“You’re not pumping gas while on the phone, are you?” She knew him better than that, her teasing tone was obvious.
“I’m already done but sitting in the truck with the windows down since it’s so nice. I thought I’d call you first and let you know I’m almost home.”
“Did you still want to get dinner out this evening?”
“Yes, please, unless you need to change plans.”
She smiled to herself. “I kept my schedule clear.”
“Good. I’m really looking forward to being home and seeing you.” His voice held a tenderness that made her heart constrict in joy. “Does seven work? That will give me time to unpack and clean up.”
“Seven is perfect. The shop is closed, and I’ll be here in the apartment.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
The connection ended, and she stood still, certain she would look ridiculous if she saw her reflection in the mirror. Her smile couldn’t possibly be as wide as it felt judging by the overworked muscles in her cheeks.
An idea popped into her head. She couldn’t wait to see him, and he’d said he couldn’t wait to see her. Sure, she’d see him in a few hours, but why not hop over to his house and be there to surprise him when he arrived home.
An old memory surfaced, fighting briefly to steal her joy. She surprised Jess at his office once, bringing him lunch from his favorite restaurant. It hadn’t seemed like a big deal since he’d done the same for her, but he’d been livid and accused her of crowding him. In retrospect, she had her suspicions of why he’d been so upset.
Not that long ago, the memory would have upset her, caused a rise of shame and embarrassment. It would have made her question her decision to surprise Judah for fear he would react similarly, especially since they were only friends. But those insecurities were gone, and she would happily carry out her plan to see Judah earlier than he expected.
She rushed to her bedroom and went to the closet. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d already planned out several outfit options. She chose a rose gold knit top with a pair of dark denim wide leg jeans, finishing it with a pair of glittery ballet flats that matched her shirt. Digging into her makeup reserves, she applied a light coverage of shimmering eyeshadow and mascara, then added a blush pink lip color.
Grabbing her keys and purse, she ran out the door and down to her car. Half the fun of surprising Judah required her to be there before him. Thankfully, Dogwood Creek rarely had traffic, even at rush hour. She made it across town and to Judah’s house, thankful she had gotten there before him.
Despite having a key still, she didn’t feel comfortable waiting inside. She’d only been given access to water his plant, and shedidn’t want to overstep any boundaries. Besides, waiting outside gave her the opportunity to see him as soon as he drove in.
She sat on the front steps, fiddling on her phone to pass the time. Five minutes passed, and she doublechecked the time. He should have been here by now. Maybe he’d hit traffic at some point in that short distance.
Another ten minutes passed, and she began to worry.Five more minutes and I’ll give him a call.She played two more rounds of a word game on her phone that lasted two minutes before she gave up and called.
Her phone dialed Judah as in incoming call from him came through, and she quickly answered. “I was just calling you.”
“That must be why my first call didn’t go through. Are you okay?” he asked, a hint of concern in his tone.
“Yes, why? Are you?”
“I’m fine, but I know we agreed on seven, but I thought I’d stop and see you now as a surprise, but you aren’t home.”
Maegan burst into laughter, not stopping until tears rolled down from her eyes. “That’s because I had the same idea. I’m sitting on your front steps.”
“Are you serious? That’s funny.”
“I am. Stay put and I’ll be right there.” She leaped from the steps, ready to rush back to her apartment.
“Wait, if you don’t mind, what if I come there. You can hang out while I get ready, and we can leave from there.”
More time with Judah? What a fabulous plan. “I’ll stay put. See you in a few.”
For the second time in an hour, they hung up. She sat in the driver’s seat of her car and checked her appearance in the mirror. Satisfied other than her windswept tresses, she ran a brush through her hair several times.
Ten minutes passed exceptionally slowly. She was convinced it was thirty but had hit a time warp. When she heard a vehicle rumbling down the gravel road, she knew it had to be him. There weren’t many houses along this road, and she recognized the sound of his truck’s engine. Jumping from the car, she became self-conscious. Should she wait by the car for him, or should she go to him once he parked?
His truck came into view as he passed the line of trees, and her heart rate doubled. She could tell the second he spotted her. A large smile came over his face, and he waved. He jerked into his driveway and parked, swung his door open.
He wasted no time hopping out and circling the front of his truck, making his way to her. Her feet didn’t question what to do. As soon as she saw him walking, she moved toward him and they met between their vehicles.
