Page 22 of More Than Falling in Love

After a brisk walk around the block to get my blood stirring, I brew a pot of coffee and open my laptop.I don’t want Dad to think the timing of this trip is bad, but with so much resting on the outcome of my current project, I’m squeezing in work where I can without letting it interfere with my visit.

After ingesting way too much coffee and not nearly enough food, I jump in the shower.My new friend Cami, who I met at the wedding, is coming by to pick me up for a day of shopping.People here have gone out of their way to make me feel included, and I want to spend time with as many people as I can.

At ten, Cami smiles when I open the door.“Hey.I think we should get doughnuts before we start shopping.”

“I’m all for that idea.Just give me a second to empty some of the stuff out of my big purse.I used it for the flight, but I don’t want to carry all the extras while out shopping.”I pull the romance novel out of my bag and lay it on the table.

Cami giggles.

“Are you laughing at my choice reading material?”I have no problem with people knowing I enjoy reading a good romance.

She shakes her head.“I’m laughing because that’s my husband on the cover.”

“Does he work at the ranch?”I run through the ranch hands in my head, trying to figure out which is married to Cami.None of them were with her at the wedding.

She trails her fingers down the cover.“He’s a fireman.For us, it was instant attraction, but then he had to find me again.”

I’m hoping that while we’re out and about I’ll get more after hearing this cryptic teaser.“Sounds romantic.”

“He totally is.”She leads the way to her lifted purple truck.“Like my purple goddess?There’s a ladder thing that flips down if you need it to get in.”

I snap a picture of the truck before climbing up.More stuff my roommate will not believe.

We rumble along the country roads, and after a few minutes, Cami says, “So are you and Kent a thing?How long have you known him?”

At least she is straightforward and doesn’t spend the day dropping hints.This can be cleared up easily before doughnuts.

“We met when I got into town.We’refriends.”I glance at my phone, wondering if I’ll see Kent and Mason today.

She turns into a parking lot, navigating the purple beast like a master.“Honestly, I’m glad to hear that.I mean, I like you.A lot.But Kent needs someone who is local.Because—hello—he has a kid.”

“And I’m not local.”

She slides out of the truck.“My friend, Tessa owns this place.Best doughnuts around.”

We order, then settle at a table in the corner.

Cami leans forward.“If you need any lingerie, we can start next door.My other friend Delaney owns that place.She’s marrying Eli.”

If I have questions about anyone in town, I know who to ask.Like Mason, Cami seems to know everyone.“Seems like a great place to live.”

“It is.And if you ever get tired of living in the big city, you’d probably love it here.Seriously.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”I take a bite of my sugary breakfast.“Mmmm.This is amazing.”

“Told you.So what’s on the shopping agenda for today?”

“I need boots.And if we finish up early enough, I want to swing by here to get more of these goodies to take to the ranch.”I’m thinking sprinkles will make Mason’s Friday a little better.

“Good call.Well, finish up and we’ll go.”She smiles at her phone, then taps on the screen.“I just love my husband.”

Maybe the water in this town is laced with some sort of romantic potion.

“What color boots are you going to get?”

“Whatever I can find that fits.”I’m enjoying this trip much more than I expected.When it’s time for my flight, I don’t think I’ll be ready to go home.

After shopping for more than an hour, I pile bags into her truck, then buckle in.“Thanks for shopping with me today.”

---