We step outside, the gorgeous late September air still holding a touch of the warmth from the day. “Have you heard from him?”
I think about the phone in my pocket, the one that vibrated right before the staff meeting, and pull it out to check the screen. When I see his name, I smile.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” she replies. “I better hear all about this tomorrow morning.”
I shared a few breadcrumbs over our lunch hour about running into him last night and sharing nachos with him.
“Good night, Allison,” I say before climbing behind the wheel of my vehicle and firing it up. Then, I tap on the phone screen and read the message he sent.
Cade
Sorry for the delay. Work was crazy today. You’re very welcome. Dinner?
Smiling, I don’t even give any thought to my reply. It’s instantaneous and feels right.
Me
Where?
CHAPTER
NINE
Cade
“You smell nice.”
I glance at my twin brother and smile. “Thanks, sweetheart, but I’m still not putting out tonight. I have plans.”
He shakes his head as he pulls up behind my personal truck, clearly used to my inappropriate humor and understanding I’m joking. “All I was saying is you don’t smell like ass.”
I snort, reaching for the door handle. “That’s because I showered. I do tend to do that nightly after I get home from work.”
“Yeah, but,” he starts, leaning over and inhaling, “I smell cologne.”
Pushing against his shoulder, I grumble, “Quit hitting on me! I’m your brother, sicko.”
He chuckles and rolls his eyes. “You’re dumb. And here I thought Cam was my dumbest sibling.”
I bark out a laugh. “I’m telling him you said that.”
“I’m sure he’ll believe you,” Collin replies. “Anyway, just here picking up your truck?”
Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “Just ask what you want to ask. Quit beatin’ around the bush.”
“You going up to the door?”
“Yes,” I reply, glancing toward said front entrance. I know she’s home. I see her Cherokee in the driveway.
“Well, have a good night, but I’ll be busy with Lizzie later, so if you need another ride home, call Camden. He’s a loser and probably not doing anything.”
I bark out a laugh and open the passenger door. “I’m telling him you said that too.”
“I won’t deny it. Have a good one,” Collin adds, waving as I close the door and head for the porch.
I wait until he backs away from my truck and drives off before walking up the steps and knocking. Oaklee answers the door wearing light blue scrubs and a smile. “Hi,” she says, the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks.
“Hello,” I state with a beaming smile. “I know you just got home from work, but I thought we could discuss our options for dinner.”
