“No.”
For a horrible moment, I think this was his game. To make me feel like shit in some twisted trap. But he reaches over and grabs my arm with a firm, yet gentle, touch.
“Diamond.” His voice is that soft one I like, and my mind spins with how we went from an almost kiss to him practically begging me to ask him on a date. “I don’t like movies, but I like food. I love conversation. Things that allow us to talk.” Rhett swallows, and I think this is as hard for him as it is for me. “Yes, I’ll be busy soon, but I’d like very much to know you more.”
I manifested him.
I resent the memo that I’m fabulous. Although I think it might be stuck in the universe somewhere. Or maybe he just doesn’twant to get naked on the first date. Which…isn’t a bad thing, I think. When’s the last time I went on a real date?
My lungs can’t take oxygen in fast enough, and I wobble on my feet.
“Are you okay?” Rhett steps closer, his brow furrowed with concern, and I manage to shake my head.
“I’m fine. Uh, I promise I’m not flirting, but…would you like to ride horses with me?”
The brightest smile fills his face. “You ride?”
“Yes.” I smirk. “I can do a lot of things that might surprise you, cowboy.”
Rhett quietly studies me, and I wish I could read that look.
“I bet you could. Do you have a place in mind?”
“Hunter has some great trails on his ranch. It should be dry enough out there that we could get to the foothills easily enough.”
“That sounds amazing. I have some things to take care of tomorrow. Would you be free the next day?”
Jesus Christ, my hands shake as I check my phone. Monday is my busiest day, but I can go into the shop on Sunday, prepare as much as possible and call in my first staff member early. They’d love the extra few hours.
“That seems doable for me.”
“Great. I look forward to it.”
The dogs race back, and I glance over my shoulder towards the crowd of guests, reminding me why I’m here. I need to speak with my friends. As much as I want to stay and get to know the newest member of the Kissing Ridge crew, that will have to wait.
“I should talk to the guys. It’s a tradition.”
“I know, and they look forward to it. I’ll join you later once Tater tires herself out.”
We stare at each other for a moment, my body more aware of a man’s closeness than it’s been in years. This isn’t how Ienvisioned the conversation to go, especially after he pinned me to the greenhouse wall and I finally have his scent in my nose.
Rhett smiles again. His lips tilt with just enough promise to make my heart pound. “See you soon, Diamond.”
“You’re sure you’re okay with everything?”
Morgan nods their head and shoves me toward the door. “I got it, boss. Get out of here and enjoy the weather. I promise things will be fine.”
“I know. I just feel a little bad leaving.”
“You own the place and literally pay me to fill in for you. Go.”
While that’s true, it doesn’t make it easier to leave my baby.
“Okay, okay. Call me if you need anything.”
“I won’t.” Another push to my shoulder, and I laugh.
“I’m going!”
