Page 70 of Fresh Canvas
“Well, get used to it, I suppose.”
It sounded like he was smiling.
“I’m going to be sick again tomorrow, but the jury’s still out for how long I’ll be obsessed with you.” I leaned back, fiddling with the drawstrings on Val’s jacket.
Mr. Fluff Buttons forgave me for startling him, jumping back up onto the couch and settling across the blanket on my lap. I mindlessly stroked his soft fur.
“Fine then. Would it sway the jury if I asked you on a proper date?”
“I guess you’ll find out when you ask me, then,” I said.
“Why do you insist on being so difficult, Adams?”
“Why do you like it?”
“I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.” Val chuckled and sighed. “My dearest Amantha Adams. Would you do me the honor of letting me take you on a proper date?”
“Oh my gosh! This is so unexpected! I can’t believe?—”
“Just shut up and say yes already.”
“Yes.” A giddy laugh burst out at his annoyance.
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven?”
“Actually, I’m not in the city. I’m staying at my house in the suburbs for a few days. I haven’t seen my mom in a while, and she lives here too.”
“So you needed to leave the entire city in order to control your feelings for me?” he teased.
“Something like that.” The call went quiet again. “Val?”
“Sorry.” He cleared his throat. “I’m still getting used to hearing you say things like that tome.”
“Well get used to it, I suppose.” Mr. Fluff Buttons shifted in my lap, and I scratched him behind the ears.
“Amantha?”
“Yes?”
“Are you… I mean, does this feel…” He let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry, I’m bad at this. Does all this feel?—”
“Scary? Terrifying?” I let out a breathy laugh.
“Yeah.” His low chuckle reverberated in my ear. “I mean, with our histories. I know you said in my office you haven’t dated since your divorce. I want to make sure I’m not rushing you into something you’re not ready for.”
His concern and understanding of my past only drew me closer. Even with his own scars, Val was checking on mine?
“I don’t feel rushed at all,” I said. “I mean, I do keep waiting for something toreallyscare me. Like, in my mind, I feel like I should be running for the hills. But, I’m not.”
“You’re not?”
“I’m not. It’s a good thing too. I’m in terrible shape.”
His throaty laugh sounded like velvet. “I’m glad you’re notrunning then. And I’m going to try hard to not overthink things, which you should probably know is a very difficult thing for me to do.”
“That seems like a good plan.”
“Speaking of plans, if I can’t take you on a date tomorrow, would it be okay if I drove out to see you instead?”
