Page 29 of Time to Stirrup Love
What helped him think was to make a list. So he did. Laying it out step by step. Except, he couldn’t get past step one, which was dinner.
“What kind of list is that?” Pearl asked, laughing at him as she leaned over. He didn’t hear her come in.
Finn jumped and covered it with his hand. “Don’t snoop.”
Pearl forcibly removed his hand. “Step one, dinner. Step two, candles. Oh my gosh, did you ask Dr. Davis out?”
Finn sighed. “I hate that you’re so intuitive. Yes, I did ask her out for tonight, but…I don’t know where to start.”
Pearl perched on the corner of his desk. “Would you like my help?”
“Yes.”
“Good, because I was going to help you anyways. First things first, groceries, maybe a trip to Ogram’s for some fresh produce and the bakery for baked goods. Oh, and we need flowers. Maybe Dazy can hook us up or check out the florist shop too. Then I’ll help you cook and pick out your outfit.”
“My outfit? What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“It’s a date, Finn. You want to sweep her off her feet.” Pearl grabbed his hand. “Come on. Mom can handle the shop. Let’s go shopping.”
Finn groaned, but let Pearl drag him out. He was glad she was offering to help him, because clearly just writing a list with the word dinner and candles was not good enough.
Not by a long shot.
Chapter
Eight
Margaid was still a bit stunned that Finn had asked her out. Was it the wisest idea? Probably not, because if it didn’t go well, she still had to work with him. She was thrilled, but surprised. Right now, she wanted to live a little and she really enjoyed being around him. She also couldn’t help but think about what Finn said about his mother and the amigurumi charms. She didn’t tell him exactly what her dreams were about. They weren’t strange, just detailed and intensely erotic. And they involved him.
Don’t think about it.
Margaid couldn’t dwell on the intensity of those dreams. She had to focus on the road and driving Phineas home. He’d worked so diligently for her all day and had been interested in everything she did. He was a sweet young man and she felt a kinship with him.
“Thanks for taking me home, Dr. Davis,” Phineas chirped.
“You can call me Margaid. If we’re going to work together, I insist on it.”
Phineas smiled. “Thanks, Margaid.”
“What did you think about the work?”
“It was interesting but…” He trailed off and rubbed the back of his neck.
“But what?”
“I’m worried about Finn’s business in respect to your findings.”
She softened. “I’m doing this study to help Finn’s business. This is about longevity and health of the lake and all the watersheds around Harmony Glen.”
“Finn told me you were against sportfishing,” Phineas stated bluntly.
“Oh, well it’s not my favorite thing. So you’re right, but I wouldn’t shut him down because of that. Not permanently.”
“But for a time?”
“If the lake was unhealthy, yes.” She glanced over at Phineas who looked a bit worried.
“Try not to worry, Phineas. The lake here looks good. And I would give Finn resources to help. I’m not the enemy.”
