Page 65 of Wanting You

He considered her for a moment. “Well then, this might just be your lucky day.”

“Oh?”

Nodding, he explained, “The pro shop up at Summit Ridge just called and asked if I could come up there and meet with some of their management people. They want to do an interview with me for their company newsletter and take some pictures and I thought maybe you’d like to come with me. You know, see a bit of my world.”

Chloe felt her smile grow. “That sounds amazing! When do we need to be there? I’d love to run home and change first, if that’s okay.”

“I told them I’d be up there at six and that I was bringing my girlfriend,” he told her with a lopsided grin. “They want to take us to dinner and I think it’s going to be a fun night. Are you sure you want to go? It doesn’t give us a lot of time to get ready.”

She was already collecting her things. “Then we better get going now!” Leaning in, she kissed him. “Text me when you’re on your way to pick me up!”

“You got it!”

Already feeling lighter after her mini breakdown, she was beyond thankful to have a legitimate reason for not stopping by and seeing her mother.

“Note to self: send her a text when you get home so she doesn’t worry.”

When she got to the house, she ran in and took a quick shower before rummaging through her closet for something to wear. Was she supposed to dress up? Go casual? Something in between?

And now I need to text Tanner too.

Wrapped in a towel, she ran out to the living room and fished her phone out of her purse.

Chloe: Hey, Mom! Hope you’re feeling good today. Tanner is taking me up to Summit Ridge for a PR event with the pro shop. Sorry for the short notice. I’ll see you tomorrow! Love you!!

Okay, that’s done.

Next, she reached out to Tanner.

Chloe: How dressy or casual do I need to dress?

Tanner: I don’t think you need to really dress up. Wear whatever you’re comfortable with.

That was the least helpful thing he could have said.

Chloe: What are you wearing?

Tanner: Black jeans and a sweater. Nothing fancy.

Tanner: And stop worrying, you’re going to look beautiful no matter what you wear.

Tanner: I’ll be there in 30 minutes.

Chloe: Okay! Thank you!

Running back to her closet, she also chose a pair of black jeans, an ivory sweater, and her black boots—simple, yet elegant.

Her makeup needed to be completely reapplied, and she blew out her hair. By the time she got dressed and added some jewelry, it was almost time for Tanner to pull up.

Walking around the house, she turned on a few lights since it was definitely going to be dark when they got home, and then looked at her phone and saw she had a text from her mother.

Mom: Feeling good today and no worries about not coming over. It sounds like you’re going to have an exciting evening!

Mom: Your father made a fantastic pot roast for us for dinner. It’s your Aunt Kate’s recipe, but it smells amazing. Would you like me to save you some?

Chloe: Thanks, but you enjoy it. I’ll stop by tomorrow after school. Would you like me to pick up anything for you?

Mom: I think your father’s going grocery shopping tomorrow, so we’re good.

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