Page 44 of More Than Falling in Love

The others are quick to agree to the terms, and I’m not going to sink this deal because some good-looking cowboy likes being my friend.

“It sounds like a great deal.I’m in.”

“Awesome.And just like before, we can’t say anything.Not yet.”He taps the envelope.“If y’all don’t have anywhere else to be, I vote we all go out for dinner and drinks.A quiet celebration.”

“Sounds great.”I won’t get anything else done today.We’ll be celebrating.And I’m excited.Except for that one small piece of me who loved sitting on that back porch and listening to Kent play.And the part of me who counts down the minutes until reading time.

I’ll be racking up a lot of airline miles.

Damien’s ability to snag a last-minute reservation is impressive.After enjoying steaks, we walk a few blocks to a dimly lit bar with wood and copper décor.It’s one of my favorite places to enjoy cocktails because this place engages the senses.Often, there is live music, but it’s still early.

We find a table and order a round of drinks.I check the time, knowing that soon, I’ll be getting a video chat request.Damien and Peter carry our drinks to the table, and Ollie lifts his glass.“To success.”

We raise our drinks.

Damien grins and shoots a side glance at Sarah.“To us.”

As I’m taking a sip, Kent’s name appears on my phone screen, and I snatch up my phone.“I have to take this.It’ll be a few minutes.Sorry.”

Sarah inches up an eyebrow.“I still haven’t seen a picture.”

I slip out the door and stand against the building, out of the way of foot traffic.Then I swipe to answer.

Mason waves.“Hi, Poppy.”

“Hey.Sorry it took me so long.I had to slip outside because it was loud.I loved the video.It’s always amazing to watch.”

Kent leans in close to Mason.“If you need to go…”

“I have time to hear a few pages.”

Grinning, he launches into reading.Mason and Kent get a view of the side of my face because I’m holding the phone close so I can hear above the din of the city.

It’s weird to be in a place I love and feel homesick all at the same time.But as ice melts and waters down my drink, I relish these few minutes.

After five pages, Mason looks at the screen.“Are people waiting for you?”

I nod.

“Then we’ve read enough for tonight.I can look at butterfly pictures.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep.But wait.”He carries the phone to the net.“If we are here when the next one comes out, Dad will make another video for you.”

“Yay.I’d love that.”

Mason hands the phone to Kent, then waves before running down the hall.

Kent pops into view.“Thanks for taking the time tonight.I’ll let you get back to your friends.”His gaze cuts away from my face to over my shoulder.

I turn as Ollie walks up.“Hey.”

“I’m headed out.Just wanted to say goodbye.See you in the morning.”He waves at Kent, which surprises me.“Sorry to interrupt.”Then after a pat on my shoulder, he strolls away, whistling.

“A few of us went out after work.I promise I don’t spend every Tuesday night in a bar.”

A smile cuts across Kent’s face.“Really?You don’t have to pretend, Flutter.I won’t rat you out to your dad.”

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