“With work?”
“Sort of.”
“What does that mean? Did something happen?”
“Not really. I mean, Rags showed up at the nursery.”
A sharp inhale. “Oh shit. I knew he’d get in contact with you. What happened?”
“We talked. And then he kissed me.”
Zoe gasped and then giggled. “I knew it. And then what?”
Casey grimaced. “I bit him.”
Silence. Then Zoe burst into laughter. “Youbithim? Why?”
“Because he pissed me off,” Casey said. “Because he ghosted me and then just strolled in here like nothing. Because he just grabbed me.”
“But still…”
Casey groaned. “I don’t want to want him.”
A small sigh came through the phone. “I know, but you do want him. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“I hate that he gets to me.”
“He gets to you because you actually like him. And that scares the hell out of you. Stop pretending and admit it. It’s okay.”
Casey rubbed her eyes. “I didn’t hear anything from him for two weeks. And then he walks in today like… like I’m supposed to fall into his arms.”
“And did you?”
Casey paused. “A little, I guess.”
“So how did you guys leave it?”
Casey’s stomach twisted. “He asked me out to dinner. He’s picking me up at seven.”
“You have a date?” Zoe laughed. “I love it!”
“I’m sort of freaking out here,” Casey said.
“I know, sorry,” Zoe said. “I’m just excited for you. If he didn’t care about you there’s no way in hell he would’ve shown up today. Am I right?”
“Probably. But he may be enjoying the challenge,” Casey said.
“I don’t think so. Because he sure in the hell wouldn’t be taking you out to dinner with that smart mouth of yours, and now your sharper bite.” Zoe giggled. “Sorry, but you have to admit it’s funny.”
“You should be the one going out because you’re way more excited than I am.”
“You’re going to have a good time. And this gives you both a chance to get to know each other,” Zoe said. “I can see and feel the attraction between you both.”
“I don’t know.”
“Maybe just let this be what it is. See how it plays out without overthinking it or crowding it with the past.”
“Easier said than done,” Casey said.