Page 50 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“Why would I?” I frown, adding a quick, “I’ll tell you the same thing I told her brother at the BBQ — you’re doing something dramatic to help make your life better. What is more awesome than that? There are a lot of unhappy people in the world not doing anything about it, but you are! I think it’s admirable.”

“If I didn’t have this problem in the first place.”

Watching a text from Tom light up my phone, I don’t click on it and frown, “We all have problems, don’t we?”

“Can I come by and talk to you more about the events in person?”

“That would be nice. I’m taking the day off of work tomorrow.”

“I mean now.”

“Oh!”

“I won’t stay long.”

“Um…okay.” My heart thumps hard in my chest. “I’ll text you the address. I live very close to Florist Shop.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you soon.”

We hang up, I stare at my phone, knowing Tom's message is waiting to be read. My finger hovers over the screen for a long moment before I swipe it open.

He sent a photo of him standing at the gas pump in my pink, silky, furry robe that’s much too short for him, the belt tied loosely so that most of his sinewy chest is showing. My grin is instantaneous.

Took you up on that dare.

Major points.

Enough points to allow me to come back?

Come back? Not sure what you mean?

Can I come back to your place? Now. I want to talk more about what we said to each other.

I stare at the screen, and slowly tap out:

Caleb is on his way over.

I hit send.

Wait for a reply.

The phone stays dark.

TWENTY-ONE

Zoe

The doorbell chimes, pulling me from my frantic thoughts about flower arrangements. Fifty tables is easily the largest event I’ve ever designed for, and it won’t be just those. In addition to the lead table, I’ll need them for the entrance, too. What if there’s a table with name tags? That’s another one!

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in my stomach.

Caleb is here!

Answer the door!

I swing it open, and there he stands, effortlessly gorgeous in a fitted black suit that accentuates his perfect hair, broad shoulders and slim waist. My gaze drops to take him in.

“Hey, Zoe.” A playful grin lights up his face. “Ready to tackle the wedding plansandthe retirement dinner?”

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