“I do not.”His rebuke came out much faster than he’d intended.
Reed arched a brow.“I don’t believe your denial.And if you believe it, you’re a fool.She’s the best thing that has ever happened to you.”
Without another word, Reed turned and walked away, leaving Brad alone with his thoughts.And that wasn’t a good thing, because he envisioned what it would be like if he lived in the same town as Abby.
He tried to imagine what their first date would look like.Would Abby expect something fancy?He looked over at her as she spoke to an older couple.When she laughed, her cheeks plumped up, and her big brown eyes sparkled.She wasn’t fancy.She didn’t have to be.She had an innate beauty that started within and worked its way outward.
So, their first official date wouldn’t be anything fancy.But it should be something fun.Yes, definitely fun.Maybe a baseball game.But it was still winter out.
Perhaps ice skating.The idea definitely had merit.But did Abby know how to skate?He had absolutely no idea.There was so much about her he didn’t know—that he found himself longing to learn everything about her.
He snacked on some of the pigs in a blanket, which were little smoked sausages wrapped in puff pastry.Someone had thought to add a little cheddar to each one, and it made all the difference.There was a crockpot with meatballs in a sweet and savory sauce.They were okay.A big platter of vegetables and dip.And a whole host of finger foods spread out over a long banquet table.
His attention was drawn back to Abby as she opened her presents.She’d received an inordinate amount of coffee mugs.Apparently, people must think if you own a coffeeshop that you automatically need more mugs.Fascinating.
Abby made sure to thank each and every person who gave her a gift.Of course, she didn’t thank him because he hadn’t given her his card yet.All in due time.
One by one the guests departed.And after Brad helped her friends clean up, they also left.And then it was just him and her.This was the moment he’d been waiting for all evening.
Abby smiled at him.“I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk during the party.”
“Don’t be.You were the birthday girl enjoying your party.”
“And what did you do while I was talking to people?”Her eyes twinkled with happiness.
He stepped closer to her.As he stared into her eyes, he momentarily forgot the question.It took him a second or two, but then he recalled what she’d said.“I was busy over here, sampling the food.”
The smile fell from her face.“So, you aren’t hungry?”
“Why?Are you?”
She nodded.“I was so busy talking that I never got around to eating anything.Sadie and I were on our way to dinner when we happened upon the surprise party.But then again, I guess we didn’t just stumble across it.Sadie had it all planned out.”
“Well, since you’re hungry, walk this way.”He started toward the back of the chocolate shop.When he noticed that Abby wasn’t walking with him, he turned to her.“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think we should go into the kitchen.Besides, there’s nothing but chocolate in there.”
“It’s okay,” he said.“Carrie said we could borrow it.”
“She did?”
He smiled and nodded.“Come on.Your present awaits you.”
He hoped she liked it.With the help of her friends, his idea had grown and expanded.
Chapter Twenty
Theeveninghadbeenunforgettable.
Abby felt as though she were walking on cloud nine.She was so touched that her friends had planned a wonderful party for her.
She knew she was fortunate to have Sadie, Carrie, and Kate in her life.Not everyone had such good friends.She just hoped they knew how much she loved them.
And then there was Brad.She thought of asking him if he’d flown in just for her birthday, but she decided it didn’t matter.He was there for her party, and that was all that mattered.
Her heart fluttered when the last of her friends had departed, and he’d lingered.He wanted to spend some alone time with her.And she wanted to spend some alone time with him too.
And now he was trying to lead her back to the kitchen, but why?He was up to something, but what?
