His work ethic was refreshing. Most business owners I had known would never have considered jumping into the lion’s den like that.
“Ever married?” It seemed like a weird question, but with him being in his thirties, it wasn’t that farfetched.
“Close once, but never married, and no children,” he responded quickly.
“You are quite an interesting person, Waylon. But, I saw how women were drooling over you the other night. Why me?”
He pursed his lips. “Because with you it felt natural. Catching you in my arms felt right. It wasn’t a forced feeling or because one of us was checking the other one out. It just clicked.”
“Cheers to your persistence.” I raised my glass to his.
“Cheers, sweetheart.”
We both finished our drinks and put the glasses in the sink.
“Well, I am going to call it a night,” Waylon stated as he helped me off of the counter.
“I want to ask you to stay,” I confessed as I walked him toward the door.
Tucking me into his side, Waylon held me tightly. “But it wouldn’t be gentlemanly of me to stay, and I want to see you again. This night has been perfect. Let’s keep it that way.”
“You’re a really good man,” I declared.
“Only for the right woman.” Leaning down, Waylon let his lips land on mine very briefly. “Sleep well, Annabelle.”
Chapter 9
Finding a Lost Smile
“Ladies, welcome.” Waylon brought over our first round of drinks without us needing to order them as we sat down at a bar table to begin our Monday night ritual.
They all had grins plastered on their faces and just watched him.
“Thank you, Waylon.” I let my hand brush over his forearm, and all three of my friends’ jaws dropped.
“You’ve very welcome. Enjoy. Let me know if you need anything.” Waylon pecked me on the cheek before retreating.
“Holy hell, girl!” Harper yelled before throwing her hands over her mouth. “We need details right the fuck now.”
“It was amazing. He came over, he cooked, we danced, we cleaned the kitchen, and then he left. That was all she wrote.” I rattled off the night’s events quickly, and their elated expressions turned sour.
“That’s it?” Caroline looked like I had just told her we’d kicked a puppy.
“That’s it,” I stated before devouring a cherry.
“Did he at least make a move?” Sawyer whined.
“I asked him to stay and he said he didn’t want to ruin how perfect the evening was.”
“I am so confused. The fire between you two just now was intoxicating, but that sounds like y’all are friend-zoning each other. I am going to get to the bottom of this.” Without warning, Sawyer waved over to Waylon.
“Oh my God, Sawyer! What are you doing?” I yell-whispered at her as Waylon approached.
“How can I help you ladies?” Waylon smiled at the gaggle with a touch of nervousness in his eyes.
“You own the place right?” Sawyer inquired.
“I do.” Waylon looked over to me for help, and all I could do was shrug before Sawyer started talking again.
