Chapter 3
Chapter Three
JOEY
“What about this guy?”
Reenie turns her nose up. “A man with those nails wouldn’t know the first thing about how to please a woman. Or find your lady parts.”
“Reenie!” I smack her on the arm. “You can’t say that here.”
“Why not?” She looks around.
The lobby is completely empty. It’s always empty right after lunch. All the guests go back to their rooms or head out for their afternoon activities. I’m glad she’s the one that works the front desk with me. She makes the lulls between activity better.
“What if a guest heard you?”
“Relax. No one is here.”
I move on from him and keep going. Given how small the Pinecrest population is, I can’t be picky and have to set my search to the surrounding areas. At this point, I know everything about every person in town, and dating with that kind of history isn’t the easiest way to meet people.
“Okay. This guy. I have to swipe. A picture with a dog and kids means he’s the dream guy.”
Gavin, 32, Thistle Creek
Loves hiking, dogs, game nights, and learning about you
“You know what they say, right?” Reenie asks, shoving my phone back at me.
“What do they say?” I ask, swiping on the guy and bringing up a message.
“If it’s too good to be true, it usually is.”
I roll my eyes at her. “Not all of us met our husbands in first grade.”
“If only you looked twice at Granger.” She sighs. “He’s a catch.”
“Yes, and his girlfriend thinks so too. Besides, he ate paste.”
“Well, we all can’t be that great in first grade. I remember you back then,” Reenie says. “You cut your own bangs with rainbow scissors.”
“I thought it was a good look.” I wave her off. “I was six. Now, what should I ask Gavin?”
“If he’s a dick.”
“Reenie!” I hiss. “I’m serious.”
“Me too. I don’t want some asshole coming near you. Better to know now.”
The front door opens and a family comes in, fresh off a fishing trip. Based on the woman, it looks like she went for a swim too.
“Did you have a nice time?” Reenie asks.
Squeals of delight meet my ears as she chatters away with them. I type out a quick message, showing this guy that I actually read his profile. If I’m lucky, I won’t get a dick pic immediately.
Joey
What’s one thing you want to learn about me?
The bubbles appear almost immediately and I hold my breath, trying to squash the nerves that are instant.
Gavin
If you want to meet tonight
Straightforward
I like it
No sense in making small talk to figure out if we don’t like each other
Isn’t that what a first date is for?
Yes
I like meeting people face-to-face
Me too
And you have a pretty face
Something I’ve already learned about you
“Oh my God. He is laying it on way too thick.”
“Reenie.” I hug my phone to my chest. “You can’t read my messages.”
“He’s buttering you up way too much. He sounds like a dick.”
“He’s nice.”
She pats my cheek before dropping down into her seat and pulling up the reservation system. I sigh. It must be nice to meet your person when you’re so young.
Presley met Kade in high school. Even though it was a bumpy road for the two of them, they’re back together. Rylee always had a thing for my brother, and they finally pulled their heads out of their asses and are madly in love now.
Georgia and I have always been single. Well, Georgia always insists she’s fine on her own. That all she needs are her horses and she’ll be okay.
But not me. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to find a nice guy and settle down. To have a partner in life to deal with anything that comes your way. I think that sounds kind of wonderful.
My phone buzzes in the clutches of my hands.
“Are you going to meet this Gavin?” Reenie asks.
“If you’d let me respond, maybe.”
Four messages are waiting when I look back down at my device.
Gavin
Would you want to meet sometime this week?
I’m watching my sister’s kids tonight but could make tomorrow work
I see you’re in Pinecrest
I can come to you
I smile down as my thumbs type away.
Joey
How about Thursday night?
Max has a play date after work tomorrow, and I promised Reenie I’d fill in for her the day after. I think I can convince my parents to watch Max for a few hours that night. If it weren’t for them, I don’t know how I’d manage anything. With Chase and Rylee and my girlfriends, they’re my village.
He responds.
Gavin
It’s a date
Let me know the deets and I’ll come to you
“Deets? Really?” Reenie rolls her eyes. “I don’t think you’re allowed to date someone who says that.”
“Okay.” I push her away. “Stop spying.”
“Who’s spying?”
That deep voice straightens my spine as I lock my phone and set it on the desk.
“What? Nothing.”
Sam is smiling, his cowboy hat now resting on the front desk.
“It’s not nothing,” Reenie responds, her eyes lit up. “Joey here is going through the dating apps.”
“Reenie!” I hiss.
The last thing I want people at work to know is all about my dating life. I mean, it’s a close-knit group and most of them already do, but it’s not like I need Sam Shaw of all people knowing.
“Find anyone good?” Sam asks, a tight smile on his face.
“Maybe. I’ll have to meet him and see.”
“As long as someone knows where you’re going.”
I waggle my brows at him. “You worried about me, Sam?”
I don’t know where this uncontrollable urge to flirt with this man comes from, but I can’t help myself. If only he were the one asking me on a date.
“As I always tell Lennox, you can never be too careful.”
“Good advice.”
This time, his smile feels more genuine. “Fathers always worry about their daughters.”
“Part of being a parent.”
“Don’t worry,” Reenie chimes in. “I’ll make sure to keep an eye on her.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, turning to face her.
“Relax.” She waves me off. “I only meant that I’ll know where you’re going.”
“Thanks, Reenie,” Sam answers.
“See if I tell you two anything,” I mumble.
“If your date goes well, maybe you can show me a thing or two about getting on these apps.”
“What?” My eyes lock on to Sam’s. Sam wants to get on a dating app? “Why do you need help?”
“What do you mean?” He looks confused.
I wave my hand in front of him. “You look like that. Pretty sure you could get any woman you want just by looking at them.”
“Thanks for that, darlin’, but sometimes it’s hard to meet people your own age.”
A strong flash of jealousy floods my veins. I have no claim on this man, but I want him all the same.
“I’ll let you know how my date goes this week and then I can help you.”
“Hopefully it goes well.”
“Fingers crossed.”
Sam tips his head at us before heading toward the dining room. I focus on the computer, not wanting to make it look like I’m checking him out.
Because damn. He is one fine specimen of a man and you can’t help but stare at him.
“So where are you going to go on this date?” Reenie asks.
“We’ll get pancakes. Easy enough for dinner, and if he doesn’t mind it, that tells me a lot about him.”
“I hope he’s good to you,” she says, squeezing my shoulder as she heads back to the office. “I need to grab some more paper. Be right back.”
“Take your time.”
As soon as she leaves, my eyes dart up, hoping to catch a glance of Sam, but to no avail.
I should be more concerned about my date this week and not Sam. Sam is off-limits. No good will come from lusting over my dad’s best friend.
Gavin looks like a nice guy. Maybe we’ll hit it off and the two of us will fall madly in love and he’ll make me forget all about Sam.
Sam who?
That’s the attitude I need to carry with me this week. Things are looking up. I haven’t had a date in a long time. This will be good for me. Seeing Sam.
Damnit! Gavin. Things will be good with Gavin.
If only I don’t have to keep reminding myself who I’m going out with…