Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Callie?”
My head jerks up, and I reluctantly set the phone on the white-clothed table. “Sorry.”
He takes a sip of his wine. “Is there an issue?”
I force a smile as our plates are cleared away. “Not at all.”
“Good. So, I was telling you about my restaurants.”
“Yes. It’s really interesting.”
He launches into how his parents owned a few and then he built upon their empire. And that’s certainly impressive. I’m sure it takes a lot of work to oversee so many different ventures. But he didn’t start from nothing or build his business from the ground up. It’s a lot harder when sweat equity is the only thing you have to invest.
Beau continues to drone on, and it takes a moment to realize I’ve tuned him out again.
“Wow,” I say, hoping he didn’t notice my lapse.
“You have no idea.”
I hum in agreement as a man in his late forties stops by the table. With a grin, Beau rises to his feet before they shake hands and talk about their golf game.
When my phone buzzes with another incoming text, I slip it into my palm and scan the message.
River: If I don’t hear from you in two minutes, I’m coming to get you. FYI-I know where you are.
My pulse kicks up as I peek at the screen.
Does he?
I glance at Beau, relieved that he’s still talking and laughing with his friend.
Me: Okay, I’m calling your bluff. Where am I?
The response is immediate.
River: Sweet Surrender.
My belly dips, and I slowly type out the question uppermost in my mind.
Me: Did you turn my location on?
River: Consider it a safety measure.
Me: That’s a little stalkerish.
River: Agree to disagree.
I should be angry that he thought it was perfectly normal to invade my privacy. But how can I be when a pic of Nora sitting contentedly next to him while watching TV rolls in?
Honestly, it’s the strangest thing.
Who knew River Thompson, superstar hockey player, was actually a toddler whisperer in his spare time?
Maybe he’s right and I don’t know as much about him as I assumed.
Me: Is everything okay?
River: She’s perfect. I just wanted to check on her mom.
Ugh. This man. I’m not sure what he’s playing at, but I don’t like it one bit.
Me: I’m fine. I won’t be out much longer.
I hope.
River: Good.
I’m not touching that comment with a ten-foot pole. For all I know, he’s eager to get on with his evening now that he’s done his good deed for the year. I’m sure he has women on standby for booty calls. That thought sits at the bottom of my gut like a heavy stone. Instead of dwelling on it, I shove it aside, but it continues to nag at me no matter how much I pretend it doesn’t.
Me: Thank you again.
River: Enjoy the rest of your evening out.
Another message immediately pops up after that.
River: Not too much, though.
Me: I’ll try not to.
I stare at the screen a little too long as a strange warmth blooms within me.
“Is everything all right?” Beau asks.
I quickly flip my phone over. “Yup. Just checking in with River. I should probably get home soon.”
Beau frowns. “Really? I was hoping we could check out one of my clubs afterward.”
A laugh tumbles from my lips.
When I realize he’s not joking, my chuckle fades into awkward silence. “Sorry, I’m not really into the club scene anymore.”
Surprise flashes across his face before he shrugs and waves our waitress over. “I hope you enjoyed dinner.”
“I did,” I assure him. “Everything was fantastic.”
That said, tonight hasn’t gone the way I expected. I still have no idea what he thinks about the bakery or my desserts.
Just like he has all evening long, Beau talks the entire ride home. One thing’s for sure, the man certainly has a lot to say. I force a polite smile and nod, all the while counting down the minutes until I can escape the confines of the sedan.
What’s become apparent is that tonight has been a total bust.
Even though I didn’t want to get my hopes up, I was counting on this partnership to pan out. It would have made life just a bit easier and given us a little wiggle room. It’s been so long, I almost don’t remember what simple feels like.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to reach the townhouse. As the vehicle rolls to a stop, Beau swivels toward me, and our knees bump.
When he leans closer, panic sparks in me, and I blurt, “Well, thanks again for dinner.” I flatten myself against the door and yank the handle. “Let me know if you have any questions about the desserts.”
“I was thinking we could start with a few hundred a week,” he says with a chuckle. “Gabby, my assistant, will be in touch with exact numbers on Monday.”
My mouth falls open. “Really? That’s amazing.”
His grin softens as his gaze drops to my lips. “I’d also like to take you out again.”