Page 16 of Forever Enough
Avery reached for my hand. “Tomorrow, my cousins and I are doing some after-the-holiday shopping. I’d love for you to come. It’ll be the perfect way to start introducing you to some of them.”
Biting on my lip, I was unsure if I wanted to say yes or drum up other plans. I missed hanging out with friends and had to admit, at times, it was lonely with just me and the animals. “Um…”
“Oh, please come, Mackenzie. I know you’ll love everyone.”
Before I could change my mind, I smiled and nodded. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
Avery bounced on her toes. “I’ll get your number from my mom and text you all the details!”
Her energy was infectious, and I found myself laughing. “Sounds good. Thank you for the invite.”
“One thing,” Avery stated as she pointed to my shirt. “You cannot wear any Mickey Mouse thermal shirts tomorrow.”
I glanced down and felt my cheeks heat. I’d forgotten I had the shirt on. Looking at Avery, I started to tell her that wouldn’t be a problem—when Bradly spoke.
“I think the shirt looks cute on her.”
All eyes went to Bradly.
“Do you?” Merit asked with a smile.
Bradly winked at me, and I felt a flutter in my stomach as he practically purred, “I do.”
Avery gave her brother a speculative look, then turned back to me. “You’re going to love everyone, I promise. You won’t regret this!”
“Famous last words,” Bradly mumbled as he pushed off the counter.
“Thank you again, Merit, for the tea.”
“You’re very welcome. Don’t spend too much time working today. You have this week off, dear.”
“I promise I won’t work for long.”
As I headed through the house toward the front entrance, Bradly followed closely behind me. The way my heart hammered in my chest and ears, I couldn’t help but wonder if he could hear it as well.
Bradly handed me my coat, hat, and gloves. When I saw him put his own coat on, I tilted my head and stared at him.
“I thought I’d walk you out.”
“You don’t have to,” I replied as my chest squeezed with an anticipation I’d never experienced before. Goodness, what was it about this man that made me react to him like this?
“I know. I want to.”
All I could do was nod before I turned and started out of the house, Bradly not far behind.
Right before we got to the truck, Bradly spoke. “I stopped by earlier this morning at the greenhouse, hoping to see you.”
Turning, I nodded. “Lou said you stopped by. Was there anything you needed?”
There went that brilliant smile once again. “I just wanted to see if you might like to go for something to eat.”
I frowned. “To eat?”
He laughed. “Yes, like, as in a date.”
“A date?”
“Looks like it’s your turn to repeat everything I’m saying.”