Chapter 3
Addy
After a shopping trip I couldn't afford and a pep talk from Paige, I'm back at The Reading Grounds around dinner time. I pluck at the new, slightly fitted black maxi dress Paige picked out for me and wonder why I'm doing this with a guy I just met.
I glance at my watch for the fourth time in... five minutes and six seconds.
My face heats as I remember Danny's hands and mouth on my body at the overlook. I shake my head. What has gotten into me?
Five minutes and twenty-two seconds.
Connor, the cheating two-pump chump, never would have done that in public with me. And, if I'm honest with myself, I never would have wanted to do it with him.
Five minutes and forty-five seconds.
"Is he late?"
I turn and meet the kind eyes of the older woman sitting down the counter from me. Her skin is wrinkle-free apart from the laugh lines that signal her life has been full of fun, but her short white hair and aura of wisdom give away her age.
"Wow, what is your skincare routine?" I blurt.
She laughs with delight, sliding over to the stool beside mine.
"Oh no, don't get Betty started on skincare, please," the woman behind the counter pipes up. She continues to stack plates, looking at Betty like she's her favorite person in the room. “I close at nine tonight, and we don't have enough time for this conversation."
"Hush up, Miranda." Betty rolls her eyes and winks at me. "Sunscreen. That’s my only secret. That, and good loving," she adds, looking pointedly at Miranda.
Miranda laughs. "Then I'll be as wrinkled as an old dollar bill when I'm your age."
Betty harrumphs. "You don't have to be, darling. Plenty of good-looking men with working cocks here in Duhring."
"Betty!" Miranda exclaims, nodding at a young boy drawing at a table by the window.
But Betty waves her off. "Jeremy would like you to get some—"
"Good luck!" Miranda interjects with a groan as she hustles away.
I laugh at their banter. "Is Jeremy her son?"
Miranda looks way too young to have a kid his age, but they clearly resemble one another.
"Brother," Betty corrects, her eyes softening as she follows Miranda’s retreating form for a moment. She turns again, her gaze fixed on me. "So, who are you waiting for looking like a vision?"
"Thank you." I blush, hesitating before answering her question. "I'm supposed to go to dinner tonight with Danny… um… the tour guide."
Note to self: ask Danny his last name.
"Ah, Danny Foster." Betty nods approvingly. She leans in conspiratorially. "He’s a catch. Well done."
I shake my head. "It’s just dinner. I'm only in town for one night."
"We'll see." Betty picks up her cup and sips her coffee. "Duhring has a way of tempting good people to stay. Even the tourists," she adds with a knowing look.
I shake my head. "I can't stay."
"Oh? Why not?"
I open my mouth to answer but can’t think of a reply. I frown as I try to find a reason to return to… what? To Paige's couch?
Betty looks away with a grin.
"Addy."
I turn on my stool at Danny’s deep voice, losing my train of thought as I take in his damp hair as if he’s recently showered. His jeans and simple dark blue polo mold to his muscular frame. Brown lace-up dress boots replace his hiking boots. He's positively edible.
"Ooh, yes," Betty murmurs so only I can hear. "And don't forget to use sunscreen."
I slide off the stool, grinning at Betty’s hope for my good loving tonight as Danny walks toward me. Before I know what I'm doing, my hands are around his neck, and I kiss him like I haven't seen him in months.
"Hey," he breathes as we break for air. "We’re going to do more of that." His hands run up and down my arms before settling on my hips. "But first, I'm feeding you."
My heart is about to burst from my chest.
Danny places his hand on my lower back as he leads me to the door. His warm breath raises goosebumps along my neck and arms as he leans in to whisper, "You look beautiful."
"Don't be a stranger, Addy," Betty calls from the counter.
I smile and wave as we head out the door.
One day in Duhring, and I hardly recognize myself. I think I like this new Addy.