Page 68 of Calling the Shots

Tears shimmer in my eyes and I blink back hot tears. This night feels like a dream—the best dream—and I never want to wake up.

CHAPTER22

GRACELYN

Mack wasn’t kidding when he said football season is busy. Between work, practice, and games, the two of us have pretty jam-packed schedules. Since Homecoming, we’ve both been swamped and have had to squeeze in stolen late-night moments.

I’m between clients, sweeping the floor, when Mack wanders into the salon on Saturday morning.

“Hey.” He sneaks up on me, wrapping strong arms around my waist and nuzzling my neck. He smells like soap and freshly cut wood, my tummy swooping at his touch.

“Hey yourself, handsome. What are you doing over here? I still have a few hours left.” I lean back, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“You sure about that?” His deep voice vibrates on my skin and a delicious shiver rolls straight down my spine. I unwind from his embrace to check the appointment calendar on my phone.

Scrolling through the rest of the day, I frown. “Weird. This never happens. I don’t have any more appointments. And I could have sworn I did, too. Sally Anne was coming in for a bridal consult.”

“Guess it’s my lucky day. Hang up your apron, I have something planned for us.” He reaches around and unties my cape.

I bite my bottom lip and narrow my eyes. “You do, huh? This is all starting to feel a bit too coincidental.”

He shrugs, the corners of his lips tipping up. “I may have asked your mother for a little help clearing your schedule.”

“Mack!” I swat at his broad chest, warm happiness surging through me. “Y’all conspired together?”

“Yep. Sorry, not sorry. I know we’ve both been busy. And I wanted to take my girl out on a proper date.” He grabs my hips, pulling me up against him. My cheeks flush as he kisses me softly on the lips, right there in the salon in front of Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Taylor sitting under the dryers.

“Aww, you’re so sweet. Let me hang up my cape and we can get out of here.” I sashay away, giving my mom a quick squeeze on the way out the door. “Thanks, Mama. Love you.”

“Love you too, Gracie girl. Have a nice time.” She beams at me and my chest aches a little. She’s the best mom, always looking out for me. She’ll have double the work today now, but she still wants me to go and have a good time with Mack.

“Ready?” Mack takes my hand, and I smile up at him as we head out to his truck.

“Where are we going? What are we doing?” My mind’s zipping at a mile a minute, whirring through all the possibilities. Excitement zings through me as he pulls away from the curb.

“Thought we’d have a low-key day, just the two of us. Hit the farmer’s market, then I’ll cook us a nice dinner at my place.”

“Sounds amazing.” I sit back in the warm leather seat, his huge palm on my thigh, perfectly content as we drive through the neighborhood. We pass house after familiar house, some decorated for the season with oversized autumn wreaths adorning the doors.

The more time Mack and I spend together, the better everything between us feels. Like we were made for each other. He complements me—bringing the calm to my storm, while I pull out the lighter side of him that’s buried way deep down.

A few minutes later, we pull up to the town square and Mack parks the truck. White tents dot the lawn, local farmers, florists, and craftspeople selling their wares.

“Oh, I love the farmer’s market!” I beam at him as he takes my hand and helps me down. “I hardly ever get to come, but when I do it’s always a good time. Hey there, Janie!” I wave to a woman and her toddler and she shoots me a friendly smile.

“Hey, Gracelyn. Great to see you! Love my new look!” Janie smooths her dark hair over her shoulders, and I grin.

“I cut her hair last week. It’s a new style and I think it’s working for her.” I point out the change to Mack and he nods.

“Nice.”

Looping his arm around my waist, together we walk across the grass toward the tents. About ten vendors fill the main square, with a few food trucks set up across the field.

“Let’s shop, then grab a bite. After, we can head back to my place and chill until dinner.”

“Perfect.” I lean into him and sigh contentedly, loving how his strong body feels against mine. We pass by face after familiar face. Faces I’ve known since childhood, yet the entire world seems different right now. New and shiny and full of possibilities.

“I picked steaks up from the grocery and I’ll grill them for us. But we need to get vegetables and maybe some bread, a dessert.” Mack steers us toward the fruit and veggies at the far end of the market.

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