Page 63 of Guarded Deputy
Nate laughs, scratching the back of my head with his fingers. “Tonight,” he whispers, leaning forward.
“Not here,” I warn. We’re out on the street, and I know people are watching. It won’t take long for this encounter to join the rumors about our coffee non-date and dancing at the concert.
“I know. I’ll pick you up, and we’ll go somewhere. No need to give me your address, I have it logged in our 911 calls,” he jokes.
“Har, har.” Heat creeps up my neck.
“I love when you blush. It gives me insight to your feelings.” He steps back, releasing my face. “Tonight, Ms. A. I’ll be by your apartment at seven.”
“Make it eight.”
“You’ve got yourself a deal, and don’t worry about people in town. I’ve got the perfect plan to make things private.” He winks and walks away, leaving me rooted in place.
Snapping out of it, I walk to my car and drive home, calling Dani.
“Hey, sugar, what can I do for you?” She puts on her best Southern accent, which is terrible.
“I can’t even.” I laugh.
“It’s my best so far. What’s going on?”
“You’re not at work are you?” I focus on the road, leaving my phone on speaker.
“Nope, worked in the morning. Do you want to do something tonight? I feel like I’ve been locked up at home and my neighbor is driving me insane.” She practically growls.
She and her neighbor have a rocky relationship at best.
“I can’t go out tonight. Nate asked me out.” I bite my lip waiting for her reactions.
“Whaaaaat?” Her voice deepens in the most exaggerated way, like a donkey possessed or something, and I throw my head against the headrest as I laugh, tears springing to my eyes.
“Oh, my goodness. Do that sound again.”
“Shut up and don’t change the subject. Tell meeverything.”
“I saw him at Paul’s birthday party, and we kissed inside the laser tag arena. When I was leaving, he followed me and asked me to go out tonight. I’m freaking out in a good way but also wondering if it’s a bad idea to shit where I eat. Not to mention, I should hear back from the university soon.” I tell her my doubts and hope she can provide wisdom.
“First of all, kissing at a kid’s party? Girl, you’re brave. Secondly, what are you afraid of? He’s not technically a school employee. Thirdly, many people date and go to school and work. You won’t be the first or the last. You can accomplish your dreams like a badass and be happy in a relationship. No one said you could only have one or the other.”
“I know you’re right. I’ve just waited so long to chase this goal that I get tunnel vision. However, Nate and I do work together.” I remind her.
“Unofficially, but it could be awkward if things don’t work out.”
That is not what I wanted to hear from her, but it’s the exact thought I’ve been having since Nate and I started this whole flirting slash kissing situation.
“Or if things don’t work out, maybe I won’t have to see him ever again because he’ll decide not to continue with this job next school year.”
Dani laughs. “We live in Emerald Bay. You’re going to run into him. Besides, stop thinking about the worst case scenario before even going out with the guy. You could end up getting married.”
“Oh, please.” I sound appalled but my face heats, and I’m glad I have no witness to that reaction. Not that I think about marrying anyone right now, but something about Nate in my future, sharing intimacy, makes me flush.
“You never know, so go out tonight, enjoy it, and leave your doubts in the trash where they belong. Do not dare recycle them for another day.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I park my car in my spot and turn off the ignition. “Thanks for the pep talk.” I get out and walk to my apartment.
“No need to thank me, but I expect a full update tomorrow morning since I’m doing the afternoon show at the station. We can have breakfast, unless…you’re busy having your hot date for breakfast.”
“Dani!” I shriek.