Page 48 of Sweeter Than Fiction

“Don,” I begin, hoping something will come to me.

But he stops me. “Let’s just go inside, Abby.”

“Wait, you want to come inside with me?” I ask in complete disbelief.

He gives me a genuine smile. “Of course, I do.”

Okay, I’m even more confused than I was before. I have absolutely no idea what this man is thinking.

But I’m not complaining.

Once we are on the other side of the door, Don grabs my hand in his, leading me to the kitchen. I let out a small squeal as he gently picks me up and sets me on the counter.

Without a word, he pulls a bottle of wine out of the fridge and pours me a large glass. After handing it to me, he leans down. And I watch this ridiculously gorgeous man slowly remove each one of my uncomfortable high heels.

Once I’m barefoot, he says, “Drink your wine. I’ll be right back.”

He’s gone mere moments before reappearing with full hands. First, he hands me my glasses and contact holder with solution already inside.

I immediately take out my contacts and put my glasses back on. The relief I feel is almost instant.

“Thank you,” I tell him.

“You’re welcome.”

Next, he opens a pack of makeup wipes. Grabbing one, he starts wiping off my face.

“Don.”

“Yes, Abby?”

“I’m confused.”

“About what?” He asks.

“About what we’re doing. I freaked out at dinner and ruined our date.”

“Who says you ruined anything?”

“I just thought you were mad when we left before we even got our food.”

“Abby, you were miserable. There’s no reason why we couldn’t come back here to finish our date in the place where you’re most comfortable.”

“But you paid for food we didn’t even get to eat,” I say.

He shrugs his shoulders. “Who cares? We can order in whatever we want. It’s just money, Abby. I’m not worried about it.”

“All that stuff I said didn’t freak you out?”

“Nope. Not even a little bit.” He continues using the wipe on my face. “Abs, let me tell you something. Out of all the time you and I have spent together, you have never worn a bunch of makeup, or high heels, or a thong…that I’m aware of. We’ve just hung out here. And you know what I learned during all that time?”

“What?” I ask, bracing myself for impact.

“That I’m absolutely crazy about you.”

“Really?”

He nods. “And if I remember correctly, I think I heard you say something about wanting me to kiss you again.”

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