Page 42 of Wild Hearts

"I don't know." My experience with dating was meeting someone for drinks at a bar. Trying to win over my ex's heart would take a lot more finesse, which I wasn't sure I had.

"There's a farmers market in town."

I tilted my head. "Did you research things to do?"

She laughed. "Maybe."

"I can handle my own love life," I called out as I jogged down the stairs. I poured another cup of coffee and read through weekend things to-do list on the town website. The farmers market was an option. But then what? Was I over thinking this?

When it was time to go, I drove to Scarlett's house where Aunt Clara and Scarlett were already waiting inside.

"There's a bookstore in town and another shop with the best pillows and throws. You're going to love it," Scarlett said.

"That sounds good," Dakota said.

For the first time, I wondered if she felt comfortable with my family. "Do you want me to go with?"

Scarlett's eyes widened. "No."

Aunt Clara shook her head.

I looked at Dakota who smiled reassuringly. "I'll be okay. You should go on your date."

I groaned and lifted my face to the ceiling.

"Date?" my aunt asked. "Who are you going on a date with?"

Scarlett leaned against the counter with an amused expression on her face. "Yes, please tell us about this date."

"Dakota is pushing me to ask Addison out."

"You already talked to her, didn't you?" Dakota said with a bit of sass.

My gaze narrowed on her. "How do you know that?"

She just gave me a look. "Didn't you?"

"Yes. I wasn't sure what we should do though. I can't just do something mediocre. This is a big deal."

"I suggested getting a tree, going to the farmers market—" Dakota trailed off.

Scarlett nodded. "Those are good ideas."

I held up a hand. "I don't need your help with dating. I can handle this."

"Is she willing to overlook what happened before?"

"She won't talk about it though. So I don't know where that leaves us."

"You won't know if you don't try."

"I figured we could do the farmers market and see where it goes from there." I couldn't come up with anything more elaborate, but maybe I didn't need to. We could spend quality time together and reconnect. Maybe even go to one of the pizza places we frequented when we were kids and play arcade games. That was it. "I know what I'm doing."

Dakota just raised her brow.

"You really don't have any faith in me?"

"You're a nice guy."

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