She sent him a tentative smile.“You didn’t.I...I was just surprised is all.”
His gaze searched hers.“Are you sure that’s all?I hope I didn’t ruin things after such a nice evening.”
She shook her head.How could she be upset with him after all of the trouble he’d gone to for her?
She could see now that he’d only meant to be kind.And she felt bad for not reacting with more enthusiasm.Just because men had let her down in the past didn’t mean Brad would be the same way.She wanted to let her guard down with him.
Putting a genuine smile on her face, she said, “I’m sorry.Your gift was very thoughtful and very generous.Thank you very much.”
The light came back to his eyes.“Does this mean you’ll come visit me?”
She nodded before she had a chance to overthink the invitation.“I just don’t know when.”To make up for her less-than-enthusiastic response to the gift card, she said, “Well, since I have tomorrow off, what should we do with the rest of the evening?”
That made him smile.“I don’t know.This was the extent of my plans.”
Disappointed that the evening was ending so soon, she said, “We hardly get to see each other.I don’t want to say goodnight just yet.”
He reached out and placed his hand over hers.“I was hoping you’d say that, because I don’t want to say goodnight either.”
Then she had an idea.“Let’s clean up, and then we can go to my place to watch a movie.”
“Okay.”
She noticed his answer was quick, with zero hesitation.Then she had a thought.“What about the B&B?Will you be able to get in so late?”
He shook his head.“I’m not staying there this trip.They were booked.So, I’m bunking with Reed.He’s got the bed, and I’ve got the couch.”
She nodded.She stifled a yawn, because she was usually in bed by this time.But she wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.
With the kitchen put to rights and the leftover pizza wrapped up, they headed to her place.She had an apartment not far from the coffeeshop.It was a small one-bedroom place.But it was cozy and perfect for just her.
Luckily, she had streaming television, so there was a large selection of movies to choose from.In the end, they chose a rom-com.They were her favorite.The fact that he was willing to watch it with her meant a lot.
She settled on the couch next to him.She thought of throwing a bag of popcorn into the microwave, but she was still full from that delicious dinner.Eventually, Brad’s arm wrapped over her shoulders, and the next thing she knew, her head was on his shoulder.He was so comfy to snuggle to.A yawn came over her.Exhaustion was quickly catching up with her.She blinked and tried to focus on the screen.
Another yawn plagued her.And her eyes were so heavy.Maybe if she sat up straight, it would help, but she was reluctant to move.She loved cuddling with him.
Maybe if she rested her eyes for just a moment, she’d be okay.Her eyes closed, and the land of dreams claimed her...
Chapter Twenty-One
Itwasadream...
Or was it?
Abby was wearing a beautiful black dress and being held in Brad’s arms as they danced.She couldn’t make out the music.In fact, she wasn’t quite sure there was any music, just the rhythm of their beating hearts.
She didn’t know where they were or who the people were that stepped back to watch them dance.None of that mattered.The only thing that mattered was the way Brad looked into her eyes.There was love in his eyes and unquestionable devotion.She felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
Buzz-buzz.
The intrusive sound tried to draw her from her perfect dream world.She didn’t want to wake up.She wanted to stay right there with...
Buzz-buzz.
Abby’s eyes fluttered open.It took her a moment to figure out where she was.And then it dawned on her that she’d slept on the couch.There was bright sunshine streaming in through the living room windows.
When she sat up, the blanket fell to her lap.Slowly it came back to her.She’d been watching the movie with Brad, and she’d fallen asleep.She inwardly groaned.What must he think of her falling asleep on his shoulder?
