“Yes, that’s right,” I said. “Thanks for handling that.”
“No problem,” he said. “Everything’s been going well. I was wondering if we could meet up for coffee or lunch next week?”
“Um, sure,” I said, caught off guard. “Let’s touch base tomorrow and find a time.”
“Sounds good. Take care,” he said before hanging up.
When I turned around, Will was at the counter, putting bread in the toaster and setting out jams and butter. He walked over to me, placing a cup of coffee in front of me before kissing my cheek.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice warm and soft.
“Good morning,” I replied.
I took a sip of coffee, letting the moment sink in.
“So,” I began, “I really need to get to the farmer’s market today. And I have some work I need to finish. But I was thinking that I could come back later.”
Will’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You don’t have the kids tonight?”
“Nope,” I said. “Jason’s keeping them until tomorrow morning and dropping them off at school. It’s his first solo drop-off. I have faith he’ll manage.”
“I’m surprised you want to spend another night with me,” he said teasingly.
“I think I want to try this but, slowly,” I said, meeting his gaze.
“I can slow down with you, Natalie,” he said, his tone sincere.
I decided, for now, to believe him.
When I got home, I felt a strange mix of emotions. My body was sore from days of passion, but my mind buzzed with thoughts of work, the kids, and what exactly this was with Will. It felt like stepping into another world when I was with him, but eventually, I’d have to reconcile it with the real one.
After a quick shower, I dressed and grabbed my basket for the farmer’s market. The beauty of Southern California was there’s always a fresh market nearby, no matter the day.
When I arrived, I headed to the fruit stand, taking in the vibrant colors of the produce.
“Hi, Natalie!”
I turned to see Lisa, the baker, waving at me.
“Hi, Lisa,” I said, smiling. “Great to see you. Are you gathering ingredients for something delicious?”
“Yes! I’m working on some lemon muffins this week,” she said brightly.
“That sounds amazing,” I replied.
“I’d love to drop off some samples for you and your family sometime soon,” she offered.
“That’s so thoughtful,” I said. “Why don’t you come over later this week? We can go over more of your vision for the bakery.” I handed her my phone. “Can I get your number?”
“Of course,” she said, typing her information into my contacts.
As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. Lisa had such a warm energy, and I wanted to hate her for that moment with Will, but I knew better. Will was all in with me, I just needed to decide if I was all in with him.
After finishing at the market, I stopped at Costco for a few more items, then headed home to organize everything for the week ahead. By the time I was done, it was mid-afternoon, and my thoughts drifted back to Will.
Natalie: Should I head over soon? What should I bring?
Will: Bring something sexy that I can rip off you.
