“I didn’t,” I tell them easily. “This town simply hasn’t taken the time to get to know him or notice the man he really is.”
I can’t help the way my lips tug into a grin just thinking about him.
“Excuse me,” I say and then gather a few dishes before I disappear to the back, dropping the dirty plates in the dishwasher and then sneaking into my office.
I grab my phone and see a text from Dutton. I grin so big, my cheeks start to burn.
Dutton
We both should have skipped work today.
Brooke
And what would we be doing?
Dutton
… reading?
I let out a laugh.
Brooke
Reading, huh?
Dutton
I’m not sure if my first thought is appropriate.
Brooke
There’s only one way to find out. Tell me.
The dots appear.
I glance up to see Sammie and Daisy in the kitchen. Daisy was already set to close for today, so perhaps I could dip out early.
His reply hasn’t even come in yet, but I let my thumbs put words together.
Brooke
Come get me.
More bubbles and then …
Dutton
Now?
Brooke
Now.
Dutton
I’ll be there in ten minutes.
I quickly gather my things, my stomach turning into knots just as fast.
