I still don't know if it is possible for Dash to be in my life permanently, but Mom is going to have to come around to the idea that he and I are dating.
He's incredibly caring, and I love that he's so kind and protective. What kind of guy offers to install a security system for a girl when he's only been dating her a few days?
Every country song is starting to make sense. The longing, the obsessive yearning. My inability to think about anything but Dash's smile, and brilliant, expressive eyes. The feeling when he touches me so carefully, with a heat that tells me without words he wants me to be his.
Oh yeah, I've fallen hard. And I want to believe, even though I know planning anything long term is a bad idea right now.
Once my fingers are burning from my freshly-developing calluses, I lean the guitar in the corner and get ready for bed. Just as I'm setting my alarm, a text pings.
Dash:Tonight was amazing. I'll be thinking of you every second until I see you again.
Me:I'll be thinking of you every second too. Even though that sounds like a country song.
Dash:I'll be thinking of you when I'm driving in the woods. I'll be thinking of you when I'm chopping down a tree. I'll be thinking of you, 'cuz you're the one for meeeeee… Wow. The song really does write itself, doesn't it?
Me:Ha ha ha. Lumberjack turned songwriter. Is there anything you can't do?
Dash:I want to give you everything you need, beautiful. That includes a good night's sleep. Sweet dreams.
Me:You too.
The next morning at Acorns my mind is buzzing. The urge to tell everyone that I am in the process of falling in love is ridiculous. Somehow, though, I keep my mouth shut, simply smiling and chatting and trying to act like it's a normal day.
"When I'm Queen of the World, coffee will magically appear at people's tables," Lynn murmurs as we wait a few seconds for the latest pot of coffee to finish brewing. Then she gives me a careful look. "You're in an extra peppy mood."
"It's a beautiful day." I give her a wink, then reach for the pot, snatching my hand back as she grabs the handle just before me. She somehow has learned the machine's gurgles, and knows precisely when it finishes the cycle. "You're a monster!"
"Rawr." Lynn giggles as she carries the pot around her tables while I put on the next one. She's usually super quiet, so it's wonderful to see her being sassy now and then and coming outof her shell a tiny bit. Or, at least to see that the shell is cracking open. That's a start.
An hour later, after a flurry of customers, things quiet down. "Take your break now," I tell Lynn. "Then I'll go."
"Thanks." She grabs her water bottle and takes off out the side door just before two more customers come into the café.
There's no mistaking the huge frame of the biggest man in town whom I just met last night. "Hi, Corbin. What can I get you?"
He smiles politely and tells me his take-out order. While I quickly prepare the four large coffees and bag of muffins and bagels, I sneak a few looks at the other man. Once everything is organized, he smiles at me and holds out his hand. "Hi, Bridget. I'm Ansel."
He shakes my hand warmly, and I take a good look at the eldest Oakley brother. Very handsome, with warm eyes and a tidy beard. Corbin is more of a rough, huge bear of a man, but I can see the resemblance since they're standing next to each other.
"Hi. Off to chop down some trees today?"
They both chuckle, their voices a bit deeper than Dash's. I can't help noticing the way Ansel looks me over. Not unkindly: it's as if he's scanning me for information. Then he waves to Rachel in the office. Are they old friends?
"Now that the boss is here, we're getting to it," Corbin says quietly. "We should be taking down some black walnut and a couple of oaks this afternoon."
Ansel's eyes shift to the side as he shoots Corbin a sharp look. "The boss? Is that me?"
Corbin shrugs his immense shoulders. "Somebody has to be."
Placing my hands high on my hips, I give them my best exasperated mother glare. "Now boys, don't start something I'm gonna have to finish."
Corbin chuckles and Ansel laughs out loud, swiping his debit card. "You'll need that attitude to keep Dash in line," Ansel says, picking up the bag of treats, leaving his brother to grab the coffees. "Really nice to meet you, Bridget. I'm sure I'll see you around."
"Have a great day!"
I go back to helping the other customers, while a little hum sings in my heart. If Dash and I are able to stay together, that would mean I'd have three huge brothers-in-law. Talk about a safety net.
Of course I'm getting ahead of myself, but feeling secure is something I'd dreamed of as much as falling in love. For both to happen at once feels like a stroke of luck that I don't deserve, and I can't quite trust.
