Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
“Unusual isn’t the right word either,” Herb says.
“Unexpected,” Koen replies quickly—desperately. “I said she’s unexpected in a really great way. But I’m not thrilled that you’re sharing what I told you in confidence.”
“Oh, my boy, if I don’t tell the girl, she’ll never know because you’ll never say it.”
The boy. The girl.
“Can you just get your groceries and go home? Leave the conversation to me. I’m not as inept as you think.”
The door chimes with another customer. “Good morning,” the young mother with a baby wrapped to her chest says before kissing the little one’s head. I feel a pang of envy.
“Am I on speaker?” Koen asks.
“Yeah. It’s too loud at my ear with my hearing aids.”
“Jesus. I gotta go. Bye.”
Herb picks out his produce and pushes the cart to the counter. “Unexpected. That’s what he called you. He said you were unexpected in a really great way.”
Biting back my grin, I nod. “That was very kind of him. The feeling is mutual.”
“I knew you two would hit it off. Aren’t you glad I set you up on a date?”
I am, even though our date isn’t until Friday. “You’re a good man, Herb.”
By the time Friday rolls around, I’m a mess of anticipation. Koen ended up staying out of town longer than expected, so I haven’t seen him in over a week.
“Are you sure you don’t have any more questions?” I ask Price for the third time.
He grins with a headshake, making flavored sodas for a guy and his two kids. “It’s my fourth day. I’m sure.”
“Call me if you have any questions. My number is taped to the phone.”
“Got it.”
“Okay. Good. Thanks. I know you have it, and I’m not worried at all. I appreciate your help.” I’m not worried about Price. It’s my date that has me feeling anxious.
It’s ridiculous. After all, “my date” pulled me out of a pond and stripped me down to my bra and panties. He’s washed my dishes. And he’s confessed to his grandpa that I’m unexpected in a really great way.
“Scottie?”
“Yeah?”
Price glances at me over his shoulder while he makes the last soda. “Go.”
It takes me a few seconds to think past my nerves. Then I nod. “Got it. Yep. I’m leaving.”
I change my clothes twice. I’d probably change them again, but I don’t own that many things. Simplicity has been my friend, but tonight, I’d love something that feels special, not just comfortable and familiar. Settling on wide-legged jeans and a cream sweater, I slide on my Birkenstocks and recheck my hair.
I pull it back.
Put it down.
Back again.
Down again.
Then, there are three knocks on my door.
Blowing out a slow breath, I open it. “Hi.”
Koen grins, giving me instant relief because he’s in jeans, another flannel shirt, gray and green this time, and his brown boots. But he’s not wearing a hat. His hair’s a little damp and wavy around his ears and forehead like he recently showered—with a bar of his man-smelling soap.
“Ready?” he asks.
“I’m nervous.”
“Nervous? Why? Did your grandpa call you on speakerphone to ask what word you used to describe your date? And in the process, did he reveal that the first word he used was ‘unethical’?”
I glance up after sliding on my jacket. “That was the best.”
“The best?” His face sours. “Complete humiliation is the best?”
“I might decide to date your grandpa.” I grab my purse and follow him out the door.
“What do you like so much about that old man?” Koen laughs and opens the passenger door to his truck for me.
I climb inside. “I can’t do this.”
“Date my grandpa? God, I hope not.”
I relinquish a grin. Koen has an addictive sense of humor. He has a lot of things I find irresistible, and that’s why I can’t do this. “I can’t go to dinner with you.”
His brows draw together.
“I don’t want to get to the restaurant and sit across from you and suddenly feel at a loss for words. I don’t want anything to feel forced or awkward. I don’t want a waiter to interrupt us every five seconds.”
Koen blinks a few times. “I see. So you’re saying you want to go to Home Depot with me to get copper wire?”
I don’t love him. But right now … I love him.
“Yes. Of course. But I’m hungry.”
“We’ll pick up a pizza.”
I shake my head. “I’m thinking falafel.”
“That’s what I meant. We’ll pick up falafel.”
My grin inflates to embarrassing proportions. “I must be back by eight to close the store.”
Koen glances at his watch. “Doesn’t leave much time for making out in my truck. So we’d better get going.”
My jaw slowly unhinges. “Really. I don’t know why Herb said you were shy.”
Koen smirks. “Yeah? Well, he said I called you unethical. It’s possible Herb’s not that great with words.” He shuts my door.
When we reach Home Depot, Koen takes my hand and leads me inside.