Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
TESSA
“Ididn’t realize this was the kind of shit I was signin’ up for when I offered to help you out.” I looked back at a very disgruntled Bryce. I’d already dragged him to a craft store, a thrift shop, a party supply store, and now we were in the middle of a fabric store.
“Christ. I think my balls drew back up in my gut about two stores ago.”
My attempt to swallow my laughter resulted in a loud, indelicate snort. “Well, you should know you look very manly right now,” I teased, making him glower as he readjusted his grip on the several spools of fabric he was carrying around the store for me.
“I think it’s only fair you owe me somethin’ for this.”
I hooked one brow up. “Oh, you do, huh? And what exactly is it I owe you?”
Those pale eyes began to twinkle. “Dinner.”
“You want me to buy you dinner?” I asked incredulously.
“No.” He dragged that one word out before continuing. “I want you to let me buy you dinner. On a date.”
I froze, my lips parted on an exhale. That stupid voice in my head chose that moment to return, screaming, Danger, danger, Tessa Day! But my body and heart were squealing like giddy school girls. “You . . . want to take me on a date?”
“I do.” He shifted the fabric he was carrying to the side and stepped closer, his heady scent invading my senses. “Tomorrow night. What do you say?”
He’d done wonders to soften my defenses the past several days, but a part of me still didn’t trust it. My sense of self-preservation was strong as ever, and I struggled with indecision.
“I don’t think—”
“Don’t think, Tessa,” he said softly, taking my chin between his fingers and tipping my face up to his. “I told you I’d show you I’m a different man. Just give me a chance to do that.”
It’s just one dinner, my body said. What could it possibly hurt?
It could hurt a lot, my brain argued back.
“Please,” he pleaded quietly, his eyes shining with emotion. “Please, baby. Just a chance. That’s all I’m askin’.”
I didn’t have it in me to deny him when he looked at me that way. “Okay.”
The way his face lit up made me melt, and when he smiled, it felt like I’d stepped into a pool of sunlight.
He leaned in, bringing his face so close he was all I could see. “Thank you, Tessa.”
I could have sworn he was about to kiss me, but after a second of staring into my eyes, he released my chin and took a step back. “You won’t regret it.”
As we started back down the aisle, I tried telling myself it was a good thing he hadn’t kissed me.
So why in the hell did I feel so disappointed?
After Bryce dropped me off at the inn, I’d tried to push the anxiety away by keeping busy.
I’d decided to get a jumpstart on sewing costumes, working well into the night until my fingers began to fumble and my eyes started to blur. I let myself collapse into bed, but sleep wasn’t easily found. When I dozed, I dreamed of Bryce, and each time I woke up, I ached with need.
Tonight marked our first date since Vegas and was one of my rare days off, so I had several hours to fill between now and then. Since I was too antsy to sit still at my sewing machine, I took a quick shower and walked to Muffin Top, hoping their coffee and pastries could help calm my frayed nerves.
The morning was gray and overcast, which worked to increase my trepidation. Rain didn’t bother me, but thunderstorms sent me into full-blown panic, so as I made the trek from the inn to the coffee shop, I silently prayed that the weather would clear up.
Muffin Top had a crush of people inside. Stopping at the end of the long line in front of the register, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sugar worked wonders, easing the tension in my neck. I wasn’t sure there was a better smell in all the world.
Well, except one. The smell of citrus and outdoors was leaps and bounds better, but I quickly shut down that train of thought. I couldn’t go there, at least not right then. I was nervous enough about my date. Thinking about how damn good Bryce always smelled wasn’t going to help matters.
“Tessa, hey!” My eyes popped open, and several feet in front of me at the counter Sage waved at me to join her.
I eyed the line hesitantly, my feet remaining rooted in place.
“Get your cute butt up here, girl,” she called when I didn’t move. “I want to introduce you to someone.”
I hesitated for a beat before starting in her direction. I expected people to call me out or grumble about cutting, but I was surprised to see the few people actually looking at me were doing it with kind expressions.
“I thought you were about to cause a riot,” I said once I reached her side. “Back in Houston, if I’d cut in front of a line that long, there would’ve been hell to pay.”
“Benefits of small-town living, babe.” She turned to the line and waved, getting several waves in return. “We all know each other here, so people don’t usually mind as long as you aren’t an asshole about it.”
“Good to know.”
“Dani,” Sage called to the stunning woman behind the counter. She moved away from the register, quickly replaced by another girl to keep things flowing smoothly. “This is Tessa Day, Hope Valley’s newest resident. “Tessa, this is my BFF Danika, but we all call her Dani. She owns this place.”
My mouth dropped open and my eyes bugged out. You would’ve thought, with the level of excitement I felt just then, I was meeting a celebrity. “So you’re the genius behind that cronut I had the other day?”
Dani grinned happily. “That would be me. Glad to know you liked it.”
“Liked it?” Leaning against the counter, I declared, “Like doesn’t even begin to cover it. I like finding designer handbags on sale for a song. I like Chris Evans and John Krasinski when they’re sporting beards. But I loved that cronut.”
“Ooh, girl.” Sage fanned at her face. “I’m such a sucker for facial hair.”
I nodded in agreement before turning back to Dani. “Would it be too forward if I asked you to marry me?”
Sage busted out laughing as Dani let loose a low, husky chuckle that I had no doubt drove men crazy. She had a bedroom voice, slightly raspy and super seductive, like an old-timey lounge singer.
“Just for that, your cronut today is on the house. But you still have to pay for the coffee. Speaking of which, what can I get you?”
I quickly spouted off my coffee order, my mouth already watering in anticipation.
“Soooo,” Sage drew out the moment Dani took off to make my coffee, waggling her eyebrows. “A little birdy told me you’ve got a big date tonight.”
My eyes bugged out. “How did you—?”
“Bryce was in an abnormally happy mood this morning, to the point the guys were giving him shit about it. I hounded him until he told me he was taking you to The Groves tonight.” She let out a low whistle.
“That place is seriously swanky, babe. My tip, order the most expensive thing on the menu.” My hands came up to cover my face as I let out a groan.
“Hey, hey.” She grabbed my arms and pulled them down, looking at me with concern.
“What’s that about? You aren’t thinking of canceling, are you? ”
“No, it’s not that.” I puckered my lips and blew out a breath. “I didn’t realize the place he’s taking me is that fancy. I’m nervous enough as it is, now there’s . . . added pressure.”
The uneasiness marring her pretty face grew thicker, carving two deep grooves between her brows. “Are you regretting telling him yes?”
“Yes. No.” I threw my arms out. “Hell . . . I don’t know what I feel. And I’m not sure I should be talking about this with you. I know you’re his friend, and I don’t want you to feel like you’re being put in the middle of anything.”
Her features smoothed out in understanding. “Yes, Bryce is my friend. One of my best friends, actually. And I know we haven’t known each other very long, but I’d like to think you and I are becoming friends too.”
“I’d like to think that also,” I admitted, feeling slightly better.
“So who better to talk to about your relationship woes than a mutual friend?” she asked with a wink. “Hit me with it, Tessa. I promise, I’ll give you my unbiased opinion.”
“I’m . . .” I licked my lips, pulling the bottom one between my teeth. “I’m scared,” I finally confessed. “He’s asked me to give him a chance to prove he’s changed, and I want to, I really do, but I’m just . . .”
“Scared,” she repeated.
“Yeah. He’s been so sweet and thoughtful and funny, and I find myself starting to think that maybe he really is different.
But then I remember how it was in the beginning.
He was sweet and thoughtful and funny then too.
That’s why it was so easy for me to fall in love with him.
Then he just took it away. And I can’t help but wonder if he’ll do it again. ”
She nodded her head, the picture of seriousness. “Totally understandable.”
I was a little surprised by her response. I knew she promised an unbiased opinion, but I’d still expected her to lean toward his side. “Really?”
“Of course. It makes total sense you’d be scared. He’s basically trained you to expect he’ll cut and run. But I’m curious. Has he actually explained why he left the last time?”
I shook my head slowly. “At first, after moving here, I was trying really hard to avoid him. But now, I’m afraid to ask.”
“I can see that too. But, sweetie, I know Bryce pretty well, and he’s not that kind of guy.
He wouldn’t cut and run because he was bored or over it.
He’s loyal to his very core. There has to be a reason for what he did.
So my advice is this: ask him. I know you’re scared, but neither of you are going to be able to move past this—together or separately—until you know everything.
He owes you the full story, Tessa. So demand it. ”
Dani reappeared on the other side of the counter, and my moment with Sage came to an end.
But I actually felt a million times better than I had a few minutes before.
Thanks to Sage, I believed I might be able to handle what was in store.
“All right, ladies. Here you go. Feel free to take your first sips now so you can wax poetic about my brilliance where I can hear it.”
With a smile, I lifted my cup to my lips, taking a drink so I could do just that when a masculine voice spoke up behind us.
“Ladies.” Sage and I turned just as the detective I’d spoken with the day of Charity’s arrest joined our little circle. “Sage, Dani. Hope you’re havin’ a good mornin’.”
“No complaints so far,” Sage offered. But Dani didn’t say a word, and from the corner of my eye I noticed she’s gone stiff as a board.
Leo’s head slowly swiveled to me, and a smile that read interested loud and clear stretched across his handsome face. “Tessa. Nice to see you again.”
“You too, Detective.”
“Told you already, darlin’, call me Leo.”
My cheeks heated under his attention, and I began to squirm. “Um, sorry, Leo.”
His grin grew bigger, and two attractive dimples popped in his cheeks. “Nothin’ to be sorry for. I’m actually glad I ran in to you.”
“Oh?”
“I heard you’re lookin’ for volunteers for the Halloween Festival. I was wonderin’ if maybe you’d like to join me for dinner and we can discuss where I could help out.”
Oh hell. The situation just turned all kinds of awkward. “Um, I don’t—”
Sage jumped in, saving me from turning into a stuttering, bumbling disaster.
“Tessa’s going on a date tonight, but I’m her right hand in all things festival.
Step into my office, and I’ll be happy to figure out where we can utilize your talents.
” She slipped her arm through his and began leading him away, her move so skilled he had no choice but to follow after her.
Blowing out a sigh of relief, I turned my back on the duo to find Dani standing there like a mannequin. Her face had bleached an unnatural white, and her expression was one of sadness mixed with longing as she stared off at where Sage and Leo had just disappeared into the crowd.
Oh shit. “Dani?” She gave a little jolt at the sound of my voice. I kept my tone steady and quiet as I queried, “Is there something between you and Leo?”
“What? No! No, we’re not . . . that is . . . I mean, there’s nothing going on. Not at all.”
“But you want there to be.” It wasn’t a question. I could see it written all over her face. The beautiful woman standing in front of me had very real feelings for the handsome detective.
She began looking around anxiously before hooking her thumb over her shoulder. “I should probably get back there—”
I reached across the counter, grabbing her arm to bring her to a stop before she could run off. “I’m not sure if you heard, but I’m kind of married to Bryce Dixon.”
By the way her eyes bulged, I knew this was the first she’d heard anything about it. “You are?”
“It’s complicated right now, but yeah. And the last thing I have any interest in is making things even messier by bringing someone else into the mix.”
Her forehead puckered in a frown. “Why are you telling me this?”
“No reason. Just thought you should know is all.”
The sadness disappeared from her gaze, replaced by understanding as she whispered, “Thanks, Tessa.”
I shrugged, feigning confusion. “For what? I was only telling you what I’m sure you would’ve heard through the grapevine eventually.”
She finally smiled, and I breathed a sigh of relief that this potential friendship hadn’t been set off course. “Free cronuts for life, babe.”
“You just made a huge mistake,” I warned her. “Because I’m so taking you up on that.”