Page 48 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

She shook her head. “When did you get to be so sappy?”

“I’m happy, not sappy. Maybe we need to find you someone. Then you can be happy like me.”

Tessa’s eyebrows pinched together. “First of all, Iamhappy. Second, unlike you, my future plans do not include anyone else. It’ll be me and my doughnut shop for years to come.”

“I’m not going to argue with you, but I will say I told you so when some guy sweeps you off your feet.” I stuffed the note into the bag with an extra napkin. Then prepped Eli’s coffee.

“Did you get that lid on correctly?” Tessa was in kind of a mood. Maybe she didn’t like my comment about being swept off her feet.

I let her check the lid. “What kind of doughnut does he get?”

“Plain glazed.”

Who would have guessed?

I switched the sign to open and smiled as Eli walked in.

“Well, good morning.” He flipped the sign to closed and grinned as he pulled me close.

“Hello, I’m right here.” Tessa waved her arms.

He waved at her but stayed focused on me. “This is a nice surprise.”

This time kissing in the doughnut shop didn’t end with coffee spilled on my shoes.

“I have to run. I’ll call you later.” He kissed my cheek after picking up the bag and his coffee. “Thanks, Tessa.”

“Bye.” She walked out of the kitchen.

I followed Eli outside. “Have a good day.”

“Thanks. We’ll have to see how many tearful women weave and speed through the county today.” He tipped his hat.

I stayed on the sidewalk and watched as he drove away.

Tessa opened the door. “Want another doughnut?”

“Just more coffee. Definitely more coffee. I did not get enough sleep last night.” I hopped onto my favorite stool.

“Tell me all about the date.” She glanced at the clock. “That sign can stay flipped for another few minutes.”

For the next five minutes, I told her all about horseback riding, chatting over dessert, and dancing. “It was, by far, the best first date I’ve ever had. Shoot. The best date. Period. And he didn’t leave me wondering if I’d hear from him again.”

“Yeah, I’d say that his behavior this morning made that pretty clear.”

* * *

That night,fifteen minutes after the end of his shift, Eli called.

“Hello.”

“Thanks for the note. Did you have a good day?” He sounded tired.

“Pretty good. I shopped for furniture, but I haven’t bought anything yet. Not until the house is ready. How about you?”

“It wasn’t too bad. I was going to suggest dinner, but I’m beat. Maybe tomorrow night?”

“Sounds good.” I could really get used to dating a good guy. “I won’t keep you. Go home and sleep.”

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