Page 11 of Harvest of Love
Last night I didn’t hear from Manny, and I have to admit, my heart cracked a little. I stared at my phone until the screen went black, telling myself I didn’t care—only, I did. I thought after he read the note I left, he’d come see me, give me that kiss we were denied… or at least call. Text. Something. But he didn’t.
So this morning, I decided to be productive. I dragged myself out of bed, padded to my closet, and reminded myself that the yoga studio needs cleaning before next week. December is a slow month, but my most loyal clients like to burn off holiday calories.
I brewed my own coffee, added creamer, and poured it into a to-go cup instead of stopping by the Rustic Spoon for my usual latte and a muffin. Christmas is coming, and I need to save for presents—family, friends… and Manny and Tommy.
When I open my front door, the crisp autumn air smacks me in the face. I pause, breathing it in. Fall is my favorite season for cute clothes, though summer still wins for endless blue skies and long, hot days.
I take a step forward and bump into something
“What the hell?”
Looking down, I find a gorgeous bouquet waiting on my doorstep. My hand flies to my mouth. Setting my cup on the foyer table, I scoop it up, grinning like a fool as I do a little happy dance. I glance up and down the empty street, but no one’s there.
The scent hits me first—cinnamon and clove. The flowers are a gorgeous array of orange, red, and yellow blooms, tied together with bundles of cinnamon sticks and a pack of candied orange slices.
“This is beautiful,” I murmur, setting them on the kitchen counter as my heart races. My fingers scramble for a note, praying they’re from a certain hot single dad.
And then I find it.
Daisy,
I needed to come up with a plan to show you that I’m serious about pursuing something with you. I don’t play games—at least not the kind that involve getting your heart broken.
If you want to explore what this is between us, please be ready by one o’clock.
I’m picking you up and taking you on a date. Dress in layers.
Looking forward to seeing you today,
Manny.
P.S. If you don’t want to take a real chance at this, please send me a text letting me know not to pick you up.
P.P.S. I really hope I don’t get that text.
I shriek, clutching the note to my chest as I bounce in place.
Maybe all those stolen glances, those long conversations about life and love and dreams and goals, weren’t just Manny being polite. Maybe he’s as interested in knowing me as I’ve been in knowing him.
Maybe this attraction isn’t one-sided after all.
“It’s happening. It’s really happening,” I whisper to the empty room.
One glance at the clock, and my brain goes into overdrive: a quick stop at the studio for an hour of cleanup, then home to get ready for my date with Manny.
My date. With Manny.
I can’t believe it. I’m so happy my heart might actually burst out of my chest.
Of course, I spend way more time at the studio than planned, and now I’m rushing to get home. After a quick shower, I blow-dry my hair and head to my closet.
Dress in layers.
Knowing Manny, he’s not thinking about getting me naked. I bet the date’s outdoors, which makes choosing an outfit tricky.
I debate between a cute ribbed knit dress with boots or jeans and a jacket. In the end, the second option wins. I don’t know where we’re going, and the last thing I want is to overdress.
I slide into my tightest jeans, which make my ass look incredible, and pair them with a cream knit crop topand an army green jacket. Gold necklaces, stacked rings, and big gold hoops finish the look.
