Page 9 of Love in Design

“You know there is a day spa. We could go tomorrow to get a massage.” One thing Amy’s mom did for us was take us to get pampered for Valentine’s Day. It was her gift to us. After we make the appointment, I call Nate.

“Hello, Miss Laura.” Nate’s voice makes me smile and sends a shiver down my spine.

“Hi, Nate. I was wondering if you were at the studio.”

“No, I’m right behind you.” I jump from his breath on my neck. “Hi. This is a welcome surprise.”

“Nate, this is Amy, my best friend. She’s a talented artist, and we were talking about your art.”

“Is that what we are calling him, art?” Amy blurts out, making me blush. Nate smirks. “Sorry. A best friend must embarrass the best friend. It is a pleasure to meet you. Laura has been talking about how talented you are and how much I’d enjoy looking at the work you’ve done. I googled Cupid’s Arrow, and you’ve made quite a name for yourself.”

“My friend Ryan and I work hard to make sure we are the best tattoo shop in any town we go into.”

“How do you like Cupid’s Cove?” Amy is making small talk while I sneak glances at him. He is a beautiful man. I don’t feel worthy of being with a man so good-looking. I mean, I’m just an old house cleaner defined by Webster’s Dictionary. Soon, I’ll be the cat lady.

“It’s been a profound change for my daughter and me. The scenery isn’t too bad either.” I look and realize he’s staring right at me.

“Cupid’s Cove does have the best. You’d be lucky to get to know the best spots.” Amy hints at something that I’m not sure of her code yet. I swallow hard. “Your dinner is going to get cold if we keep you standing here.” My stomach growls at the smell of the grease from the fries and burgers.

“I got hungry, and since Victoria is staying with Lily tonight, I had to fend for myself. I closed the shop for a few so I could go to Cupid’s Brewery for some food. Come on back with me to the studio.” We follow Nate making small talk.

Amy tells Nate how she studied Art and majored in it but doesn’t know what to do with her degree. Amy couldn’t picture herself working in the art gallery. She wants to paint or something. “You could always try your hand at tattooing. I can teach you to use the gun. If you can draw, then you can tattoo if taught properly.”

“I might take you up on that if I ever move back.” Amy looks out the window and notices her mom. “I’ll be right back.” She leaves as the bell above the door chimes.

“And then there were two.” I laugh.

“How was your day?”

“Busy but productive. We’re trying a new program with the kids to keep their interest. They love the festival, so we’re trying to incorporate all of it to the subjects too.”

“I wish you were my principal. You make school sound fun.” He takes a bite of his burger, and I steal a fry. “When are you going to let me take you out on a date?”

“You’ve never asked.” I challenge him.

“Well, how would you like to go out on a date with me tomorrow night? Victoria has a slumber party, and I’m not working tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“I didn’t say yes.”

“Oh, sorry. Laura, will you let me take you out?”

“Yes. Tomorrow works well for me.” I smile. He leans in and kisses my lips softly.

“I missed your lips.” He winks at me. A couple comes in to get some tattoos, so he has to get to work. I wave bye to him. “I’ll see you at seven.” I can’t stop smiling. Amy wants to take me shopping, and I’m not stopping her for once.

What will tomorrow bring?

Chapter Eleven

NATE

I had a bouquet of donuts delivered to Laura’s house today with the note saying, “You should smile more. It suits you.”

Ryan thinks I’m being a douchebag for doing the Secret Valentine while trying to date her. She has me figured out, so why not keep it up but enjoy the frustration when she questions me. I made a promise to Bethani that I’d put myself out there, and if Laura isn’t the one for me, at least I tried, but I know she is.

Victoria was so excited about her slumber party that she left in a hurry. I couldn’t help but laugh. As I wipe the dew from the mirror after my hot shower, I stand there staring at myself. I sigh. Am I good enough for Laura? I know my past shouldn’t define who I am, but I was a man-whore who married Catherine. She couldn’t change me. I never blamed her for keeping Victoria from me. At her funeral, I thanked her for giving me a child like her. Ever since becoming a dad, I knew that I needed to put someone else first, and every decision made with the thought, will it hurt Victoria?

Now that I’m standing in the bathroom, reality hits me. Will my dating Laura hurt Victoria? Can I do this? What have I done? My phone starts to ring from my bedroom, breaking me from my thoughts, and I head in to check who it is, sighing in relief.