Page 12 of A Very Grumpy Neighbor

I takeone last look at myself in the mirror. My blue eyes are wide and nervous. I tried to put on some makeup, but I’m not sure it has the desired effect—my mascara is already smudged at the corners. I sigh as I grab a tissue and wipe it off.

When Cora called to tell me about my blind date tonight, I didn’t tell her that this was my first date. All afternoon, I’ve been playing different scenarios over in my head. All of them end terribly.

What if I get there and the guy takes one look at me and leaves? What if we have nothing to say to each other? What if he kisses me and it’s awful?

So many what-ifs.

I groan and close my eyes, taking a deep breath and giving myself a little pep talk.

It will be okay. If it doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal. I’ll head home, call Cora, and we can laugh about it.

I open my eyes and take one last look in the mirror. My brown hair swishes back and forth as I smooth out my dress and take a final deep breath.

“All right. It’s date time,” I say, forcing myself to smile at my reflection.

Grabbing my things, I head out, locking the door behind me. I pause when I see Meyer outside, walking toward his truck. He frowns as he glances my way. I raise my hand in a weak wave. I should thank him for bringing my car back from town, but I chicken out and keep my head down as I climb behind the wheel of my car.

We pull out of our driveways at the same time, and I follow him into town. I don’t think too much of the fact that we’re headed in the same direction. Wolf Valley is a small town, after all. I don’t start worrying until we pull into the Toasty Buns parking lot.

I park a few spots down from him and crane my neck, watching as he gets out of his truck and glances my way. I freeze. He frowns, pausing at the back of his truck. I can see him trying to decide whether to head my way or go inside.

Is Meyer my blind date?

No way. He probably just wants a burger.

Except…he’s kind of dressed up…

He gives me one last look before he turns and heads into the restaurant. I watch him go before I grab my purse and climb out of my car. I scan the busy parking lot for any single guys who could be my blind date, but everyone outside is either with a date or their family.

Must be inside or running late.

I head inside the small restaurant, looking for an open booth or table. It’s pretty busy, and all the tables are taken. I frown, trying to spot my date. There’s only one guy here by himself, and I freeze when I realize it’s Meyer.

“No,” I whisper. “No, no, no.”

I’m not going on a blind date with my grumpy neighbor. Not after last night. Not after this morning. I don’t know what I want in a man, but I do know it’s not someone so hot and cold. Mostly cold.

I need to get out of here before he sees me.

I move toward the door, keeping him in my sight like a wild animal. He must be able to sense me because he looks over, and his eyes lock onto me.

I take another step back.

He frowns and looks around the restaurant. His eyes snap back to me, and I see the second he realizes I’m his date.

“Jade,” he says in warning.

I take another step back. I’m at the door now and glance over my shoulder, gauging the distance to my car. I’m not sure what my plan is, but I need to get out of this restaurant.

“Jade,” Meyer calls again.

I turn to see him push to his feet. Now’s my chance.

I bolt for the door and make it to my car, cursing as I dig in my purse for my keys. I should’ve grabbed them from my purse before I made a run for it.

“Dammit, Jade!” Meyer calls as he runs toward me.

I find my keys and unlock the car. I’m about to open the door when Meyer runs up behind me and flattens me against the driver’s door. I squeak as his weight and heat press firmly against me.

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