“Sure. It sounds like an eventful day.” She shrugs her shoulders. I don’t think she’s prepared for the crowd this event brings to our town. Who knows? Maybe she’ll enjoy it because people from all over come to look at the flowers.
“I have a feeling I’ll fall in love with Asheville.” Jacob adds. He glances at his watch. “We should probably get going, though. We’re having dinner with my mom to show her what we decided on today.”
I don’t miss the frustration that flashes over Daniela’s face.
“Let me walk you to your car.”
The door of the main building opens at that exact moment. I expect Piper, but it’s Peter motioning me to come inside.
“We’ll let you get back to work.” Jasmin leans over and places a kiss on my cheek. I have the urge to move my head so it’ll hit my lips, but I don’t. We haven’t really set any boundaries. “Call me when you get off?”
“As soon as I’m walking out the door.”
I watch them before heading toward my brother, and I want to wipe the knowing grin off his face. She’s definitely going to break me.
Twelve
Jasmin
It felt like today took forever. Not because the work day was any different than normal. No, it’s the fact I have plans tonight. Ones I’m secretly excited for. Parker suggested we go to dinner sooner than later. We never really hashed out any details about what is okay and what isn’t in regard to our relationship.
Honestly, I’m glad he thought about it. There are some things I may not be okay with. The fact he’s the one who is concerned about it shows how great of a guy he really is. I’m sure if he wasn’t averse to serious dating, he would have been snatched up years ago.
Then there’s me. I don’t think I’ve been asked for a second date since college. Not that I mind. I also don’t like the idea of dating someone with the intention to spend my life with them. It’s just another person to take care of, and I’m done with that. Well, except for my family.
“Oh shit.” I mutter as I rush to get into the correct lane. I’m so deep in my own thoughts, I almost missed the exit. To be fair, it’s not hard to overlook. The only thing signifying Asheville is even around here is the small green sign with the town’s name next to the one for the exit. It’s a farm to market road, I think. It truly is a different world out here. But I still can’t wait to see Parker, and that scares me.
I glance at the map as I make my way toward Asheville. It looks like the restaurant we’re meeting at is close to the flower shop. A part of me wonders why he didn’t want to meet at the bar. At least then he’d know word would get back to his brothers and sister.
The flower shop windows are dark, and I know they’ve closed for the day. I drive down the road until the GPS tells me I’ve arrived. It doesn’t look like there are any parking spots open. There isn’t a lot or anything, just the little slots you can pull into. Thank goodness there isn’t anyone behind me. The last thing I want to do is hold up whatever is considered traffic here.
I see white lights coming from a car ahead of me. Finally, someone is leaving. I’m totally snagging that spot. There’s no telling how long it’ll take me to find another one, and I don’t know this town well enough to park somewhere else. I’ve literally been to two places outside of the winery. Though, I have a feeling I’ll know it pretty well by the time Daniela gets married.
For a weeknight, I’m surprised there are so many people out and about. I put the car in park and lift my hand to open my door, but there's a shadow of someone standing outside of it.
When I glance through the window, I see Parker beaming down at me. After a quick wave; he opens the door and holds out his hand to help me. I always knew he was charming, but this is on another level. Nobody who isn’t related to me has ever offered to help me out of my car. Is it bad I secretly like it?
“You made it.” His voice is a whisper in the quiet night. Well, mostly quiet. There are sounds coming from the restaurant, and a couple of people walking by and talking.
“Yeah,” I smile. “Sorry it took so long. I hit traffic coming out of Dallas.”
“No worries. I only got here about ten minutes ago.”
He closes the door behind us, and with my hand still in his, leads us up the steps to the restaurant.
“How did you know what I drive?” He could have seen my car when we visited the winery the first time, but I don’t think so.
“I saw you through your windshield.” He gives my hand a quick squeeze. “Remember, it doesn't get dark early this time of year.”
“Oh, yeah.” I shake my head and let go of his hand, and walk in front of him as he opens the door. “Time change is still messing with me even though it’s been almost a month.”
“Me too. But it’s nice to get home from work and there’s still sunshine to do whatever I need to outside.”
I’m about to ask him what he does outside, but I’m interrupted by a guy behind the host stand.
“Hi Parker. I'm not used to seeing you during the week.”
“That's only because after a long day of moving bottles, I don't feel like coming into town, but I'm here with my girlfriend, Jasmin.”
