A family rode by on their bicycles and said hi to Gael. He waved but never took his eyes off mine. The warm chocolate color had me melting on the spot, turning my insides to goo. “Umm—you had me at history. That sounds like fun.”
“Good, I really think you’re going to enjoy it. What’s your number and I’ll text you with specifics. It’s about thirty to forty minutes away, but I promise, as your adventure tour guide, it will be worth it.”
I took out my business card from my purse and handed it to Gael. “Here you go. What time are your plans over tomorrow so I have an idea on when we’ll go?”
We walked. The wind had picked up. I tried not to watch the shorts sway on his hips. It was distracting how lean he looked, even under his sweatshirt.
Good grief, stop looking at him.
He looked confused as he glanced my way. “What plans?”
“The plans you were talking to Kim about.” Had I heard him wrong? I know Gael distracted me on a molecular level it seemed, but I wasn’t incoherent. I was sure he had said there were plans with someone.
A knowing smirk played across his lips. “You’re my plans, Ashlin. Kim had interrupted us before I had a chance to ask.”
“Oh, okay. I’m glad.” Wait. What? I needed to regroup mentally before I embarrassed myself further. I’m glad. Did I really say that? My eyes darted to the sidewalk. That was a safe place and kept me from ogling.
“Me, too.” Gael’s hand came to the small of my back as we continued walking. I enjoyed the possessive feeling it gave—more than I should. Eyes forward, Ashlin. Do not be tempted. As we reached the street, Gael pulled his keys out from his pocket, jingling them. “Can I give you a ride home?”
There was no choice but to look at him. Gael ran his fingers through his hair. I needed to escape with a little dignity intact. “I appreciate it.” I raised my hand and pointed down the street. “Do you see that white house with the black wrought-iron railings?”
The house was a few blocks away, but stood out against the darker buildings that surrounded it. “I do.”
“That’s Aunt Leelyn’s place. Well, I mean, my place now.”
He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek as he had last night. Despite the slight chill, my body warmed. I was defenseless against these types of touches. The heat of his breath tickled my ear as he spoke. My body responded with a familiar ache. “You’ve made my day. Thank you. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
I turned my head slightly bringing our lips closer together. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Forcing myself to break the connection, I walked home versus leaning in and feeling what his lips would feel like on my skin. I bet they feel nice. Stop, Ashlin. Making my way home, I wanted to turn around to see if Gael was still watching me, but I stayed facing forward. It wasn’t until I reached my stairs that I allowed myself to look his way. In the distance, he waved and I did, too. My face broke out in an undeniable grin.
Gael had stayed there and watched me walk home. Slipping my key in the door, I spared one more glance his direction. Even as a smaller fleck, he was gorgeous. I was thankful that from here, Gael wasn’t able to see my dopey expression.
I felt giddy.
As I closed the door, my phone vibrated. Taking it out, it was not the name I had expected. Seeing Harris’ name was an instant mood deflator.
Harris: Did you get the clothes this morning?
I felt bad for having negative thoughts after what he’d done to help me.
Me: I did. Thank you. I appreciate you getting them to me. I’ll be in touch on how to get the rest of my stuff. Did the PR group decide how to announce the breakup?
Harris: Of course I would get them to you. I take care of the things that belong to me.
What an asshole! I closed out the text screen, refusing to get into it with Harris at the moment. He was not going to make those gooey feelings go away. Making my way to my room, I changed into yoga pants. While I tackled the next closet, I pushed the thoughts of Harris aside. He had already taken more time in my life than he deserved. Instead, I focused on the sweaty, hot restaurant owner that made me giddy with excitement.
I was exhausted. Fresh from a shower, I crawled under the covers of my bed. At this point, I had gone through everything except the attic. That could wait until a later date. The front room was busting with donations. The local shelter was coming tomorrow morning to take everything.
The house felt empty without Aunt Leelyn’s stuff. It was hard getting rid of a loved one’s things. Part of me wanted to keep everything, but I knew it needed to be done. I still wasn’t sure if I was going to stay here or go back to New York to start my new life. At some point, I’d have to return to the Big Apple to get my stuff. If Harris demanded it to be packed up before I could get there, I knew Amelia would help me out.
I wasn’t ready to see Harris again yet. Thinking about his earlier text message made my blood boil. I reached for the lamp when a text message from an unfamiliar number flashed a
cross the screen.
Opening the text, a bubbly excitement filled me seeing who it was from.
Gael: Hey, there. It’s Gael. Sorry I didn’t text earlier. I got called back to the restaurant for a surprise health inspection this evening. How was your day?