That might be a headache.
So let me just add asking Lexi to attend as another checkmark on my list of things I probably shouldn’t do but will.
10
LEXI
Fumbling with the keys in my bag, I’m only aware that someone is behind me from the crunching of gravel on the ground of the Dizzy Duck parking lot.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Holden is messing with me.
“Not that it’s any of your business—okay, it might be, but I’m heading to an antique store about thirty minutes from here. It’s only open a few days a week, and today just happens to be one of them.”Got themI pull my keys out and turn to Holden who is smirking under this bright day with a cold nip that hits your skin with a chill.
Lines form on his forehead. “Really? For the Dizzy Duck?”
“No, my billion-dollar house on a tropical island,” I deadpan.
He scoffs. “Can’t believe you never told me about that. Kind of brokenhearted that you haven’t given me an invite.” For theatrics, he brings his palm to his heart.
My smile spreads wider as I move away from our playful chat. “But yes, for the inn.”
Holden glances at his watch. “How long do you think you’ll be?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. Probably two hours or so, depends on what I find.”
He steps forward and snatches my key fob. “Great. I have time, so let me drive us there.”
I take in this change of events. “Drive us?”
He’s already heading toward his SUV, expecting me to follow as he pulls his key out of his pocket and hits the unlock button without so much as checking over his shoulder. And, well, I’ve learned that I’m weak when it comes to his surprise plans.
“Antique stores are a new realm for me, and I have a bigger trunk if you want something. Plus, if it’s for the inn, wouldn’t you want my credit card?”
All logical. No way to counter.
“Valid points.” I eagerly open the passenger side door.
The engine revs up, and he begins to press buttons on the dashboard. “Address, please.”
I swipe my phone screen to draw up the address and show him, then he types everything in to the GPS. Off we go, and I’m still trying to grasp what the mood is between us. Friends with benefits means said friend can accompany you on one of your favorite activities, right?
“It’s in an old barn that the owners spruced up. We most definitely don’t need them, but they even have old wagons and barrels.” My voice is cheerful to bring us to neutral topics.
Holden chuckles under his breath. “Then into the cornfields we go.”
“Could be wheat,” I quip, and his head turns slightly in my direction, clearly amused. To avoid his eyes, I glance out the window and stare at the woods that circle the lake. The duck-crossing sign reminds me of this quaint town that is a special place for many. “Actually, Illinois is 75% farmland.”
“Someone is studious.”
“Nah, I just wondered once when I left the suburbs to see an old college friend and boredom kicked in after thirty miles with no change of scene. Unless you get off a highway and go to a small town that is along a river or freight railroad track. There is, of course, Route 66 which has its quirks.”
He laughs as he keeps his hands steady on the wheel. “Ah, so you were a nerd by day and party girl by night all those years ago.”
My head lolls to the side against the headrest to appraise him. “Eight years ago, to be exact, that’s when you got your favor napkin, and yes, I’m highlighting that you’re older yet not wiser,” I joke.
“Watch it. I’m beginning to tally how many spankings you’ll get next time.”
Sprinkles of anticipation begin to burst throughout my body. “Looking forward to it.”
