Page 44 of His Pickle Her Jam

“Uh huh,” she replied.

“Good. Now, I want you to get in your car and drive safely over to Del's. You two have yourself a girls’ night on me, okay? I'm gonna call a spa I know and get them to come over to pamper you both. Then, when you get home, I want you to call me and let me know you got there safe, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good girl. Tomorrow, I will see you at the store. We will put the finishing touches on our displays, and tomorrow night we will both go home alone.”

“Why?” she protested.

“Because you need time to think about what I told you. To process all of this. And I am going to make sure you get it,” I said, loving her with every single inch of my being.

“Okay, David.”

“One last thing. The morning of the contest and before Mr. and Mrs. Jones arrive to judge things, you're gonna give me an answer.”

“An answer?”

“On whether or not you're in this with me. I love you, Jan, and I won't have any miscommunications between us. I want to keep you. I want 100% commitment, I don’t think I can stand less. So you will take the next 36 hours, give or take, and you will consider everything I’ve said. I won’t confuse you with sex. But I think that should be enough time. I'll be waiting for you, okay?”

“Yes, David.”

I closed my eyes. I was taking a huge risk. Trusting her feelings to be big enough for me that she was willing to take a chance on this. On us.

“Fuck, I love it when you say my name,” I told her, needing to give her something in return for all I was asking of her.

“David,” she whimpered.

“Just a kiss. I need you to be clear-headed next time I see you,” I growled, and I bent my head, kissing her one more time before I helped her into her car.

“Drive safe and text me when you get there.”

“I will.”

“That’s my Good Girl.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-JAN

Day 10 of Block Party Prepping (0 to go)

Texting David was easier than calling. Coward that I was, that’s what I did last night. Of course, he didn’t let me get away with that.

David

Jan.

Are you there?

Pick up the phone, Jan Baby.

Then he called me.

Of course, I answered. I thanked him for the amazing spa evening he’d given me and Del. My heart squeezed at how thoughtful he was, and sweet.

We’d gotten matching mani-pedis and facials, and I told her everything that had happened while Sonny relinquished the living room to us for the better part of the night.

It was after six, and I just stepped out of the shower, having spent most of the day getting my side of the store ready for tomorrow’s party and tasting.

Working alongside David was easier than expected, even after his declaration. I caught him staring at me more than once with heavy-lidded eyes full of emotion, and it struck me every single time.

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