We pull into a parking spot on Main Street, and he shuts off the truck.Where’s he taking me?
“Let’s go,” he says.
“Where?”
“To our date.”
“You’re annoying.” Although the smile on my face shows how excited and not annoyed I am.
He smirks and gets out of the truck. I take a deep breath before stepping out. On the sidewalk, he grabs my hand again. I like it. Chad is sweet.When was the last time a guy planned a whole date for me, from pick-up to activity?I have a feeling this is going to be the best date of my life.
“Oh!” comes out of me as we approach Main Street Makers Studio.
“We’re going to paint a little,” he says, smiling.
“Fun!” But then I stop walking, a smirk playing on my lips. He furrows his brow slightly, clearly wondering why I’ve stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “A very public date you’re taking me on,” I flirt.
“And?” he asks, looking smug as ever.
“People are going to be talking about you and me being out together,” I point out, fully aware of how people in town love to gossip.
“And?” He steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine as his hands find their way to my hips. His voice drops, low and sexy, as he asks, “What’s there to talk about?”
I place my hands on his shoulders, leaning into the flirtation. “There could be a lot to talk about.”
He exhales loudly, and I can tell I’ve gotten to him. It makes me smile.
“I’ll kiss you later,” he whispers, his voice sending a thrill through me as his hands move up a little, touching the exposed skin between my crop top and jeans.
“Why not now?”
“We might not make it to this class.”
I nearly squeal because he’s right. The attraction between us right now is so intense.
“One little kiss.” I pout.
He leans in, but instead of kissing me on the lips, he presses a soft kiss to my forehead. My jaw drops, mock-offended.
“Choose your words better next time.”
I swat his chest, giggling.I love this. I love everything about it.
Chad takes my hand again and guides us inside.
As I step into Main Street Makers Studio, it’s so cool. I’ve only been in here a couple of times, but the vibe is so Etsy aesthetic perfection. A long communal table sits in the middle, covered with bottles of wine, charcuterie trays, and little easels ready for us to paint. I’m excited to get to know Chad better.
“Chad!” Sarah Anderson, the owner of the studio and the definition of boho coolness, calls across the room, and I blink in surprise as she gives him a hug.I didn’t realize they were friends.“This is your plus one?” Sarah asks, turning her attention to me. “Hey, Anna!”
“Hey!” I wave back, feeling slightly awkward. There’s nothing to be awkward about aside from the fact that Aaron Olson wasn’t interested in me and is now dating her. “You and Aaron are so cute together. Maybe I’ll see you at La Nonna soon?”
“We should go back! We’ll have to do a date night there again.”
After Emily and Nicholas get engaged, I have a feeling Aaron and Sarah will get engaged soon after. They’re too perfect together.
“I have you and Chad seated right here,” she says, pointing to the end of the table near the big windows overlooking Main Street.
Chad leans in. “So public.”