Page 25 of Fall With Me
I can’t stay. Not when I’m intruding and fighting back the same feelings I’ve battled my entire life.Nobody wants you.My nose stings and tears burn the back of my eyes. I won’t fall apart in front of Dawson. Blinking rapidly and rubbing my nose, willing the emotions overwhelming me to calm, I say, “Dawson, it’s fine.”
His gaze turns pleading. “Will you please wait? I just need ten minutes. Then I’ll return with a better attitude. Promise.”
I chew on my bottom lip. “You’re absolutely sure? I don’t mind leaving.” And never coming back.
He puts his hand on my shoulder. Warmth spreads from my shoulder, running down my arm and into my chest until my entire body is as balmy as a beach day. It’s like Dawson is the calm to my storm. Just a simple touch soothes my frazzled nerves.
Weird.
His soft eyes focus on mine. “I’m one hundred percent positive I want you to stay.”
With us standing so close, I notice flecks of dark brown scattered throughout his irises. I’m getting hotter by the second. Soon, I’ll be burning like white coal in a fire. My voice is deeper than normal when I say, “I’ll stay.”
His hand drops from my shoulder and he takes a step back, putting distance between us. Distance I’m fond of because I need my body to chill.
“Thanks.” He clears his throat. “Ten minutes.”
“Take your time.” I walk through the kitchen in a daze, crossing to the dining room table. Pulling my phone out and a notebook I shoved in my purse earlier, I jot down my thoughts on the pizza and the cost. I’m scrolling online for other catering options when the seat next to me is pulled out from the table.
“What do you have there?” Dawson asks.
I slide the notebook toward him. “The Pie is good. There’s no debating that. I think the price is decent for the quality of food and will resonate well with the men and kids. What I’m not loving is how pizza doesn’t really scream fall festival, you know? And what about the big clients Carter wants to impress? Pizza doesn’t really say we spent a lot of time thinking through the theme.”
“Uhh…” Dawson scratches his jawline. “You’re better at this than I am because none of that crossed my mind. If it were up to me, I’d order the pizza and be done with it.”
“And it’s still an option, but what if we did a gourmet chili and mac and cheese bar? Or Mexican? There’s always barbeque too. Ohhh or food trucks. That way there’s a variety for everyone who comes.”
Dawson shakes his head quickly like he can’t keep up with every idea I’m spouting. “Hold up, Chloe. One, we don’t have time to try all the food you mentioned and give companies enough time to meet our November second deadline. Second, are you aiming to please clients or making this family friendly or both? Third, take a deep breath.”
I inhale, calming my whirring mind. “The ultimate goal is for the food and activities to be perfect for all attendees.I want everyone to enjoy what they eat and what they do during the festival regardless of age.”
“Then go with food trucks. It gives people options. You can have stuff kids and adults like.”
I’m loving this idea. We can set up tables and chairs but won’t have to worry about keeping the food restocked or warm throughout the event. The only potential issue is the price. “Done. I’ll call around and see what I can find. Any recommendations? For dessert we’ll have the caramel apple station and I’ll order some cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, and apple cider donuts.”
Dawson wipes his mouth like he’s drooling. “I approve. Since I recently moved back, I’m not sure what kind of food trucks are around here.”
“There’s—”
“Dad! Chloe!” Finn shouts. “You’ve got to come see this battle. Hurry!”
Flashing me an amused smile, Dawson hurries to the couch. I’ve heard ofPokémon, but I have no clue what it’s about, and I don’t really care to know.
Following Dawson, I sit, pretending to show interest. Dawson and I make “Ohh,” “Oomf,” and “Owie” noises at the appropriate times. All I want is to get back to discussing food trucks, but one episode morphs into two. Two into three. The last thing I recall is Ash speaking to Pickachu.
Chapter 12
Chloe
A loud screech startles me awake. My heart pounds. What time is it? Where am I?
Blinking, it takes me a minute to recall I’m at Dawson’s. On his couch. Watching a kids’ show with his son. My eyes are like sandpaper. Checking my watch, I gasp.
“Finn,” I hedge. “What time do you normally go to bed?”
“Nine.”
Oh crap. It’s after ten. Why hasn’t Dawson kicked me out yet and tucked his son into bed? I lean around Finn.
