Streetlamps illuminate the sidewalk. It’s quiet now. Few are out. The town feels different at night, softer somehow.
I lean into John’s side. “Tonight has been wonderful. I don’t want it to end.”
He presses a kiss to my temple. “Me neither. But we have work tomorrow, Ms. Sinclair. Can’t set a bad example for the other employees.”
I playfully swat his chest. “Of course not, Mr. Barrington.”
We reach my car way too soon. I press my key fob, and John opens the driver’s door.
John pulls me closer. “Thank you for a fantastic evening.”
I loop my arms around his neck, smiling up at him. “Thank you for being you.”
We stand there, gazing at each other. Our lips meet. I pour all my feelings into kissing him—my gratitude, affection, and growing love for this man who has turned my world upside down in the best possible way.
When we finally part, John rests his forehead against mine. “It’s getting late, and we both need to get home.”
I understand what he’s saying, yet he makes no move to go. I’m also reluctant to leave him.
“That would be the smart move,” I say. “You must be getting cold.”
“Not after that kiss.”
“But there are meetings tomorrow morning, Mr. Barrington.”
He groans. “Don’t remind me. Being responsible is overrated.”
I give him a peck before stepping back. I shrug his jacket off and give it back to him. “Goodnight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Abby. Drive safe.”
As I watch him walk toward his car, I start my car and let the engine warm up. I can’t wait to get home and tell Powerfluff I’m falling in love.
We haven’t been together that long, but my heart feels what it does.
L-O-V-E.
And the feeling is not only incredible—it’s everything.
CHAPTER TWENTY
John
On Tuesday morning, I walk toward the office’s entrance. I can’t believe I fought Grandpa so hard to take this job. I might never have met Abby if I’d stayed at the headquarters. I haven’t stopped thinking about my dinner with Abby last night. Her eyes sparkled at the restaurant, and I wanted to take a picture to remember how she’d looked. The date exceeded all my expectations, with easy conversation, so much laughter, and a palpable connection, confirming what I’ve long suspected—there is something special between us. I hope she feels the same.
As I enter the lobby, a few employees exchange sideways glances and hushed whispers. Still, that office buzz is usual around here. I don’t pay much attention to the gossip. Whatever it is usually settles quickly.
“Good morning, Melanie,” I say to the receptionist.
She smiles at me. “Have a good day, Mr. Barrington.”
Sitting at my desk, I can’t stop thinking about taking things to the next level with Abby. Is it too soon? It feels like we’ve known each other forever, even though we met in July and just started dating.
Asking her to marry me so soon would probably be rushing things, and I don’t want her to run screaming in the other direction if I want more too fast.
But then I remember how she looked at me when she thought I wasn’t paying attention and how perfectly her hand fit in mine. Powerfluff has already claimed her throne at my grandparents’ house, and everyone respects that, even though it’s Grandma’s favorite chair.
Maybe it’s not too soon.
