Page 90 of Never Left You

My heart jumped again. “Like a real date?”

He nodded. “A real date. One where I plan it, pick you up, and pay for everything…I kiss you goodnight…”

“I like the sound of the last detail.” I raised myself on my tippy toes, brushing my lips with his once more. “When?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“Saturday night?” my eyes widened. Saturday? A busy night in town? Really…a Saturday? “How about Wednesday?”

“No, tomorrow.” He nodded. “Go out with me.”

I licked my bottom lip. “Okay…I’d love to.”

“Perfect. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven. Dress warm.” Cash jerked his eyebrows once, brushed my nose with his thumb, and then left me standing in front of the stable, the butterflies rising in my chest.

A date.

Cash asked me on a date.

A real one. And I said I’d love to.

I haven’t been on a date since…

“Well, shit,” I muttered, booking it to Rhett’s cabin.

Kyla opened the door before I even had a chance to knock. I basically ran into her house, doubling over with my hands on my thighs, heavy breaths leaving my lungs.

“Is there a reason why you’re heaving in my living room?” Kyla asked as she tilted her body, her long brown hair falling to the side as she leaned to look at me.

“Cash…” I breathed, standing up with one hand on my hip, the other brushing my hair back. Why I thought it was a good idea to wear it down was beyond me. “He uh…”

I looked at Kyla, her eyes wide and eyebrows high, waiting for me to finish my sentence.

“He asked me on a date.”

She smiled. “Okay…and?”

“A date, Kyla.”

“I heard you.”

“A date.”

“Do you need to sit down?” She moved to the side and presented the couch to me. Without even thinking about it, I rushed past her and plopped on the leather couch. Kyla satcalmly next to me, one leg fitting under her nicely as she made herself comfortable. “You good?”

“I don’t know.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before finally letting it out through my lips. “I mean…my heart is racing…” I admitted.

“Well, you did run here.” Kyla chuckled.

“I’m just…nervous?” I put my hand on my chest. “Cash asked me out on a date.”

“After the way he kissed you last night, I’d hoped he would.” Kyla smirked as she leaned her torso towards me. “Why are you nervous?”

I blushed at the memory of our kiss, giving her a shy look before turning back to the table in front of me. I pulled my legs up to my chest, creating that barrier, trying to wrap my head around why I was acting this way.

I closed my eyes tightly and tried to make myself form the words. Turn these feelings into tangible thoughts I could digest. I liked Cash. I liked the way I felt when he was around. I loved the way his lips felt against mine, the way my stomach churned when he touched me. I loved the sound of his voice, the comfort he brought. So why was I nervous about a date with him?

I sighed, forcing the tears to stay back. I would not cry over this again.

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