Page 20 of Declan
“Well, you should come out to my place,” he offered, voice easy. “I have several gentle horses.”
She imagined sunlit paddocks and horses nuzzling her palm. “I’d like that.”
“Any time. It’s about fifteen miles from here. You’re welcome whenever you like. I’m free tomorrow if you don’t have any plans.”
“I don’t and I would love to,” she said, heart fluttering.
“Sure. Looking forward to it.” His gaze held hers.
Her number was called twice before she tore her eyes away. She ordered six chocolate cupcakes with swirls of strawberry icing, paid, and lifted the blue box.
Turning to leave, she nearly bumped into Declan. She stumbled back, frosting-scented air swirling between them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were that close.”
He grinned. “No problem. Could you wait a moment? I’d like your number for tomorrow. That way if anything comes up for either of us, we can get in touch.”
“Of course.” She set the cupcake box on a nearby table. “I’ll be here.”
He strode back to the counter. “Courtney, how are you?” He asked the server, then ordered a dozen cookies.
“Wonderful, Declan.” Courtney rang up a dozen chocolate chip cookies, boxed them neatly, then set the box on top of the glass case. He paid, lifted the box with one hand, and returned to Elise and nodded for her to go out, as he held the door for her.
“Are all those chocolate chip cookies for you?” Elise teased.
“They’re my weakness,” he said with a grin. Outside, the cool air surrounded them. Declan looked skyward. “You picked a perfect day for shopping.”
Elise breathed in the fall breeze. “It’s beautiful. I hope tomorrow is, too.”
“It should be,” he said, pulling his phone from his pocket. “What’s your number?”
She recited it, watching his thumb dance across the screen. “Now call me,” she said, offering a playful smile.
He grinned and dialed. She let it ring once, hit ignore, then entered his contact.
“Do you want me to pick you up?”
“That would be nice. I live above the studio.”
Declan smirked. “Yeah, I remember you telling me. I’ll pick you up around eleven-thirty. Will that work for you?”
“Yes. I’ll be ready.”
“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he promised.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said softly.
“Not as much as I am. Oh, wear boots and a hat if you have one. It might be chilly, but the sun will still be beating down.” He touched his hat, slid on his sunglasses, and strolled across the street, the cookie box swinging at his side. The sun sparkled on the pavement, and Elise felt a bright thrill of anticipation for the days ahead.
As she strolled along the sidewalk, she stopped beside a shop called ‘Paige’s’ and the window display made her smile as she looked at the sexy lingerie there. She knew she had to go inside.
She pulled the glass door open, stepped inside and glanced around. Then she saw a beautiful brunette walking toward her.
“Hello, welcome to Paige’s. If you need any help, just ask.”
“This is a great store.”
“Are you new here?”
“I am. I just opened a dance studio for ballet. I also have dancercise classes on Saturdays.”
