“So, tell me. How did Mr. Clean get you out on a date in the first place?” I ask her, taking a sip of my beer.
“Mr. Clean?” she asks, furrowing her brows.
“Ya. You know.” I run my hand over my head, and her lips twitch, fighting a smile.
“You did not.” she giggles, covering her mouth with her hand.
I shrug and give her my best smile.
“He’s Mrs. Ira’s nephew. It’s all her fault,” she tells me.
“Ahh,” I say, tipping my beer towards her. “Now that makes sense.”
“Not looking forward to seeing her. I don’t know how I’m going to tell her the date didn’t go well.”
“I’m sure she’ll find out when he arrives back early and alone,” I point out.
“I suppose so.” She sighs.
We spend the next hour talking about Ira and her group of knitters and all their shenanigans. I tell her the newest story about Ian and Ms. Johnson and get lost in the depth of her laugh. She’s absolutely mesmerizing.
“Thank you for saving me tonight. I really appreciate it, but I should probably get home now. I had a really great time with you this evening.” She smiles, getting up from her chair, and I catch a glimpse of those heels again.
“How about I drive you? Those heels might not be the best walking shoes.”
“Oh.” She looks down at her feet. “No. I suppose they wouldn’t be the best, would they?”
“My cruiser is still parked at the station if you don’t mind walking back that way?”
“I don’t mind.” She smiles.
Fifteen minutes later, I pull away from Jade’s driveway feeling damn good about the progress I’ve made with her. Tonight was the first time we’ve spent any time together, and even though it was only for a drink and she started out the evening with a different man, I still had a great time. I just wish the night didn’t have to end.
The next morning, I make my daily stop at Lemon and Lavender where Jade greets me with a shy smile. When shebends over to reach for a square out of the case, my eyes dart to the view of her plump breasts on display, and I fight a groan at the sight.
When I came in, I noticed the flyer on her bulletin board advertising the Kick Off to Summer Fair taking place in a week and get the idea to ask her to go with me. I think after last night, she might be a little more open to giving me a chance.
“You planning on going to the fair?” I ask her casually as she rings me up.
“I am! I love the fair. How about you?” she asks.
“I was planning on checking out the booths, but not sure the rides are really my thing.” I chuckle. “Would you maybe wanna go together?”
She hesitates for a beat, and I worry she’s going to say no, but then she surprises me. “Sure.” She smiles. “I’d really like that.”
Fighting back a grin of my own and trying to play it cool, I tip my head in acknowledgment. “Awesome. It’s a date. Will you have a booth set up?”
“I will. But I can ask Sarah to do it alone this year. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”
“Great. Well, you let me know.” I tap my knuckles on the counter and back up towards the door to leave.
“Have a lovely day, Jade.”
“Thanks. You too. And thanks again for last night!” She gives a little wave, and I leave the bakery with a giant grin on my face.
Fuck yeah, I got a date with Jade Holland.
I’m fucking swamped today. Garrett didn’t show, so I’m one guy down. I have paperwork up the ass again, and Ian has been getting calls left, right, and centre. There was a motor accident on the outskirts of town resulting in one casualty, a theft report on a stolen camper, and two public disturbance reports.
