Page 42 of Stealing Kisses

“Am I too late for Larsen Love Therapy?” Daniel Davis asked from across the produce department.

“Ha ha,” Rhys mocked. “You didn’t seem to mind my help last year when you had to convince Landry you were worth taking a chance on love.”

“That’s a true statement,” Davis confessed. “Jax said he tried calling, but neither of you answered. He needs to lock up the shop early. I’m here to steal Teddy and get him over there before Jax closes for the weekend.”

Did everyone in Green Hills know his whereabouts and shortcomings?

On one hand, everyone’s knowledge and interference in his life startled and disturbed Teddy. On the other hand, he connected with, respected, and appreciated the community’s wish to help. He admired the way they wanted to be there for Baylin, and even for Teddy…a virtual stranger.

He thought a lot about that as he drove Boxy to the farm. Teddy decided the pros outweighed the cons. He was all-in with making this dinner a big success for both Baylin and himself.

A win-win.

He couldn’t be happy if Baylin wasn’t; he couldn’t claim a victory if she couldn’t, too.

And he had faith.

17

God doesn’t make mistakes.

Ashli Montgomery

Apple pie out of the oven?Check.

Steaks ready for the grill?Check.

Salad tossed and chilling in the fridge?Check.

Pan-fried veggies over low heat in the skillet?Check.

Kitchen table set for two?Check.

Candles lit?Check.

Teddy consulted the list Maree left for him for the twentieth time. His nerves rattled like a pair of maracas. Beads of sweat popped onto his forehead when her truck rumbled into the garage.

He met her there to help with the empty bins and containers she’d brought home from the festival. He smiled when she paused at the table, studied the vegetables cooking on the range, and returned her gaze to Teddy with a questioning eye.

After they’d unloaded everything, Baylin turned from Teddy and toward the stairs up to her room.

He clutched her wrist before she got away. With a gentle tug, he spun her to face him, just inches away.

“Hi,” he said, hoping she couldn’t hear his heart beating in his chest louder than a thundering herd.

“Hello,” she said. The cautious note in her voice stung, but Teddy forged on.

“I was wondering if you’d like to eat? Here…tonight?” He stumbled, took a deep breath, and tried again. “Please, will you have dinner with me?”

Baylin glanced to the kitchen, then into Teddy’s eyes, and moistened her lips, and gave a slight nod. A thread of hope fluttered through his body.

“Give me just a minute,” she said, still hesitant, but that was okay.

She’d agreed to spend time with him.Check.

When Baylin came down the stairs ten minutes later wearing leggings, an oversized flannel shirt, and big wool socks, Teddy was waiting at the bottom with a bouquet.

“Thank you. These are some of my favorites,” she said, holding the flowers close to smell their sweet fragrance.

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