Page 58 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
“What’s the second thing you wanted?”
Rhett rubbed a hand along his jaw. His cheeks turned pink. “Would you like to go to the town Christmas fair with me Saturday morning?”
My breath froze in my lungs. Wait, was he asking me on a date? Or would this be a friends-only outing? After a month of being unsure where we stood, I needed clarification. “As a date? As a management team-building exercise? As friends?” What about our jobs?
“Do we need to put a label on it right this minute?”
Yes. It would help my speeding pulse and racing mind figure out what the heck was happening. “I guess not…”
“So? Do you want to go?”
Whatever the reason, I missed him. Which was crazy since I saw him every day. “Yes, I do.” I just hoped no one saw us there.
Rhett flashed me a relieved smile. “Excellent.”
His dazzling grin had my knees going weak. Good thing I’d stayed seated. “Great.”
“Can I walk you out?”
I blinked. He’d never offered to do that before. “To my car?”
“Yeah. It’s dark out. I should’ve been doing that from the very first day.”
My stomach fluttered like a million snowflakes swirling around in a storm. “I’m used to it.” I’d done it for three years.
“I know. I’d like to anyway, if that’s okay with you?”
He looked so hopeful. “Yeah. Sure.”
Snatching my coat from the back of my office chair, I zipped myself in, grabbed my purse, and made my way down the hall to the metal door that led to the employee parking lot.
Rhett didn’t have a coat on or keys in his hand. Was he not leaving yet? He must be freezing, with the cold temperature and frigid breeze off the ocean.
The walk was short and quiet. Clicking my fob, I unlocked my driver’s side door, threw my purse into the passenger seat, started the ignition, then stood and stared at Rhett, who had one hand resting on my open car door and the other shoved into his pants pocket.
“Thanks for making sure I’m safe,” I said, those same snowflakes dancing in my stomach.
He tapped his thumb against the car door. “I’m sorry for the last few weeks,” he blurted. “Things have been”—he blew out a heavy breath that instantly turned into a white cloud—“difficult. And I’ve been battling what I want versus what is smart.”
Very helpful explanation.I folded my arms across my chest, seeking warmth. Goosebumps rose along my exposed skin. “Does this still have to do with your family?” I asked, confused. Or what happened after you met with your uncle a month ago? Or what happened between us when Darby walked in?
The night was clear. Stars glistened overhead. The moon hung heavy and bright. Waves crashed along the rocks to our left. If only it weren’t so cold, this would be the perfect night to stay up late talking.
He looked over my shoulder, out toward the ocean. “No.”
“Oh.” I tilted my head, taking in his torn expression. “Is it something I can help you with?”
He stared at me. My heart pounded at his intense gaze.
“Yes.”
Was he finally going to tell me about that night I’d taken him home, or was it something else? I cleared my throat. “What can I do?” My voice came out soft, unsteady.
His lips pulled up halfway to a smile. “I’ll tell you Saturday.”
He couldn’t just dangle a carrot like that in front of me and then make me wait. “Is there a reason you’re waiting until later?”
He patted my car door. “There is. I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner. Goodnight, Holly.”
