Page 88 of Love Among Vines

“On the contrary, it would have been rude if you hadn’t.”

Her insides might as well have been in a paint mixer. “Great. And what am I doing with Penny?”

“We’ll drop her off at home. Uh, my house.” A slight flush crept into his cheeks. Interesting. She had never seen him flustered before. Maybe he was a little nervous too. It had probably just been awhile since his last date.

“Perfect. Come on, sweet girl,” she called to the dog.

Penny rocketed out from behind the couch, three tennis balls in her mouth.

“Are dogs allowed in the 5k tomorrow?” Jade asked as she packed up the dog’s things.

“Can she run that far?”

She scoffed. “She’s practically a triathlon competitor. She’s definitely in better shape than I am.”

“I doubt that,” Rett said.

Jade turned to him, and his eyes snapped up from her ass-region to her face-region. He winked and picked up her overnight bag. “Ready?”

She nodded, and they left, locking the door behind them.

“Oh, pull over.”She craned her neck. A lemonade stand had just come into view.

“Why?” He looked her up and down like he was expecting to find a sniper’s red dot.

She gestured out the window at the two children manning the booth. “‘Cause dreams.”

He obligingly pulled the truck over, and Jade hopped out. She had a special soft spot for child entrepreneurs.

“Hi, guys,” she said.

The two kids straightened. “Customers.” A boy nudged the little girl next to him. “How can we help you?” he asked in what sounded to be his best customer service voice. Adorable.

“What do you have?”

“We have lemonade, iced tea, and apple cider.”

“Ooh. I’ll take two apple ciders, please.”

“Coming right up. The cups.” He nudged the little girl with his elbow.

In seconds, two slightly sticky cups of apple cider were waiting for her on the table.

“How much?”

“Two dollars,” the little boy said. He sounded unsure.

She slid a ten across the counter. “Thanks, guys. Have a good night!”

“Your change,” the little girl called.

“I don’t need it. Thanks.”

Rett was waiting for her with a smile. He opened the door and helped her climb in. By some miracle, she didn’t slosh apple cider all over the truck.

“Here. Best apple cider in Steuben County,” she said when he slid back into the driver’s seat.

“Cheers,” he said, and they clinked paper cups.

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