“It seems like it’s easy for you to be with just about anyone.”
“I get along with most people, sure. But not everyone makes me feel at ease.”
“And I do?”
“Yeah,” I smile over at her. “You do.”
“You never made me feel at ease,” she says.
I slap my hand to my chest. “Seriously?”
“Sure. I was comfortable hanging out around your family. But I’ve had a crush on you for as long as I can remember. As soon as you entered a room … Well, I wasn’t at ease. I just hoped I didn’t make too much of a fool of myself.”
“What about now?”
“Now, you make me feel … safe. And special. Like you really want to spend time with me.”
“Good. Because I do.”
She’s quiet for a beat and then she surprises me. "I almost didn't come today."
My grip on the steering wheel tightens for a beat. "Really?"
"Yeah. Jace can always use my help." She pauses. "And someone could notice I'm gone for the day."
I place my hand on her knee. “I’m glad you decided to come.”
“Me too.”
We ride along with my hand on her knee, a deeper comfort between us.
She reaches for the radio and asks, “Is this okay?”
“Totally okay,” I tell her, singing along softly.
“Are you down for a pit stop?” I ask her as we approach my first surprise of the day.
“Cracker Barrel?” she asks, wagging her eyebrows. “I could shop all day in their gift shop.”
“No, but I’ll keep that in mind for another trip.”
“Another trip? Are you planning on regular kidnappings?”
“Definitely.” I wink.
“So, where’s the pit stop?”
I’ve turned south onto the sixty-five and she hasn’t said a thing since we’re still headed to Leipers Fork.
When I turn onto the ninety-six, Carli squeals, “Franklin!”
I chuckle. “Yeah. I thought we’d get you a coffee. Do you have a favorite spot?”
“Take me to your surprise!” She waves her hand forward toward the dashboard.
I drive into town and find street parking in front of the historic brick two-story with a wraparound porch and stone steps that has been converted into the Frothy Monkey coffee shop.
We grab coffees. Carli gets something called the Havannah.
