Page 16 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

As Allison took a small, hesitant bite, she faintly heard the telltale sound of ‘Barbie girl’ coming from her room. She ran to check who was calling her, swallowing and letting out a nervous breath when she saw the name that lit up her screen.

“Good morning, Allison.” Angelo Taylor’s deep, slightly accented voice greeted her.

“Good morning.”

The usual feeling of nausea overcame her and she silently prayed to whoever might be listening.

Please don’t let me throw up with Angelo on the phone and I promise I’ll bring you candy when I visit.

He continued, unaware of her inner turmoil. “I noticed you didn’t text me last night, and thought I’d confirm our coffee date.”

Allison’s breath hitched. “Date?”

A short pause followed her words as Angelo probably realized what he’d said.

“Oh, um. I didn’t mean—Um—”

Allison broke into giggles as the great businessman stumbled over his own words like a shy school-boy. It was a ridiculous notion, yet a very true one that amused her immensely, washing away any nervousness she was feeling.

She took a deep breath, having mercy of the poor man that was probably embarrassed, and continued as if nothing had happened.

“I slept like a log, and didn’t get the chance to text you.”

Angelo cleared his throat. “Right. Did you pick a coffee place, then?”

Allison smiled. “I’ll text you the address now. See you there?”

“Yes. I’ll see you in a bit, Allison.”

Once that delightful call was over, Allison went back to her breakfast, still lightly chuckling. She didn’t manage to keep her food down as she’d hoped.

It’s going to be a long nine months.

As Allison parked outside theThe Pink Paradisecafé, she did a mental check of everything. She had picked out a classy outfit; light brown, high-waisted dress pants—stretchy, elastic waistband, of course—paired with an off-the-shoulder créme sweater. She spent some time contemplating what type of shoes she should wear, eventually settling on black strappy heels.

I’m not gonna be able to wear them soon anyway, considering my ankles will look like small water balloons in a few months.

Finally, she had picked out a brown leather handbag that matched her pants and her usual gold jewelry. She never wore silver. She hated silver.

Okay, the outfit is good. Casual but classy.

Rebelling, she wrapped her hair in a half-up style, knowing her father would have preferred she wear a low bun to such a high stakes meeting.

Hairstyle could be better, but keeping with the casual theme.

And I’m officially stalling.

Allison dropped her forehead to her steering wheel. She hadn’t thought this far ahead. She had no idea why she was acting like this was an actual date, no matter the fact Angelo had accidentally called it one.

Sighing once more, Allison got out of her car. And crashed face first into a wall of muscle.

“Whoa, easy there,” Angelo said, steadying her with a firm grip on her shoulders.

Allison looked up, feeling her cheeks flush. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

He laughed, a deep, rich sound that made her stomach do a little flip. “No worries. I guess that’s one way to make an entrance.”

They stood there for a moment, the air charged with an unspoken connection. Finally, Allison broke the silence. “Shall we get that coffee?”

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