“I’m leaving in a few minutes,” she said. “Unless that’s too early? I couldn’t remember if you said a time, and I’ve been pacing around wondering when I should show up.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t remember if I said a time either.” I’d been too wrapped up in her. “As far as I’m concerned, the sooner the better.”
“I’m glad I called. I’m making all this way too difficult on myself. I don’t want to make a mistake, so I overthink everything.”
I chuckled. “Me too. We have to remember this isn’t like a real first date. We’ve skipped all that already, so there’s no reason to be nervous.”
“I’ll be there in thirty minutes. I need to make a stop in town.”
“I’ll see you soon. Drive safe.”
Thirty minutes until she arrived. “Thirty minutes,” I said to the animals. “And the most special woman in the world is coming to our house.”
Moonshine flopped on the floor, completely disinterested in my love life.
“Should I shave again?” I’d shaved once already, but I wanted to kiss her again. Scratching her alabaster skin was out of the question.
Duke wagged his tail and then came over to lick my hand.
“I can’t trust you, Duke. You lick your private parts. What do you know about grooming for a lady?”
9
Carlie
I could have found the Paisley property in my sleep. Like all the roads and streets of Logan Bend, I knew it as I knew the details of my own face. However, as I drove down the gravel driveway, I began to doubt the intelligence of my decision to go to his home. Having him cook for me seemed intimate and too soon given our recent reconnection. What if I disappointed him after a second meeting? Had it been simply fantasy and nostalgia that we’d felt at lunch? Would all that be replaced tonight with awkwardness?
Were there expectations when one went to a man’s house for dinner? Since my divorce, I’d gone on exactly two online coffee dates. Neither led anywhere. After that, I’d decided to give it more time. I hadn’t felt ready. Also, I didn’t mind being alone. I could read when I wanted, eat what I wanted. Even the television, which had been entirely in my husband’s control, had a new owner. Me.
Cole Paisley, though? He was an entirely different situation. He had the power to hurt me. I’d given my heart to my husband only to suffer humiliation after humiliation.
My phone rang as I came upon the Paisley driveway. A metal gate and fence surrounded what I could see of the property. He’d left the gate open for me, but I could see a lockbox that required a code. Did he ever worry about his safety as I did? It wouldn’t surprise me. We’d seen evil up close thirty years ago. It was impossible not to be changed.
I stopped before the open gate and picked up my phone. To my delight, the call was from Brooke. “Hi, honey,” I said.
“Hey, Mom. Just checking on you. I called the house and Gram said you had a date with Cole Paisley. Oh my God, is it true?”
I had to laugh at the excitement in Brooke’s voice. Despite how my ex-husband’s behavior had hurt her, my daughter was romantic. “Yes. I’m at his gate now and was just thinking about running away.”
“Mom, don’t you dare. Is he still cute?”
“Better than ever, I’m afraid. We had lunch earlier.”
“And? Well, it must have gone well if you’re seeing him tonight too. Mom, I’m super psyched for you.”
“I hope I’m not setting myself up to get hurt.”
“Not Cole, Mom. Not if he’s like you described him.”
“He lives here, Brooke, and loves it.”
“You once loved Logan Bend too. You’re not even sure you want to keep working. Mom, you can’t limit yourself just because you’re scared.”
“When did you get so bossy?”
She giggled. “I want you to be happy. You deserve it. More than anyone. You’re always taking care of everyone else. Maybe it’s your turn.”
“Thanks, sweetie.”
“Now, go through the gate. Call me later. Or tomorrow, if you’re busy tonight.”
“Brooke!”
“I’m just kidding, Mom. Have fun, okay?”
“Okay. Love you.”
“Me too.”
I hung up, still smiling. My baby girl was a remarkable young woman. All the struggles of the teen years were as faded as childbirth.
I put the car in Drive and went through the gate. The long driveway that had once been dirt and uneven with potholes was now even and covered with gravel. I rounded the corner expecting to see the Paisleys’ run-down trailer. Instead, a charming modern farmhouse stood in its predecessor’s place. A study in the contrast of black and white, the house had a white exterior of both painted brick and wood siding paired with a black roof and shutters. The front porch had black herringbone trim that told me what love and care he’d put into every detail. If all his work was like his own house, no wonder he’d been able to retire early.
I parked in front of the two-door detached garage, admiring its traditional crisscross design before reaching over to grab the bottle of wine I’d stopped in town for. As I approached the front door, Cole stepped out to the porch to greet me. My stomach fluttered at the sight of him. He wore loose jeans and a T-shirt that clung to his muscular torso. This was a man who obviously had spent his adulthood doing physical work. Behind him, the yellow face of a Labrador peeked around his legs. A black-and-white tuxedo cat shot between Cole’s legs, then, as if dizzy, plopped at his feet.
“Welcome to my home.” He smiled before giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Did you remember how to get here?”
“Not much had changed until I turned into your driveway. Your place is breathtaking.”
“Thanks. I’m partial to it myself.” He brushed a few damp curls from his forehead.
I’d have gladly melted right into his arms and let him have his
