Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Waking up in the afternoon, Tiffanie felt much stronger.
After splashing water on her face to chase away the last of her nap, Tiffanie curled up on the couch to read.
She raced through the pages, loving the steamy romance between the two characters as much as she had last night.
When she closed the book a couple of hours later, Tiffanie studied the tattered cover with a knowing nod.
No wonder everyone reads this over and over.
She pulled up an online bookseller and ordered a paperback copy of her own. Tiffanie wanted to have this on her shelf to enjoy whenever she wanted a fun escape. And by the look of the library’s copy, this novel wouldn’t hold together much longer.
As she thumbed through the book, rereading her favorite scenes, Phineas’s card dropped onto her lap. Before she could stop herself, Tiffanie typed out a text to his cell.
Phineas,
Thank you for brightening my day with your book recommendation.
Tiffanie
A few seconds later, her phone buzzed.
Thank you for brightening my day with your sweet text. Would you meet me for lunch tomorrow? The diner at 1?
Tiffanie hesitated for a moment. She hadn’t driven for a while. Ivan was so good at escorting her wherever she wanted to go. Suddenly, Tiffanie didn’t want to depend on him. She needed to take back her life.
I would love to have lunch with you. Fair warning, I steal fries.
My fries are yours. See you tomorrow.
Staring at his message, Tiffanie smiled.
Her heart, beat faster in her chest as she looked forward to having Phineas to herself—even if that was in a busy diner.
An image of Phineas loomed large in her brain—his handsome face with those green eyes that seemed to see so much.
His body rocks as well. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow. A laugh bubbled through her lips.
“That’s a good sign,” Ivan said from the doorway. “I was afraid you’d done too much today.”
“I slept and read my book after coming home,” Tiffanie said, waving her paperback at him.
“Oh, you found a funny scene?” he asked.
“No. I mean, yes, the novel was awesome. That’s not what I was laughing about. I’m going to lunch with Phineas tomorrow.”
Ivan pulled out his phone to check his schedule. She guessed he was scrambling to figure out how to move things around to make time to take her.
“I’m going to drive myself,” she told him.
Surprise showed on his face as he studied her. “Really? Do you have the energy for that?”
“Yes.” Tiffanie didn’t know whether or not she would, but she was determined to go. Even if she was a bit nervous about driving, she wouldn’t miss spending time with Phineas. Crossing her fingers, she hoped Ivan wouldn’t point out all the possible problems with her plan.
“Okay. Call me if you need me.”
Relief cascaded over her. “Thanks, Ivan.”
“Frozen pizza for dinner?” he asked, offering one of their favorite meals.
“Extra cheese?” she asked.
“You got it, sis.”
The next day, Tiffanie refused to waste her energy by changing her clothes repeatedly to decide on the perfect outfit.
After choosing one of her favorite combinations, she checked herself out in the mirror.
The knee-length blue skirt and the floral T-shirt looked nice but not too dressy for the diner.
And she could wear her comfortable flat sandals.
Her face was thinner than usual, but she had color in her cheeks today. Tiffanie dabbed on light pink lip gloss to give her mouth a hint of shine. “This is as good as it gets,” she whispered to her reflection.
She’d gone on lots of dates in her life. This would be fun. Tiffanie refused to allow herself to worry about Phineas deciding she was too much trouble. Or at least that’s what she told herself on repeat.
Collecting the purse she hadn’t carried for weeks, Tiffanie located her car keys and headed out the front door.
Ivan had driven her car off and on to keep the battery charged and the fluids moving.
Sliding in behind the wheel, she adjusted the mirrors and pressed the ignition button.
She exhaled a sigh of relief as the engine turned over easily before rolling her eyes at the old rock station Ivan had listened to last.
A minute later, she headed down the driveway as popular music filled the car. Tiffanie had forgotten how freeing going on a fun excursion could feel. She was in total control and couldn’t wait to see Phineas. She would be a regular person today. That felt good.
Tiffanie turned into the parking lot of the town’s diner and found a parking space easily. She checked her watch. She was ten minutes before the time they’d set to meet. Was Phineas like her? Did he always want to be early? She always hated for someone to think she was rude.
As she debated whether to sit in her car or go inside, Tiffanie spotted a blue car pulling into the space next to hers. A soft car horn beep prompted her to check out the driver. Phineas. His broad smile made her heart beat faster. He’s so handsome.
When he opened his door, she quickly grabbed her purse and got out as well. Flustered, Tiffanie lost her balance slightly and teetered.
Instantly Phineas steadied her, bracketing her waist with his hands. “Whoa. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Clumsy. Thank you.” Tiffanie struggled not to notice how strong his hands were. His heat penetrated her lightweight clothing. Quickly, she distracted herself and tried to cover her embarrassment. “Hi, Phineas.”
“Hey, Princess. Thank you for joining me for lunch,” Phineas said.
“Princess?” she repeated and laughed. She certainly wasn’t sixteen like the young teens coming to the fancy birthday party.
His smile disappeared, and worry lines appeared on his forehead.
The delight in his eyes faded. “I’m sorry, Tiffanie.
When I first saw you at the engagement party, that impression popped into my mind.
The twinkling lights framed you from behind like a fairytale princess.
I’m afraid the association stuck in my brain.
I’ll use your beautiful name from now on. ”
Tiffanie could have kicked herself for killing the attraction between them. Quickly, she smoothed over her words. “Oh. I thought maybe you named all your female friends princess.”
“Never. If you’ll forgive me, I’ll reward you with lunch and a princess-free conversation.”
Of course, Phineas wasn’t a player who called all women by the same pet name so he didn’t have to remember their real ones.
She shouldn’t judge everyone by other guys’ lack of effort, like her uncle who flirted with all his babes.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I reacted a bit strongly.
The only person who ever gave me a nickname was my brother. ”
When his mouth opened, Tiffanie guessed his next question. “No, I won’t tell you. Neither will Ivan. Mother taught him the error of his ways.”
“Ah, I love it. Sibling rivalry.”
“Exactly. Princess is a much nicer nickname. I think I could live with that. Can we start over?”
A hint of his former smile curved his lips. “Of course. Hi, Tiffanie. Thank you for meeting me for lunch.”
“I’m glad to see you.”
“Let’s get inside out of the heat,” he suggested. Phineas stepped back and placed a palm lightly on her spine to guide her up onto the sidewalk. After months of putting her love life on the back burner, that human warmth felt amazing.
When his touch disappeared immediately, she knew he was concerned about coming on too strong. Tiffanie stopped on the sidewalk, aware that the restaurant’s patrons could see them through the large plate-glass windows. She laid a hand on his forearm, enjoying the strength under her fingertips.
“May I hold onto your arm?”
The brilliance of his smile returned in full force, making her heart skip a beat.
Phineas’s charm was dangerous. He leaned in to brush his mouth softly across hers.
“Tiffanie, I would love for you to touch me.” Phineas lifted her hand and rested her fingers on his arm.
“Shall we go find out what the special is today?”
She nodded happily. Everything was okay. She hadn’t ruined the encounter. He’d kissed her. Tiffanie wanted to dance a jig or spin in a circle with happiness. She settled on leaning against his powerful frame as they walked to the front door.
Phineas ushered her through with a flourish. A waitress waited for them with plastic-coated menus that hadn’t changed in years. Tiffanie slid into the red vinyl seats of the booth and shivered automatically as the blasting air conditioner blew over her skin.
“Shall I sit next to you and share my heat?” he asked.
“Please.” She scooted over to make room for him.
Phineas wasn’t a huge man, but his presence surrounded her. His athletic body radiated the perfect level of warmth. Tiffanie basked in their closeness as she studied the menu. Sensing his eyes on her, she turned slightly to meet his gaze. “You must think I’m a mess.”
He shook his head. “That is absolutely the last thing on my mind. Have you finished the first book yet?”
She nodded, blushing a bit. “Last night. I can’t wait to read your second recommendation as well.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Would you like me to set up your account to access books online after we eat?”
“Sure. What are you hungry for? I’m going to have a hamburger and fries.”
“I’m starving. That country-fried steak sounds good. I might try that.”
“Ivan loves that dish here. Best in the county, he says.” Tiffanie found herself squashing the urge to lean against his strength.
“Then you’ve helped me decide,” he said as the server returned with their drinks.
When they were alone, Phineas shared a funny story about a young man at the library’s story hour, making them both chuckle.
“Kids tell me so much. If you want to unearth any of the gossip in town, come to the library for the toddlers’ meet-up.
Those kids rat out their parents and neighbors every time. ”
“You enjoy your job,” she said.