Page 37 of In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes

She was so eager, though, and a trial runwasa good idea.

Besides, I heard her the other day on the boat, loud and clear. No dating. No commitments. No attachments.

“Fine,” I gritted out, finishing the rest of my beer.

Her face lit up and she straightened to standing. “Great. Tuesday night?”

I jerked a nod. A customer caught her attention and she hustled off, and I watched her ass as she walked away.

A tight warmth built in my chest at the idea of us going out.

It’s a practice date, I told myself. It wasn’t real. She was helping me for the money.

You’re a catch, she had said on the boat.

I hated that I wanted that to be true. I wanted to impress her.

I pulled out my phone to plan our date.

16

Sadie

Tuesday night,I stood on the sidewalk in front of the art gallery, waiting for Holden. My stomach buzzed with excitement.

Since this was a practice date, I figured I would dress up a bit. That flash of insecurity I saw behind Holden’s eyes the other day still bothered me, and I wanted to show the guy he was worthy of a fun date.

I glanced down at my dress with a smile. I lookedgood. When I had tried this dress on at a consignment store in Toronto, Willa had gasped with wide eyes and insisted I buy it. The fabric was a deep red that made my skin glow. The sweetheart neckline made my cleavage look amazing, and the skirt flared at my waist. In the window behind me, my reflection caught my attention. I had blown out my hair all pretty, and it fell around my shoulders in waves.

Beautiful,Holden had said.

My stomach gave a funny little flutter. I wondered what he’d wear tonight.

“Sadie,” Wyatt called, crossing the street with Hannah at his side.

My face lit up and I waved at them.

Wyatt enveloped me in a big hug. “Heard you were back in town.”

I pulled back and gave Hannah a hug. She beamed at me.

“Congratulations,” I told Wyatt.

He shot Hannah a proud grin. “Thanks.”

“So?” I asked. “Baby’s room, what are we thinking? Animal themed, teddy bears, rainbows?”

Hannah cringed and chewed her lip. “We have no idea. Neither of us are very good at that thing.”

I gave them aduhlook. “Dudes. I’m an interior designer. I live for this stuff. Let me help.” I shrugged. “I’m going to be sticking around town for a bit anyway, renovating the inn.”

My mind flicked to Holden.

Hannah shrugged and gave me a shy grin. “If you have the time, we’d love some help.”

I clapped my hands and beamed at them. “Absolutely.”

“I love your dress.” Hannah tilted her head. “Are you waiting for someone?”

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