Page 5 of Pining for Porter
We babysat her friend's daughter on our first date.
I let out a deep breath, looking out my windshield and onto Main Street. I could cook dinner for her at my place, but I don't want to assume she'd be comfortable alone up the mountain with me. Especially after that kiss. I don't want to pressure her into anything.
My eyes land onMing's Noodlesacross the street. Close to her place, so we could walk and enjoy the evening.
Dinner it is. ty
Danny
You've got this, bud.
And let me know if you need a witness on short notice. I can be on a plane to Maple Ridge in no time.
A little thrill courses through me with the vision of Stella in white at the courthouse. One thing at a time. I've got the restaurant figured out.
Now, I just need to get the girl to fall in love with me.
Chapter 4
Stella
"Stella and Porter sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
I roll my eyes at Monroe, who makes smooching noises and swoons back onto my carpet with a giggle. "I am never telling you anything, ever again," I grumble. But inside, I'm a hot and bothered mess.
Sleep was impossible last night. The insatiable ache between my legs after Porter's kisses, and the whirlwind of emotions as I try to process the sudden turn of events in my love life has me in desperate need of a nap. And yet, here we are, folding pie boxes to get ready to fill for the festival, while I freak out about my date tonight with Porter.
Apparently, everything's coming up Stella this week, and I'm freaking out a bit, to be honest.
"I'm so sorry I can't help you with the pies tonight," Monroe says, as she origamis another box into the right shape. "And I'm equally upset that the festival falls on the one work trip I have to take this year." Monroe pouts as she adds the box to the growing pile.
"I'm sorry you're going to miss it, too. Thank you for leaving me your van. What time is your flight?"
"Aunt Trish is taking me to the airport around 4pm." She stands up and rummages through her purse. "I'm putting the keys here." Monroe holds the keys in front of her, exaggerating the motion as she puts them by the bread box and points at them. Twice.
"Lose your keys three or four times and suddenly a girl gets a reputation," I grumble.
"Hey, do me a favor and get a reputation tonight, will ya?" Monroe wiggles her eyebrows at me. "What are you wearing?"
"I have no idea." I glance around at all the boxes. "Maybe I should cancel? I have to get up at 2am tonight to start making pies." Even as I say it, I know I'm not cancelling a damn thing. The idea ofnotseeing Porter tonight makes my stomach turn more than the anticipation of our date.
Mitzie lets me use the kitchen at the diner after-hours for the weekly pie order at Joy's shop. I made pies last night after my shift, but I have about forty more to get done tonight. And then, another round the next night to close out the festival. That's assuming anyone buys them.
"Ooh, maybe Porter can help you with the pies. He can just roll out of bed with you." Monroe wiggles her eyebrows at me again.
"Your face is going to stick like that if you don't stop." My nerves and lack of sleep have me on edge. The truth is, I've never gone beyond second base with a guy. I've never met anyone who I wanted to be my first. But call me slugger—I'm ready to hit it out of the park tonight.
Monroe sticks her tongue out at me. "Oh let me live vicariously through you. The leaves haven't fallen in my direction in a loooong time." She grins as she stacks the boxes into bags to make it easier to take down to her van.
"Play hooky from work this weekend, and maybe you'll have a mountain man by Christmas," I say, and then immediately regret it when sadness washes over Monroe's features. It's a split second before she shakes her head and smiles again, but it's there.
"I'm so sorr—" I start, but Monroe cuts me off.
"Nothing to be sorry about." She waves away my concern. Monroe's mom passed away around Christmas years ago, before we ever met. Her father remarried our last year of college, and although she gets along with his new wife, she still can't bring herself to spend Christmas with them.
"I have plans this Christmas. I've rented the same little cabin near Passion Ridge that I did the last two years. It's perfect. Cute, clean, and quiet. I don't want to mess it up by having to bring someone with me." She smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Although, I'm perfectly willing to have a mountain man fall for me for a few days in November, or maybe in the new year."
She winks at me when I chuckle. "Now, let's stop worrying about the next few months and start thinking about what outfit is going to get you laid tonight."
