Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 104766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Honestly, the scene before me takes my breath away. I can hardly believe someone could put so much thought and effort into creating a moment like this.
For me.
Like—what is this life?
As I step into the softly lit area, our eyes meet, and there’s a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability in his gaze. How can he doubt this for one second? How could he think I wouldn’t love this?
He holds out a chair for me, fingers brushing against mine.
From behind, he leans down and kisses the side of my neck.
“Welcome,” he says a bit formally—as if he were a server in a fancy restaurant. “I hope you like it.”
Like it?
Is he for real?
I love it.
I’m quite literally at a loss for words as I take in the scene. The stars above us shimmer their approval as if they’re witnessing a moment that’s just as magical as they are.
“I feel so special.”
Drew takes his seat across from me, spreading a napkin across his lap.
“I wanted to do something special for you, something that would let you know how much you mean to me.”
A lump forms in my throat, overwhelmed by the depth of his sentiment.
“Drew, this... this is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me.”
A soft smile curves his lips, his hand reaching across the table to find mine. “You deserve it.”
“Where did this all come from?” And how did I not notice any of it in the back of the truck?
The spread is ridiculous and more than enough for two people. He’s set up an elevated charcuterie—or grazing board—with almonds, crackers and cheese, and a variety of meat. Grapes. Apricots. Mini pickles, olives, some other veggies.
Sliced apples.
I can’t believe my eyes.
“Obviously, I had help.” He clears his throat. “I thought for sure half the shit would break on the road here. Every time I hit a pothole, I almost shit myself.”
“I’m sure.”
Drew hands me a plate from a small stack and a few utensils. Even though it’s all finger food and forks aren’t necessary, the ambience is out of this world.
Amazing.
“Are you sad I’m leaving tomorrow after I threw that little fit?”
“I don’t think it was a fit. You had every right to be upset about me callin’ you a friend.”
“I did overreact.”
He doesn’t agree or disagree with me. “You look cute tonight.”
I spread my arms wide, the sleeves of this oversized crewneck billowing. “You told me to dress comfortable and casual, so here I am.”
“I want to squish and cuddle you.”
“Are you gonna?”
“Yup, totally. After we finish eating.”
After we finish eating? “You planning on laying me down in the hay field?”
“Nope.” He pops an olive into his mouth and chews thoughtfully. “Bed of the truck.”
I shift my gaze, looking at the back of the truck. It’s filled with blankets and square pillows.
“I was thinking we could do some stargazin’.”
Stargazing?
I feel a rush of anticipation. “That’s so romantic.” I swear I can feel my heart fluttering inside my chest. Stomach, too.
He shrugs nonchalantly. “Hey, it’s a classic move in the movies for a reason.”
“Was it your idea?”
Another shrug. “Mostly.” He pauses. “Drake and Daisy were excited to help. He wanted me to string up lights and have music, but I didn’t have time to figure all that shit out.”
Wireless speaker?
Speaker from the truck?
Stop it, Tess.
“Well, this is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He considers my words. “If you could change one thing about the past three months, what would it be?”
Oh, we’re going to dive right into the serious topics, are we?
I have to think about his question because if anything had been doing differently or changed, we may not be right here, in this moment. And right here is where I want to be.
“I don’t know, actually. Probably…” I think. “I’d probably have said something to you sooner about my feelings for you. And I would have let you put the moves on me first, instead of going at you like a horny teenager.” I laugh, despite being serious.
“I don’t think there’s a man on earth who would object to a smart, funny, and pretty girl puttin the moves on him.”
“I know, but you know what I mean.”
He nods. “I know what you mean.”
“What about you—what would you have done different if you could go back in time and change things?”
He pulls a thoughtful face. “I have no idea. Maybe how things went with Grady. We’ve been friends for a long time and it makes no sense why he’s pissed about us being together. He knows me. He knows what kind of guy I am, there’s no logical explanation for his anger.”
My eyes move to the spot on his face that had been bruised and I cringe. “I know. You’re the best guy I know.”
I say it because it’s true.
Drew Colter is the best guy I know and the past two weeks have proved it.