So close!
Saved by Ford’s father. She frowned.
What was she doing? She had no business kissing Ford. None. Not even a little. She was losing her marbles. But boy-oh-boy, had she ever wanted to.
“Unfortunately, I do have to go.” She cleared the frog from her throat. “I have to work tomorrow.”
“Doesn’t the shop open later on Sunday?” Ernest asked.
“It does.” She focused on buttoning her jacket to hide the heat in her cheeks. The man had almost caught her kissing his son! They weren’t even dating.
Her mind whirled and spun out of control.
Dating Ford. Long winter walks. Dinner and movies. Video game dates. Cuddled up on the couch watching old cop shows. Getting together with friends.
Stop! Don’t even think about going there.
And yet, she did. In a matter of seconds, she saw an entire future with Ford.
It made no sense. They bickered over dessert. She wouldn’t give up her career. He had an antiquated notion of a stay-at-home wife.
Still, he was great company. They shared a lot of interests. He was good to his mother and grandmother. He had everything she wanted in a man.
He was perfect for her … and nothing close to what she needed.
Chapter Nine
Drinda stumbled through the snow and up the front step. She jabbed her key at the lock.Cupcake liners, she was tired. So tired. Exhaustion beat at every pore of her body. And hunger. She’d feel better once she ate … if she could muster up the energy to order something. She sure didn’t have the strength to cook. Not after her busiest day yet. Elation battled exhaustion. If this kept up, she’d be a success! She’d had to put in an extra supply order and have it rushed in. She’d never survive if her coffee shop ran out of coffee beans.
Maxi was a great help today, but she was still in school and was studying for a big exam. Drinda had sent her home with the admonishment that school came first.
“Hey, Drinda. How are you?”
She jerked around, nearly falling off the step. “Oh. Ford. I didn’t hear you come up.”
“Sorry about that. Lost in thought?” he asked.
She clutched the railing for stability and looked at him. He wore a navy-blue fire department-issue winter jacket, heavy looking pants, and thick boots. Despite the snow dusting his hair and shoulders, he looked ready to tackle anything.
“Just tired,” she said without meaning to.
“Long day?” He stopped where the sidewalk split to go to their separate doors and looked up at her.
“A very good day but busy. So busy.” She grinned. “That’s a good thing.”
“I’m glad business is good. Have you eaten?” he asked. “I was about to order something. Maybe pizza. Maybe sushi. I’m too lazy to cook. It’s my last day of six. I’m going into four days off. You could join me.”
Two-thirds of her wanted to say no. She was exhausted. But she was starving. If he ordered, she could eat. Food would probably revive her enough to feel human again.
“You know what, that would be great. I’m famished. I could eat a Volkswagen.”
“Remind me not to give you silverware,” he joked. “What do you feel like? I’ll order it while you change.”
“Change?”
“Honey, you’re covered in flour.”
She glanced down and sure enough, her legs were liberally dusted with flour. “Oh my. I had no idea. I wonder when that happened.” She rolled her eyes. “It was a day today. I’ll eat anything if it isn’t too spicy. Order whatever you want.”
