Page 37 of One Whopper of a Love Story

She squeezed it into her fist. “Twenty.”

“I’m really hoping I can see you tomorrow, but...”

Smiling, she settled back against me. “It’s okay. We’ll just see what happens.”

That seemed like a good plan.

As I trailed my fingers through her dark hair, I closed my eyes. I’d for sure learned one thing these last twenty days. It didn’t take twenty-one days to form a habit if it was something I really wanted.

Without a doubt, I wanted Layla.

Chapter 19

Layla

Sunday morning, I stared at the phone in the quiet shop while Lettie cleaned up the kitchen. I’d already talked to Nico twice today, and the after-church rush hadn’t even started.

Garrett pushed open the door and let Tessa walk in first. “Good morning.”

Tessa smiled up at him as she stepped inside. I’d never asked her how they’d met, but they acted like two people who’d known each other forever. Even the way he opened the door and she beamed at him as she entered seemed almost choreographed.

She kissed him before tying an apron around her waist. “I’ll pack up a few doughnuts for you to take to the ranch.”

“Sounds good.” He leaned on the counter. “How are you, Layla?”

“Good. Besides the initial rush, it’s been kind of quiet around here.” I checked my phone, wondering when I’d hear from Nico again.

“How many frogs do you have now?”

I snapped my gaze to Garrett’s, which drew a laugh. “Oh, I guess Tessa mentioned the frogs.”

Humor creased near his eyes. “She did. Nico’s a good guy. Tell him I’m praying for his dad.”

“I will.” I’d grown up in a town that was small compared to a city, but not this small, and I was loving the connections in this place. And Nico didn’t even live in this town, or in this county.

Garrett tapped the counter and watched Tessa as she walked toward him with a box in her hand. “I’m glad y’all met.” He glanced at me, then back to Tessa. “You’ve probably heard the fable about the tortoise and the hare, and you’ve heard the moral of the story—slow and steady wins the race. But what we don’t hear about is what happens after the tortoise crosses that finish line. Those guys know how to celebrate.”

His grin made his point clear, and even if it hadn’t, I wasn’t going to ask him to explain. Clearly, Garrett knew Nico was being—slow wasn’t the right word, but maybe measured—and was trying not to race into anything. I wasn’t sure how Garrett knew, but he did, and now I was looking forward to the finish line, even if I had no idea how far away it was.

Tessa rested a hand on his chest. “Very true. You just never know what kind of interesting people you’ll meet on the side of the road.”

“In the dark.” Garrett grinned, then gave her a peck on the cheek. “I’ll be back at closing.”

“Love you.” She rubbed his shirt, then followed him to the door.

Once he’d walked out, I asked, “What was that about? You acting all flirty with Garrett about me meeting Nico on the side of the road.”

She laughed. “I wasn’t talking about you. That’s how—”

My phone rang, and I grabbed it. “It’s Nico.”

“Go talk. I’ll cover the counter.” Tessa shooed me toward the back door.

“Hey, Nico. How are things going?”

“He made it through just fine. They were able to address all the blockages.” He sighed. “Mom is having a harder time today, so I’m going to stay here in town tonight.” His voice wavered. “I’m sorry I won’t get to see you. There’s only been like three days we haven’t seen each other, and I hate that today will add to that.”

I swallowed, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice. “We saw each other this morning. It was still dark, but it counts. And I understand that your mom needs you.”

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