“Sounds like Maple Valley has been good to you,” she said.
“It has been. It’s reminded me how much I love the outdoors and all the wildlife, flowers, trees,” I said.
“You sound in love,” she giggled.
“That couldn’t possibly happen so fast,” I said to her.
“I fell in love with your dad after four weeks of dating and here we are still happily married,” she said.
“I guess we’ll wait and see,” I said.
“How is your thesis going?” she asked.
That made my stomach drop. I didn’t want my mood to dampen. “It isn’t. I just haven’t been putting in the time and research.” I didn’t want to scare her and tell her about meeting with Nico or receiving that mysterious letter.
“Okay, we can talk about it another time. Enjoy your date,” she said.
“Thank you,” I said with relief.
“Love you, baby,” she said.
“Love you too.”
We ended the call. I blew out my hair into soft curls. I only packed a few dresses since I didn’t plan on dating, but I had a yellow summer dress that had violet and blue flowers on it. It was sleeveless and fitted on top and flowed out at the bottom. I got myself dressed and put on a pair of gold flat sandals, and that’s when the knock on the door came.
CHAPTER 23
Asher
I stood outside her cabin door feeling more nervous than I ever had before a fight, which was ridiculous. I’d stepped into cages in front of screaming crowds and taken hits that rattled my bones. None of that compared to standing here with my heart beating too fast because I was about to take Claire on a real date. I adjusted the cuffs of my white linen shirt. The top buttons were open, the fabric light against my skin. Dress pants instead of jeans. Hair slicked back instead of messy from work. I felt… exposed.
The door to her cabin opened. Everything inside me went quiet. Claire stood there in a yellow dress scattered with small flowers, her hair loose around her shoulders, cheeks flushed like she’d been rushing. For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
“You’re stunning,” I said, breathless.
Her smile softened. “You look… wow.”
That made me grin. “Wow good?”
“Very wow,” she laughed.
I held out my hand without thinking. She slipped hers into mine like it belonged there.
The walk to the brewery felt different tonight. The air was warm, the sky painted in soft evening colors, and I caught myself glancing at her every few steps just to make sure she was beside me. When we reached the private entrance, I paused.
“You ready?” I asked.
She nodded, curiosity flickering in her eyes. I opened the door. Her breath caught as she took in the softly lit room. Flowers sat in simple arrangements across the space, thanks to Sandy, who insisted on helping when she found out I was finally taking Claire on a date. A candlelit table for two waited in the center, plates already set, wine glasses catching the light. Claire turned slowly, taking it all in.
“Asher…” she whispered.
I rubbed the back of my neck, suddenly unsure of myself. “I wanted it to feel special.”
Her eyes found mine again, shining. “It’s perfect.”
Relief loosened something in my chest. We sat down, and I handed her the special wine menu Cooper had put together for us. She scanned it, smiling.
“You remembered,” she said softly.