“No lick.” I used the same voice Mom used when we were driving her crazy. Not that we licked her.
“That’s better.” Adam clasped my hand, and we started down the trail.
Butch kept trying to walk between us, which made holding hands difficult.
In a spurt of courage, I held out my hand. “Can I walk Butch?”
Adam grinned as he handed over the leash. “Of course.”
Butch moved to my other side and trotted along beside me.
“What is it about them you don’t like? Besides the licking. I already know that part.”
I ducked under a branch hanging over the trail. “I feel like I need a couch before I divulge my deep feelings.”
He chuckled.
That was my cue to pour out my heart and soul. “I was at a friend’s house, and she had this big dog. Really big. And smelly. He was not well behaved. Anyway, he knocked me over and licked my face. I felt pinned. I couldn’t shove him away, and he wouldn’t stop.”
“Didn’t your friend pull him off?”
“She just laughed. I’m sure it looked comical.”
Adam stopped walking. “There’s nothing funny about that. I’m sorry it happened. And while I can’t promise these guys would never do that, I can promise I wouldn’t laugh. I’d pull the dog away and help you up.”
“Which is why I’m here taking a walk with you and your big dogs. You’re the reason I’m here.”
“Now I want to kiss you again.”
“How is it possible that you dirtied all these dishes in just three days?” Making good on my lost bet, I loaded Haley’s dishwasher and scrubbed pots and pans. Again. “I’m only doing this again because I wanted to be extra nice . . . and because he had two dogs.”
“I haven’t washed a thing since the last time you were here.” She laughed. “Tell me about Adam. You have that dreamy look.”
“I like him. He’s interesting and romantic. And I’m getting to know his dogs, little by little.”
“Whoa! You are serious about him, aren’t you?”
“We haven’t known each other long, but with other guys I’ve dated—which isn’t a long list—after one or two dates, it was clear that the relationship wasn’t meant to be. There was no spark. Or it was all sparkles and no substance. With Adam, there are sparks, sparkles, and substance. If I block out the memory of him seeing me shrouded only by leaves and forget he has two dogs, everything seems perfect.”
“As long as I’ve known you, you’ve avoided dogs. When you came over to my house, you never once touched Comet. And now, when we are out for a walk, you cross to the other side of the trail if someone with a dog is getting anywhere close to us. So, Adam must be some guy.” Haley grabbed a pot and dried it with a dish towel.
I’d been terrified of Haley’s dog, but never once did I ever tell her. “And everything is a little more complicated because our moms set us up. They are in the middle of it all. We haven’t told them about every date. I didn’t tell Mom I was meeting Adam tonight.”
“But they know about tomorrow.”
“Yep. Remember how I told you about his mom thinking he was dating someone else?”
Haley nodded.
“Because of all that, they know we’ve been seeing each other more than we’d mentioned to them.”
“Does he call you every day?”
“He has the last few days because he hasn’t been on duty.”
“On a scale of one to the best kisser ever, where is he?”
I popped Haley with my dish towel before drying another pan. “Earlier, when I climbed out of my car, he didn’t even say hello, he just grabbed me and kissed me. The kind of kiss that makes your knees weak. But that’s where his muscular arms come in so handy.” My face heated as I remembered both the hello and goodbye kiss. I didn’t even tell Haley about the goodbye kiss.
“You need me to splash water on your face? Your cheeks are a bit red.”
I stuck my tongue out at her. “Any other questions?”
“Where are y’all going to play kissy face since your parents are at your house, he has a roommate, and the trails close at sundown?”
“I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
“Has he been over since they moved in?” Haley pulled a carton of ice cream out of the freezer.
“It’s only Wednesday. They moved in on Saturday night.” I draped the rag on the counter.
She lifted two bowls out of the cabinet. “Is that a no?”
“He hasn’t come over.”
“How many times have you seen him since your parents moved in?” She sure asked a lot of questions.
I added an extra scoop of ice cream to my bowl. “Twice.”
“Only twice?” She doused her vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup then held out the bottle.
I took my turn with the chocolate. “We saw each other Saturday. But technically that was before my parents moved in. Adam was on duty Sunday and Monday. Then after he left the station on Tuesday morning we went to lunch. And then today—”
“I get it. Any time he isn’t working, he wants to see you.”
“Am I crazy, Haley?”
“Yes, but clearly he seems to like that.” She stuffed a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, grinning. “I still can’t believe you are dating a guy with dogs. One more never scratched off your list. That’s like three in one summer!”
Shaking my head, I took a bite of my ice cream. The next time I added something to my never list, I wasn’t going to tell Haley.
Chapter 12
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Counting to ten as I breathed in and out, I glanced at the phone between breaths. Having Adam meet Mom and Dad was unavoidable, and that had my nerves all jittery. I wanted it to go well.
My phone buzzed, and a text popped up. Pebbles or front door?
I tapped out a quick reply: My mom has been pacing for a half hour. She’ll be disappointed if I sneak out my window.
Walking to the door now.
I didn’t make it down the hall fast enough. Mom had the door open and was motioning Adam inside as I made it to the entryway.
“I’ll let you two say hello, and I’ll go get your father.” Mom hurried into the other room.
Adam leaned down and gave me a quick peck. “These are for you.” A bouquet of vibrant orange roses appeared from behind his back.
“They’re gorgeous!”
“I stood in the store for twenty minutes, searching for what flowers were safe for cats.” He bent down and scooped up Pookie. “So if you get into them, you won’t get a tummy ache. But there might be thorns, so it’s best to stay clear.”
Pookie wiggled and meowed.
Behind me, Mom squealed, and Pookie freaked out, scratching Adam’s face and arm before he could get her to the floor.
“What beautiful flowers!” Mom seemed oblivious to what had happened with the cat.
I handed the bouquet to her. “Will you put these in water for me? The vases are in the top of the pantry.” I grabbed Adam’s hand and pulled him down the hall.
Once we stepped into my bedroom, I swung the door closed.
He caught it before it slammed. “I’m okay. Don’t be upset.”
“I’m getting the bandages.”
“Oh joy, kittens again. Not on my face.”
I pointed at the bed. “Sit.”
His lips quirked into a half grin, and he raised his eyebrows. “I’m guessing your dad is right outside the door by now.”
I dabbed at the scratch on his face with a washrag then added antibiotic ointment. “Let me see your hand.”
He held it out. “She didn’t realize I was holding Pookie. She was excited about the roses.”
“I know. I shouldn’t blame Mom, and I don’t blame Pookie. But every single time you’re around my kitten, she hurts you.” I smoothed out the bandage. “I feel bad.”
Still seated on the bed, Adam pulled me closer. “Pookie and I will figure things out. We just need a
little bit of time.”
“I love the roses. And I love that you made sure what you brought was safe for her.”
“I’m glad you like them.” He let his gaze drift down, breaking rule number two. “You look great, by the way.”
I took the time to notice his dress shirt and slacks. “So do you.”
“Let’s go before your parents get the wrong impression.” He held my hand as he walked toward the door.
Mom and Dad were seated in the living room, but the television wasn’t even on. They couldn’t have made waiting any more obvious.
I leaned down to smell the roses. “Thanks, Mom. That vase is perfect for them. The cat got spooked and scratched Adam. Again.” I patted his chest. “He was a good sport about it, but I put a bandage on it just to be safe.”
He held up his bandaged finger. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor.”
“We’ve heard so many good things about you.” Mom gushed a bit too much.
Dad shook Adam’s hand. “Good to meet you.”
“You ready?” I tugged on Adam’s arm.
Adam nodded toward my parents. “Y’all have a nice evening.” When we stepped out the door, he laughed. “In a hurry?”
“They’ll be here for two months. I didn’t want them to spill all my secrets the first time they met you.”
He opened the door for me. “It could be interesting.”
“Or horrifying.” I buckled my seatbelt as he ran around to his side. “I just think Mom is overly excited because she’s afraid I’m never going to meet someone and settle down. If I never marry, she might consider herself a failure. I know she’d consider me a failure.”
Adam shook his head. “I don’t even know where to start with that.”
“It’s probably best not to say anything about it. Where are we headed?”
“If it’s okay with you, I thought we’d head to the brewhouse. They have a wide variety of options.”
“And they have the warm cookie with ice cream on top.”
“Then that’s where we’ll go.”
After a fun night, we pulled into the driveway, and I worried about what Mom would do.
Adam hopped out and came around to my side of the truck. He helped me out then pulled me close. “I thought maybe we could have our goodbye kiss here where the view from the windows is blocked by the truck.” A chuckle rumbled in his chest.
“I wouldn’t put it past my mom to be spying, so I love the idea.”
Not two seconds into our goodnight exchange, the front door opened. Dad walked out the front door, carrying a bag of trash. “Oh, hi! I’m just taking out the trash. Don’t let me bother you.”
I patted Adam’s chest. “Well, that didn’t go as planned.”
“I feel like I’m back in high school.” He stepped back and shoved his hands in his pockets.
“How many girls did you kiss in high school?”
His reddened cheeks were visible by the light from the porch. “Not many, but I always felt like I was about to get caught.”
“Welcome to my new reality.” I trailed a finger down his arm. “I’m sorry you have to deal with this.”
“You’re worth it.”
“You certainly have a way with words. Your shift starts in the morning?”
He nodded. “At seven. Duty ends Sunday morning. So, if you have any time to fit me in, I’d love to see you.”
“You have my number.”
Adam dropped a quick peck on my cheek. “Your dad is still standing on the porch. I should probably go.”
“Bye.” I squeezed his hand before walking toward the house. “Hey, Dad.”
“Did y’all have fun?” Dad acted like it was perfectly normal to stand on the porch while his adult daughter said goodbye to her date.
“We did.” I walked inside and nearly bumped into Mom.
“Adam didn’t come in?”
How was I going to do this for two months? “No. He has to be at the station early in the morning.”
“Fun fact. He works at the station near our house. I was talking to Mandy tonight. She told me.”
Dad flipped the bolt on the door. “Next time he’s around, I’ll ask him if he was on duty when our tree fell. Maybe he knows about that.”
It didn’t surprise me that the moms chatted while Adam and I were on a date, but those ladies really needed a new hobby or a more interesting book.
Ready to avoid all conversation, I yawned. “I hope y’all don’t mind, but I’m headed to bed. Morning comes early.”
“You aren’t going to tell us about your date?” Mom put her hands on her hips. “I waited up for you.”
“From the looks of things outside, it went well.” Dad thought he was funny.
“Adam and I had a nice time. We plan to go out again.” Running down the hall would be rude, so I slowly turned. “I like him.”
“What about his dogs?” Mom always knew what buttons to push to make something sweet have a sour edge. Probably because she knew me so well. “You hate dogs.” Maybe she didn’t know me as well as she thought.
Hate was much too strong a word. “I’m sure his dogs are well behaved.” If I didn’t exit now, I’d say something that didn’t need to be part of the moms’ information highway. “Love y’all. Goodnight.”
I switched on my bedroom light and called Pookie. She scurried in and climbed up onto my bed. My comforter needed to be replaced thanks to her tiny, sharp claws, but I’d wait to replace it until she was big enough to jump up onto the bed.
While Pookie made herself comfortable on my pillow, I changed out of my dress and pulled on my favorite pajamas. Adam’s t-shirt was my favorite thing to sleep in, but that was in a pile of dirty clothes because it desperately needed to be washed.
Pookie cocked her head when a clink sounded at the window.
“What is it, kitty cat?”
The clink sounded again. It sounded almost like hail, except there wasn’t any rain. A pebble!
I yanked up the blinds. Adam grinned.
The window hadn’t been opened in ages, so it took a bit of work to unstick it. But once it was up, I stepped back. “Come on in.” I kicked dirty clothes into my closet.
“I never did this in high school.” He ducked his head and maneuvered his way inside. “I won’t stay long. More than anything I was trying to be funny.”
“If my neighbors saw you, it might not be all that funny, but I’m glad you made use of those pebbles.” I crossed my arms, suddenly self-conscious. “Just to be clear, when I invited you in, I wasn’t inviting you in.”
His brown eyes twinkled. “Please, explain what you mean.”
“You’re a smart boy. I think you understand.”
“Boy? Ouch.”
“I can’t believe I’m sneaking guys into my own house to get privacy. Remind me why they are here.”
He opened his arms, and like magic, I stepped into them.
“Because a tree fell on their house, and you are a very good daughter.”
“Maybe if I go talk to Derek—he’s the same guy that worked on my place—he can fast track the repairs.”
“Maybe.” Adam dropped a kiss on my neck. “Any other ideas?”
“I’m thinking. You can keep doing that.” I closed my eyes.
He trailed kisses up my neck, along my jaw, and then his lips found my mouth. I finally got my goodnight kiss.
He broke away and pinched his lips together. “I should go.”
“Just like that?”
“Yeah. But I like those kitty pajamas. It’s sort of what I expected.”
“So you’ve given thought to what I sleep in?”
“Want to know what I sleep in?” He backed toward the window.
I walked forward, staying close. “Yes, I do.”
“A bed.” He gave me a quick peck then crawled back out. “Sweet dreams.”
I blew him a kiss before closing the window. Then I shot off a text: It’s a good thing this is a one-story. What if my b
edroom was on the second floor?
I’m a fireman. I have a tall ladder.
I climbed into bed. I was no longer trying to figure out if it could work. Now I needed to figure out how to make it work. I was falling in love with Adam and needed to find a way to at least like his dogs.
Chapter 13
Since Mom cooked dinner, it seemed only fair that I volunteer to do the dishes. But why did she have to use so many pans? When I made dinner for myself, I typically stuck to one-pan concoctions that were easy to clean up.
I was up to my elbows in soap bubbles when my phone rang. I dried my hands and answered without looking. It had to be Haley. Adam was on duty, and Haley called every night.
“After doing your dishes twice, now, I’m doing a whole mess of dishes at my house. I feel like I’m always doing dishes.”
Adam chuckled. “So you’re saying that if I volunteer to do them, I can come over any time?”
“Exactly.” I managed to get a word out in spite of my shock. “Aren’t you at work?”
“I’m at the station. Technically, I’m standing outside. It’s easier to talk out here. I hoped to catch you after dinner, but it sounds like you are still doing the dishes. Want me to call back in a bit?”
“No. The dishes can wait. Because what if we are talking later and you get a call? Then I’d lie in bed and worry about who you were rescuing from a bathtub and if they were better looking.”
“They wouldn’t be.”
“You can’t know that.” I closed my bedroom door and sat on the bed.
“I do know that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That’s how I know.”
“Did they teach you how to be smooth in fireman school?”
“Yep, but it was an extra-credit course. And another thing, I’m fairly certain that I won’t have to rescue a woman from a tub for a while . . . maybe ever. You were a first.”
“I didn’t expect to hear from you tonight.”
“Clearly. I figured that out when you said you’d done my dishes twice. Because you haven’t. I’m not complaining, but I feel a little left out. Why are you doing Haley’s dishes?”
“Why do you assume it was Haley?”
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