Chapter 26
26
F rom their wide-ranging choices of drinks, to the sweet little groupings for seating, this coffee shop ticks all the boxes for me. Well done, Coffee Loft! My new favorite spot . ~ Hilary C.
C al stared at the closed door for a few moments, wondering how the night had come to such a screeching halt. Her hasty departure cut into him like an open wound. He pressed a hand to his chest as if tangible proof was right there, underneath his shirt, a slice on his skin. It couldn’t have gone any better, from the moment she stepped into his house in that dress until Ridley and Peaches started pawing at the patio door. And it couldn’t have ended any worse.
He shot the dogs a look even though they were blissfully unaware, already asleep on their respective dog beds.
What happened ?
Picking up her cup, he traced the faint print of her lips on the rim.
That kiss .
He closed his eyes, trying to revisit the feeling that burned in his chest when she’d pressed against him, fingers combing his hair, her breath tickling his cheek. But the confusing turn of events kept him from pondering its delightful effects for long.
He breathed deeply as he set her mug into the sink, then crossed the room to the couch and sank into it.
He’d wait a few minutes for her to get home and then call. There had to be something he’d missed. Across the room, Ridley let out a groan as if he felt Cal’s despair.
The dog adoption profile was lit up on his laptop screen. He’d been working on this one before the gala. Three more needed to be posted on the website by tomorrow night.
That’s funny . He squinted at the document.
The screen had popped back to life without him touching it.
He stared blankly at the keyboard, wondering how?
Wait a minute — oh no .
He leaned in to reread what he’d been working on earlier in the day.
I’m a happy-go-lucky handsome guy if you’re into the big, rugged types. I have a calm disposition with a sense of humor (I’ll love to make you laugh!), but getting together with friends is just as fun…
That couldn’t be what made her cut the night short .
But he bet it totally was.
He nodded as he read it again, this time trying to see it from Ginger’s perspective.
Now he was certain. She’d practically run from his house tonight because of what she’d seen on his laptop.
Ginger thought he was trolling for dates.
The more the realization sank in, the more he understood. He buried his face in his hands. The timing was awful, especially since she’d just shared with him the history of her horrible marriage.
Scrambling for his phone, he found her name in his contacts.
His heartbeat kept time with the ringing of her phone. He was about to give up until the sounds of a connection made him sit up.
Thank you .
They’d clear this up in no time. A little misunderstanding is all.
But his call had only gone to voicemail.