Page 42 of To Obsess

He gives a quick laugh, taking in the blush creeping into my cheeks. “Actually, I’m not in the market for a new book at the moment. I’ve got a TBR pile that just might swallow me whole before I can ever hope to finish it.”

“Oh? What kind of recommendation are you looking for then?” I can feel the heat in my cheeks but do my best to keep my breathing steady.

A smirk takes over one side of his mouth. “Well, I was actually wondering if you might have any recommendations of somewhere to take a woman for a first date. You see, there’s this woman I keep running into in town. I want to take her out, but I’m not sure what the best approach would be.”

I swallow thickly, trying to calm my racing heart before it legitimately bursts from my chest. “I suppose that depends on the woman,” I say with what I hope is a nonchalant shrug.

His smirk widens into a full-blown smile at the show of indifference. “Touche. What about you? Where would you like to be taken on a first date?”

“Oh, gosh. Way to put me on the spot,” I sputter, trying to keep from embarrassing myself. My thoughts drift to Mason and our weird relationship, if you could even call it that. I haven’t seen him since the night we talked about being exclusive.

“Violet.” The sound of my name on his lips sends a chill racing down my spine, drawing my attention back to him. Speaking of those lips, they’re the type that would inspire artists and poets. Full but not overly so, the perfect shape to match his features.

“Hmm?” I hum in response, too absorbed in my thoughts to process words. I realize with a jolt that this is the same guy who came in here before and bought my favorite book!

“That first date?” His gaze locks with mine for a beat too long.

“Well, I would personally recommend a dinner out on the river maybe. Restaurant dates are way overdone, as are movies. You can’t really talk and get to know anybody like that. A public setting, of course. Too many creeps out there in the world nowadays. Maybe mid-afternoon so it’s not too crowded but still plenty of daylight if it all goes well and you’re not ready to call it quits early on. But late enough that if it all goes south quickly, it’s not awkward to say you’ve had an exhausting day, and while it’s been fun, you’re going to head home to relax for the rest of the evening,” I say, barreling through my thoughts to get them all out as fluidly as possible.

He looks at me thoughtfully, as if he’s cataloging every word. “That sounds like some solid advice. Any ideas on what I should offer to bring for food? Obviously, I’ll need a blanket and some wine, but I could use some food suggestions.”

“Lord help, would you like for me to plan this entire date for you?” I say with fake exasperation, even throwing my hands up for a little extra drama. “I may have to charge you when this is all said and done, you know.”

“Put it on my tab. I’m desperate,” he says with a slight pout to his bottom lip. It lasts only a moment before the grin is back and his eyes are roving over my face, taking me in.

“Okay, okay. Let me think.” I pause for a moment in contemplation. “It all depends on what she likes of course, but there are a few foods that are probably safe for a first date. Hear me out before you discount it, though.” I raise my eyebrows, waiting for him to object. When he doesn’t, I continue.

“Chicken tenders.” The answer has a hearty laugh bursting from him before I can even finish my thought. I glare but push on, determined to make him see the logic in it. “Hush! Women have comfort foods! In any new restaurant or situation, you want to make her feel comfortable. Chicken tenders with a side of fries, every available dipping sauce. It’s definitely the move. That way, she’ll still feel like she’s in control but has choices.”

He rakes his eyes over me once again, trying to decide if I’m being serious. I am. Dead serious. “You may have a point there. Comfortability is key.”

I take a tiny bow behind the counter. “Whatever I can do to be of service. Customers are our top priority here, after all.”

“On that note, how would you like to go out with me sometime? Maybe… chicken tenders with a side of fries? Out by the river so it’s public? Mid-afternoon so you can have an excuse to leave early if you’re miserable?” He maintains a smile, but it has turned shy now, almost nervous. The sight has my heart fluttering.

“Oh. I… um… I would love to,” I stammer finally, completely taken aback by the question.

“Thank the gods,” he says on an exhale. “Tomorrow perhaps?”

“That sounds great,” I reply, failing to fight the smile on my own face. “Say three o’clock?”

He nods, no longer appearing shy or nervous. His smile is radiant as he looks me over. “Three o’clock. I’ll meet you by the picnic tables on the south side of the park.”

“Okay, great. I’ll see you there, then.” I fidget with a piece of cuticle on my left thumb, no longer sure what to do with my hands. I haven’t been this nervous around a guy since I was in high school.

“Great,” he says, heading for the door. “See you tomorrow, Violet.”

As the bell chimes above the door, my smile falters. I still don’t even know this guy’s name.

Chapter 39

Violet

I wake to the sounds of birds chirping outside my window and light streaming in through the small gap in the curtains. With a groan, I roll over and hug my pillow to my chest, willing myself to drift back into sleep. After several minutes pass with no luck, I drag myself from the warmth of the bed reluctantly, grumbling about the cold wood beneath my feet.

I wash my face with cold water, forcing my brain to wake up much quicker than it would like. Unfortunately, I’ve got things to do today and lying in bed isn’t on that list. Breakfast, however, happens to be priority number one. Well, right after a trip to the mailbox anyway. That seems to always take the number one spot lately.

I push my feet into the fuzzy cow slippers by the front door, throw a hoodie on, and cross my arms over my chest. This is my favorite time of year, but it’s still a little chilly in the mornings, especially right after crawling out of bed. Bracing myself, I pull open the door and step out onto the front porch.