“Actually, you can drive all the way up, but we could hike around as well. I have to go up there tomorrow to check out the site for a wedding, but it’ll be around four.” I needed to see how the light would fall at the same time as Natalie’s wedding, which would be held at five o’clock.
“I have to be at the restaurant at six-thirty. Can we be back by then?”
“Sure. That should give us time to soak our feet in the hot pools, just so you can say you’ve tried it.”
I could hear shuffling papers in the background and figured he must be calling from his realtor’s office. “What time would you like me to pick you up?”
“How about if I drive this time? I’ll be meeting with several vendors, and I don’t want to make you have to hunt me down. Do you want me to stop at your office or your home?”
“My office would be great,” Dallas answered.
“I’ll try to be there by three-thirty.”
“I’m looking forward to it already. Have a great night.” He ended the call, and I stared at my phone for a moment, arguing with myself again over Jenna’s suggestion that I didn’t like Dallas. He definitely liked me and was persistent. A guy who wasn’t really into me would’ve given up by now with my crazy schedule.
The kitchen beckoned, and I foraged for something to ease the gnawing hunger attacking my stomach. A hunk of cheese and some flour tortillas would make a great transformation into quesadillas. My mouth watered as I turned on the stove and flicked a tab of butter into a frying pan. My phone buzzed, and I noticed a text from Dallas. Feeling slightly irritated, I opened the message. It hadn’t even been five minutes since we talked.
Check your doorstep.
I frowned. Had he come over, even though I explained how much work I had to do? I tiptoed to the front door and looked through the peephole. No one there. I opened the door and heard a rustling at my feet. I looked down to see a bouquet of beautiful coral roses wrapped in green tissue paper. I scanned the parking lot before bending over to pick up the delicate buds. There was a note tucked in among the dark green leaves.
Adri,
I wanted you to know that I think you’re amazing, and your talents and dedication in the wedding business are exceptional. I’m sorry you’re so busy, but thanks for letting me take up some of your time. I can’t wait to see you again.
Love,
Dallas
I admit I let out a girly sigh, but who wouldn’t? So that’s how he knew I was home—he must have seen my vehicle outside when he brought the flowers. And I wouldn’t let him come see me. I felt terrible that I had been upset at him for checking up on me. I grabbed my phone to send him a message—or maybe I should call and tell him to come back. But the pile of things I needed to do would not go away just because Dallas was sweet and thoughtful. He had honored my wishes, and that meant something to me. I sent him a text.
Thank you for the roses!!! They’re beautiful!
Two seconds later, my phone pinged.
So are you.
I put my hand to my cheek, which lifted in a huge smile. The butter sizzled and popped, reminding me that I still hadn’t eaten. While the quesadilla browned in the pan, I gathered up my supplies and spread them across the table. I ate and then worked for two hours until my neck ached and my brain felt like mush.
It was just after nine, so I decided it was time for a kitty litter run. Tux had hung around the patio, sticking his nose in the crack of the door and meowing. I bent down and opened the door so I could cuddle the sleek kitten in my arms. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
It creeped me out to go to Roxy’s again, knowing that someone could be watching me. I shrugged off the worry and drove the speed limit, thinking that if Tony had been successful, maybe a few more cops would be patrolling my neighborhood. The entire trip took less than twenty minutes, since I speed-walked through the store and hit the express lane.
Once home again, I set up the tub of kitty litter, and then I used Tux’s paw and sifted through the litter, showing him what to do. He sniffed at it and circled around it with his tail held high.
“Sorry, boy, but you’ll have to stay out here for a couple more nights until I get things in the garage moved around for you.”
Tux looked at me and then started crunching his cat food. He was easy to please, at least. I moved into the living room with my wedding organizer and made a checklist of things I needed to look for in the forest by the hot springs. A few years ago, a fire had devoured part of the woods. I would need to make sure that no burnt trees were in view of the site for the wedding ceremony. The background for the pictures was supposed to be majestic and calming, not blackened and charred.
My cell phone rang, and I answered on the second ring. “Hey, Mom. How are you?”
“You should see the little flowers I’m crocheting. They are darling and so easy!” I could hear the smile in my mom’s voice. “I’m going to crochet a ring of them and see what you think about using them around one of your centerpieces.”
“You mean kind of like a doily?”
“Sort of, but this is more fresh, modern. I can’t wait to show you all the things we’ve been doing with them. Jenna sewed some onto a little shirt for Bryn—so cute.”
“You need to get out more.”
“Oh, hush. You’ll be just
