward to seeing you again."
"Yeah.Me too."
~ ~ ~
When they arrived back at the airport, Callie parked the truck and turned to Ollie with a smile."I don't know what I expected out of today, but I didn't think it'd be this good."
He leaned closer and beckoned for her to do the same.Her heart skittered in her chest when he hooked his finger under her chin.
"I could say the same.I knew it'd be good, but I didn't know it'd bethisgood.I'd like to see you again, Callie."
"I'd like to see you too, Ollie."
He chuckled."Then all we need to figure out is when, right?"
"Right," she agreed.
"Is the rest of your week busy now that you're back?"
"I don't really know yet.I am going to swing by to see Alara and Zia on my way home, and I have a feeling that however the rest of my week goes will depend a lot on them."
"You don't think she's up to making the trip, do you?"
She shook her head slowly."I don't.And if it comes to it, I'll drive them up there myself."
"Damn.I didn't think of that."
She smiled."That's okay.You probably didn't think of it because you're more concerned with figuring out how to get them to stay here for Reaves.I'd love to think there was a way to do that, but I can relate to her situation.She needs a job.She needs health benefits.Portland seems like the only way she can get those things, so I'll help her get there."
She could tell that her words landed heavily on him.He looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling again.
"Can I call you tomorrow?"
"Sure."
"Okay.I'll do that."He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear."This is crazy.All I need to do is get out of the truck and walk away."He winked."Maybe put a swagger in my step and hope you watch my ass as I go."
She laughed out loud at that and slapped his arm."What makes you think I have any interest in your ass?"
He winked."Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I guess I'm hoping that the feeling's mutual."
It took her a second to understand what he meant, and when she did, she nodded.She didn't see any reason not to admit it."I'd say that it is."
"Okay, then kiss me, and I'll go."
She looked up into his eyes.They were the same shade of blue as the ocean on a stormy day, and she was already fully aware that she could drown in them if she wasn't careful.
"I already kissed you," she said with a smile.
