Page 89 of Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance

“Excellent. You think she’ll meet me on the porch tomorrow morning around nine?”

“I bet she can make that happen.”

His grin somehow gets bigger. It’s too soon in this love story for him to lean in for a kiss, but man, it sure feels possible.

This part of my road trip is looking up.

Chapter 30

ZACHERYSTAVESOFF THEDEMON

Yeah, I saw the whole thing.

Kelsey didn’t make any ball jokes, which was probably a good call. I think she had to rein herself in, though.

When Randy leaves, she races up the stairs, then stops short when she sees me leaning on the rail. “Hey.”

“Phase two initiated?” I ask.

“He’s coming for me in the morning.”

“Good. It’s what you wanted.”

“It is.” She swirls her skirt absentmindedly. She’s giving Doris Day vibes.

I back away from the rail. “Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t make any plans for today, because Desdemona sent a ridiculous amount of work. Jester couldn’t get through to you, so he wrote me.”

“Oh! I left my phone upstairs.” She hurries toward her room.

“Let me know what I can do to help.”

She twists the knob. “If she has someone she wants you to take out, will you go back to LA?”

That’s a good question. “She hasn’t asked. I might tell her I’m in Ibiza.” Desdemona knows that is my no-work zone.

“Okay, good.” She disappears inside her room.

My phone buzzes.

Jester:Find her?

Me:She’s coming.

Jester:How is the trip going?

Me:She met a local. They’re going out tomorrow.

Jester:Is he a serial killer?

Me:Unlikely.

Jester:You doing all right?

I hesitate. Am I?

Apparently, I wait too long to reply.

Jester:I’m worried.

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