“Why Grant Ellison, are you tryin’ to court me?” Her attempt at a southern accent is adorable.
Resting my hands on her hips, I pull her body flush to mine. With hands resting on my biceps, her big blue eyes look deeply into mine, questioning my intentions but teasing me all the same.
“Yes ma’am. I do believe that’s exactly what I’m doin’.” Okay, my accent needs some work.
Laughing, she coughs into her elbow as I envelope her into a hug. Placing a kiss to the top of her head, I inhale the scent of her shampoo. Sighing, her arms wrap around my waist.
“Dakota, all kidding aside, I plan on seeing where this goes if you’ll have me. I enjoy being with you and, truth be told, you’re consuming too many of my thoughts for me to walk away. But I need to know now if someone else is trying to give me a little competition.”
Leaning back, not letting go of her hold, she looks up at me. “There’s nobody else but you, Grant. The flowers aren’t from my parents. Actually, I have no idea who they’re from. I came home after taking the girls to school yesterday, and they were on the porch when I returned. There’s no card so I assume it fell off. Honestly, I had hoped they were from you. It’s silly but the red—”
“It’s not silly. I would send you five dozen red roses if I had thought of it, but they aren’t from me. The other flowers—”
“Those weren’t from my parents either.”
Shrugging, she steps away and I miss her warmth immediately. Two elaborate deliveries and neither from family. It’s only then that I remember the other reason I came by earlier.
“Has anything else been going on? Other deliveries?”
“No. Business as usual. Well except me being sick. It’s been years.”
“Let’s go back to the movie. I’ll clean this up later.”
Grabbing her hand, I guide us to the couch. This time, she doesn’t sit far from me. Instead, I nestle her into my side, her arm resting across my abdomen.
“I didn’t only come over for lunch.” She giggles and I tickle her side. “I wanted to talk to you about your tire.”
“What about it?” she asks through a yawn.
“Cory called me this morning. Dakota, the tire was sliced. It wasn’t a screw or nail like we assumed. Cory said if he had to guess, it had been something sharp. Do you remember hitting anything or perhaps running over metal?”
Sitting up, she looks at me, her face scrunched up. Germs be damned, I lean in and kiss her. Sighing, she leans in before pulling back abruptly.
“I’m sick.”
“I’m aware. You look adorable and I couldn’t resist. I take my elderberry every morning, I had my flu shot at Sunny Hills.”
“Sunny what?”
Surely, I’ve told her about Sunny Hills and my time there. Or haven’t I? Come to think of it . . .
“Sunny Hills. It’s the assisted living and retirement home I volunteered at in Fayhill. I’ll tell you about it later. The tire?”
“Wow. You really are the whole package. Okay, the tire. No, I don’t think I hit or ran anything over. I had that flat after going to a construction site just days prior to this flat. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“Perhaps, but my gut says it’s more than nothing. Flowers showing up without cards on your porch and a flat tire. I don’t like it, Dakota. What about phone calls?”
Resting her hand on my cheek, she tilts her head and studies me for a moment. Her eyes dance across my face, a slow smile appearing before she leans in and places her lips on mine. I guess she’s no longer worried about germs. Kissing her back, I don’t deepen the connection but instead pull back.
“What was that for? Not that I’m complaining, I like you kissing me.”
“I like kissing you. That was to thank you for worrying about me. For caring enough to come over here when I’m at my absolute worst and not being scared off. I know what happened with Scarlett last year was frightening, but I promise you, this is nothing like that. I’m sure it’s someone trying to brighten my day.”
“If I learned anything after last year, it’s that you can never be too careful. Promise me you’ll take precautions. When you’re feeling better, maybe I can teach you some self-defense.”
“You just want to get me sweaty and wrap your arms around me.”
She may be teasing but she isn’t wrong. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to wondering where our make-out session from last weekend would have ended up had it not been for Arizona. Speaking of . . .
“You never answered me.”
Dakota cuddles back into my side, coughing a few times before mumbling, “Hmm?”
“Did you really name your daughters after characters on a television show?”
“Officially, no. They’re named after the states they were conceived just like Minnie, our brother Lincoln, and me. Secretly, yes. Best show on television and two kick ass characters who both overcame adversity to be successful women.”
Relaxing into the couch, it isn’t long before her breathing slows to indicate she’s fallen asleep. I enjoy having her in my arms like this, relaxed and comfortable with me in her space. She needs to rest, and I need to have her here, knowing she’s safe. Regardless of what she thinks, my gut says the flowers and tire are not a coincidence.
Chapter 24
Dakota
Pigeon position is my favorite. At least that’s what I tell myself to get through it. The truth is all it does is remind me of how battered my body once was. Normally I focus on the positive points of my recovery and that there was a time I wondered if I’d ever live without pain.
My dependency on my pain medication didn’t only prevent me from grieving properly, it masked my physical pain too. Numb and living in a perpetual fog was easier than facing everything around me. After the fog lifted and my body was clear of the poison I had filled it with, I was faced with an overwhelming battle. Post-partum depression, the loss of my husband and best friend, financial uncertainty, and physically, my body was broken. The bones had healed but without the blanket of numbness I realized how much damage was actually done.
Yoga has been my saving grace. Strength, both emotionally and physically, still sits deep inside of me and by attending classes regularly, I’ve been able to overcome so much. Then, there are days like today when I’m here with all my girlfriends and their need to assess my new dating life is more important to them than deepening their downward dog.
“Stop it. You’re going to get us kicked out,” I hiss at my sister who giggles and repeats my warning to the others.
Closing my eyes, I listen to the instructor as she welcomes us to focus on our bodies and how relaxed we are. She walks around the room, placing lavender packs on our eyes. Savasana is everyone’s favorite part of class because they are closer to breakfast. For me, it’s ten minutes of the week that nobody needs anything from me. Ten minutes of peace and quiet.
“But did you kiss him?”
I swear I’m going to call my mother and ask for a new sister. This one is going to drive me insane. Ignoring Minnie, I manage to relax and clear my mind. And think of Grant. It’s been two weeks since he brought me tacos and soup. Two weeks of coffee dates and late night phone calls. His kisses are like flint, igniting a fire deep inside of me. I sound like some weird online meme but it’s true.
The instructor’s voice stops me from thinking of Grant’s kisses. “As we come out of Savasana, I want to thank you all for sharing your time with me today. May you face the coming week with a clear mind and an open heart. Namaste.”
“Namaste,” the class responds. People begin to mill around me, feet shuffling, mats being rolled up. Not me. I just lie here, eyes closed, pretending the girls aren’t standing at my feet. A nudge at my foot can only be one person.
“Minnesota Eleanor Walker,” I growl while slowly opening my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light.
Ashton snorts, Piper elbows her, and Scarlett rolls her eyes before warning, “Ladies, don’t start arguing. Y’all make me
come here and twist my body like a pretzel and find my Zen. If you cause tension in my shoulders, I will curse you both.”
Rising to my elbows, I quirk a brow. “Scarlett, when did you learn voodoo?”
“I didn’t but I bet I could still do it. The internet is a wonderful source of information.”
“Dakota, I need to know what’s happening. I’m your sister and know nothing. Well, except that everyone in town is buzzing about seeing you and Grant kissing against your car last week. Quite scandalous, I must say.”
Standing and adjusting my tank top, I take a deep breath and exhale before grabbing Minnie by her shoulders. Looking her in the eye and without an ounce of emotion I say, “Sister dearest, I love you, but I highly doubt I’ve created a scandal. As for the rest of you, I’ve been waiting until we’re all together.”
All four of my friends lean forward as if I’m about to share a government secret.
“It’s none of your damn business. Grant and I are friends. We’re getting to know one another. Now, don’t you all have children to care for or men to give your attention to?”
They all begin to murmur that they do in fact all have somewhere to be, but the priority is pancakes for breakfast. Quickly, we all gather our belongings to empty the room before the next class. Taking up the rear of our group, I stumble into Scarlett when she stops abruptly.
“Ash don’t—”
“I don’t have time for your shit, Felicity. I have to get home to my fiancé and our children who are all at our home. That’s right, you don’t have a home and your husband is where exactly? That’s what I thought. Stop being such a spiteful bitch, maybe Karma will give you a break.”
Staring wide-eyed at Scarlett, she shrugs a shoulder as we shuffle past a tall slender woman with light brown hair. Her nose is in the air and she reeks of stuck-up. I’ve seen her around town but haven’t interacted with her myself, but I know there is no love lost between her and Ashton and Piper. The entire walk out of the building and to the sidewalk, Ash mumbles under her breath.
“I swear that bitch gets my—”
“Ash, relax. You know she only behaves that way because she’s miserable. Why do you let her push your buttons?”
Bless Piper and her big heart. She’s one of the kindest people I know, and it doesn’t surprise me to hear her calming her best friend and sister-in-law. Watching as my friends tease and laugh along with Ashton, an overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me. You hear about girl tribes and friends who are like family, but until this town and these women, I hadn’t experienced that. Until then, it was always just Minnie and me, sisters and best friends. Now we have a tribe. It’s a wonderful feeling.
“I think I really like Grant,” I blurt out.
Conversations stop, Scarlett slowly pokes her head through the neck of her hoodie, and Minnie smiles like she just won the lottery.
“I mean, of course I like him. He’s great. Scarlett can confirm that.” All eyes turn to her and she nods, a smirk on her face. “It’s just, this is a lot for me. Being with someone other than Jeff, well, it’s huge. But, gosh . . . he’s so kind and patient. He makes me laugh and we can talk for hours and never waiver. When I was sick, he brought tacos. Without me asking. I mean, tacos.”
“Hey,” Scarlett says while grabbing my hand, “all of that is true but you are also kind and patient. He’s the lucky one in this scenario. Never forget that.”
Tears prickle at my eyes because no matter how simple the compliment, words like that hit me in the feelings. I’m tenderhearted when it comes to people I care about saying things like that to me. About me.
“Thanks. I just . . . I need you guys to let this play out. Please don’t make it more than it is. We haven’t defined anything and honestly, I’m nervous to label something that may only be friendship. Once that happens, he’ll expect—”
“Oh Dakota,” Minnie says as she pulls me into a hug. “Is this about sex?”
“Minnesota!” This time it isn’t me scolding her but the entire group. My tribe.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to shout. Is it? I didn’t think of sex. I thought it was about the girls or some sort of widow guilt. Is that a thing? I don’t know. Oh shit, I’m making this worse. I’m sorry, Sissy.”
“Min, it’s okay. I think it’s all of that. Plus, he’s so freaking hot and I feel like a slug next to him. Did you all know he chooses to work out? Who does that?”
The girls laugh as we begin walking toward our favorite diner. I can’t help but join their giggles. By the time we reach the entrance, I stop, each of them following suit and looking at me.
It’s Scarlett who speaks for the group. “They all do. We’re all married to or going to marry men who wake up every day and think to themselves, “For fun I’m going to exercise.” Clearly we’re in love with a bunch of aliens.”
Our giggles turn to full belly laughs. There are snorts, prayers sent to the man upstairs for relief, and maybe a threat of peeing one’s pants. We’re loud and obnoxious, the epitome of beautiful chaos.
“Dakota?” A deep voice from behind startles me.
Composing myself, I turn to face the man. He looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t place him off the top of my head. “Hi,” I say in greeting. The stranger knows my name and I don’t want to be rude so that’s the best I can do.
“Ron Keller. We met at that seminar in Burlington last year.”
I’m still not placing the gentleman, but I extend my hand anyway. “Right. Sorry. How are you?”
Scarlett taps my shoulder and motions that the rest of the group is heading into the diner. I nod and turn my attention back to the stranger in front of me. His eyes scan my body twice while never letting go of my hand. Okay then.
“I’m doing well. And you?”
Taking possession of my hand, I plaster a smile I use for clients across my face. “Just fine, thanks. What brings you to Lexington?”
I hope Ron says something that triggers a memory of us meeting. I’m trying to think back to last year and the seminars I attended. There were quite a few while I was studying for my license, and I took any opportunity to network and learn. Besides, I was going stir-crazy and needed adult interaction. The only time I recall going to Burlington was to hit the clearance at Target a few times at the end of summer.
“Just checking out the town. Guess it was my lucky day since I ran into you. Maybe we could grab a cup of coffee?”
“Oh geez. Sorry. I have breakfast with my friends and a full day. Actually, I should go. It was great seeing you again.”
With a slight wave, I turn and make my way inside the door. Happiness fills the air. And, by happiness I mean the wonderful scent of sugar, bacon, and coffee. Grant and the rest of the guys may wake up in the morning thinking of exercise but the ladies in their lives all wake up thinking of our Saturday pancakes.
Chapter 25
Dakota
When Grant picked me up tonight for our date, I don’t think he expected me to ask for a change in his plans for dinner. I’d love to indulge in a cheesy lasagna and unlimited garlic bread, but since my parents came to pick up the girls and my dad mentioned chicken wings, I’ve thought of nothing else.
Fine, that’s not true. I’ve thought about sex. Not only the word but the act. Yes, I hear the word in my mind with my sister’s voice and exasperation from earlier today. Once I move past that, every thought about the act runs through my head. Not runs . . . sprints. The thoughts are like a track meet and my heart struggles to keep up.
I recall seeing on television or in a movie that the third date is sex night. I’m not sure if that’s fiction or for Hollywood, but I can see how that would be the magic number. Although, I’m still uncertain, even after two hours searching the internet, what constitutes an actual date. Does coffee for thirty minutes between client meetings count? How about eating ice cream while on the phone, each of us at our own houses? I assume caring for the other person while they’re sick and bringing them tacos absolutely counts.
Regardless, best case tonight is our third date and worst case it’s our tenth.
Is it the best case? I don’t know. My logical mind says I should be ready to take our kissing to the next level. I’m attracted to Grant and I trust him. In my heart I know he would never push for more than I’m prepared to give. Regardless, even before meeting Jeff, my experience was limited. And that was when I was young and had a pre-baby body. Now, I’m a woman in her mid-thirties with two children and a body that reflects those two facts and my weakness for sweets.
“Are you sure you want to go to Country Road?” Grant asks from the driver’s seat.
“I have to feed the craving. If I don’t, I’ll fill the void with everything else. Before you freak out, I don’t mean drugs or booze. I mean instead of wings I’ll eat a grilled cheese and then maybe a quesadilla. If those don’t satisfy me, I’ll pop some popcorn and maybe chase that snack with some ice cream. It’s best to feed the beast.”
Chuckling, he reaches for and grabs my hand, lifting it to his lips. That simple gesture taps into my psyche and reminds me that I may be ready for second or even third base. Is it really that easy? Am I really that easy? One romantic gesture and I’m ready to throw myself at him?
Taking in his profile while he mouths the words to the song playing from the radio, I admire how handsome he is. Part of me wants to see Grant before the silver and the beard. What did he look like twenty years ago? Clean cut and in his early twenties, I bet he’d give the guys these days a run for their money.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m not staring. I’m assessing.” Twisting a little in my seat, I squeeze his hand, which triggers a smile on his gorgeous face.
“Elaborate.”
“Yes, Captain,” I tease.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make that sound like an order. I never want you to think that—”
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