He started to reply, something no doubt snarky and sassy for his golden boy personality, something barbed that would rile meup and excite me, but he paused as a powder blue little punch bug pulled up across the street.
There was only one person in the entire world who drove such an impractical car for the winters we got in Cedar Bluff.
“Goldie.” I whispered, longing for her in a way I didn’t even realize until she materialized.
She got out of her car wearing a pink blouse and tight blue jeans with a white frilly apron still tied around her waist, and God, she looked so freaking angelic and perfect.
She paused when she saw us standing together and threw a cute little wave before she went to the back of her car and popped the trunk. Carrying an armful of boxes over to where the Miller family stood at the back of their store, watching their livelihood reduced to rubble, she brought sunshine to the scene.
She smiled at the family, hugged their grandkids and patted the men on their shoulders as she handed out coffee like it was holy water paired with delicious smelling fresh baked muffins.
Each time she glanced over to where we stood, something softened behind her eyes, like watching us together gave her something she didn’t even know she needed until she saw it.
Later, when the site was cleared, and the barn was safe from rekindling into anymore fire, I found her leaning against the back of one of our rigs, biting into a muffin I knew she’d swear was just too ugly to give away.
“You look good in soot,” She teased as I took my helmet off and shed my heavy jacket. I hung it on a nozzle and sat down next to her on the bumper.
“How do you always show up and give everyone exactly what they need without even trying?” I asked, skipping over the small talk and getting right to the importance of her role in Cedar Bluff. And my life.
Even though it was new, it was becoming hard to ignore.
“I just brought sugar and caffeine,” she shrugged, dusting her hands off when she ate the last bite, like she was trying to brush off the notion of her being anything more than a delivery person.
“Wrong,” I nudged her shoulder with mine and then tilted her chin, so she had no choice but to look over at me as she tried to deflect. “You bring sunshine and hope. Warmth and compassion. You bring you.” I took a deep breath in as she swallowed, eyes wide. “And for me, that’s exactly what I needed right now.”
She smiled, leaning into my touch as she threaded her fingers through mine on my hand resting between us, pulling it onto her lap to squeeze. “Do we have to reschedule our dinner?” She asked quietly, as if she were ashamed of worrying about herself at the moment, given what the Miller family was facing. “I completely understand if we do, I just want to know before I run home and start cooking.”
I kissed her.
I couldn’t help it or resist her pure goodness any longer. I didn’t even care who was around to see as I laid my lips on her gently, or when she leaned in to deepen it. Again, it was quick and sweet, but the heat behind it promised something more for later.
“I wouldn’t miss our date for anything. My ass will be on your doorstep right on time.”
“Good,” She sighed deeply and kissed me again, and then pulled back. “Because I want more of that.” I groaned as she stood up with a chuckle. “Go save the world, Hotshot,” She sassed.
“Whatever you say, Marigold.”
Don’t sweatthrough your dress, Goldie. Don’t sweat through your dress.
I pulled the homemade bread from the oven and poured the sauce into the pasta as Rhea’s jeep pulled into my driveway. I liked that she didn’t park on the street but pulled all the way into the driveway to park next to my car at the back door, as if she was planning to stay awhile.
Maybe the night?
Wiping my hands on my apron before taking it off, I peeked at myself in the mirror by the front door as she knocked. My mauve-colored dress had wooden buttons down the entire front, and my hair was pinned up into a twist. I didn’t wear shoes, that would be weird in my own home, but the outfit still felt perfect for a nice dinner in with Rhea.
Our first.
A date of sorts.
“Hi,” I said breathlessly as I opened the door and took in her appearance. Her long dark hair was curled slightly, falling in soft waves down to her elbows. She wore a pair of high-waisted blue jeans and a lacy white bralette with a sage green cropped cardigan buttoned once right below her bust. The smallest glimpse of her stomach showed between the two hems, and her defined abdominal muscles tightened when I got caught staring at the tanned skin there. “Sorry,” I chuckled, forcing my eyes back to her face. “Damn.”
She smirked and came inside when I finally stepped aside. “What’s the matter, did you expect me to show up in my turnout gear?”
“I mean,” I giggled, “I wouldn’t have been surprised.”
She held out a bottle of red wine and set it on the sideboard as she let her eyes roam over my outfit. “I’m the one surprised.” She whispered, “I didn’t think you could be any sexier than you are when you’re wearing an apron with flour on your cheeks, but I stand corrected. You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I smiled and tilted my head back toward the kitchen. “I’m just about ready to plate dinner.”