Page 10 of More Than a Blind Date

CHAPTER 5

ROSE

“Sorry it took me so long to call you back, Daphne. I thought my parents were never going to stop asking me questions.” I flop back on the bed, still wound up from the evening.

“So are they mad?” Daphne asks. “Do you need to come stay at my place?”

Daphne has been my best friend since high school, and she knows my parents’ dream for my life. She also knows that their dream and my dream don’t match up.

“I wouldn’t say mad. Shocked, for sure. They were trying to be happy for me, but there was a hint of disappointment. I couldn’t answer some of the questions, so I avoided answering by telling them how much they’re going to love him. And they didn’t say anything about booting me out of the apartment, but we’ll see.” I hadn’t really considered my living situation when I concocted this plan. “Then at the end of the call, they said they want to have dinner. Me, Dallas, and them. It’s all happening so fast. One minute I’m asking—begging—him to be my fake fiancé and within days, he’ll be meeting my parents and we’re attending a wedding together.”

“A wedding? He invited you to a wedding?”

“His good friend, one of those cowboys that was at dinner, is getting married. And Dallas asked me to go with him.”

Daphne sighs. “I can’t believe you didn’t take a single picture of the other guys. Are any of his cowboy friends unattached?”

“I don’t know, but if I have a chance to work the question in next time I talk to Dallas, I’ll let you know.”

“You’re the best. Now don’t keep me waiting. What’s he like? Is he tall, dark, and handsome?”

“He’s not tall. Taller than me, but so is a large chunk of the population. His hair is brown. Not super dark. And he’s cute but in a rugged way. Boyish face. Although, he’s a bit older.”

“Ohhh. Chasing after an older man. How much older?”

I dangle a toy, entertaining Floofy, my kitten. “Eleven years. I haven’t told my parents that part. Maybe they won’t ask his age.”

Daphne laughs. “I hope this works out, but it has the potential to end badly. Same with your cat. Have they said anything about that?”

“So far it’s just been a few disapproving looks and a lecture about how it’s inconsiderate to have a cat when Richard is allergic.”

“They just won’t let that go, will they?”

“Not so far. And Richard isn’t even allergic. He just tells people that because he doesn’t like cats. And since my parents won’t give up, I’m trying this drastic idea, which is crazy. It seemed so straightforward when it popped in my head. But deceiving people isn’t easy. It would be harder if this guy didn’t make my heart go pitter-patter. I’ve already had to remind myself that it’s fake. His kiss! Girl, it was like something out of a movie. Both of them.”

“Please be careful. I don’t want you to end up with a broken heart.”

“I won’t. I am well aware that it is a fake short-term deal. But what’s the harm in enjoying myself? Oh! I forgot to tell you the weird part of tonight.”

“There’s something weirder than you dropping a ring and ending up fake engaged?”

“Yes. I’m not sure how it happened but so very glad it did. When I was in my car, getting mentally ready to embarrass myself, I saw a guy walk into the restaurant carrying a rose. He was tall and wearing a suit. Then after that, a cowboy walked by my car. And I remember thinking that I wished that he was the guy with the rose. He just had this presence. Anyway, after fixing my flip-flop—that’s a whole other story—I step into the restaurant, and suit guy passes me on his way out the door. But he doesn’t have a rose in his hand. So I stand there a second and look around, trying to figure out what to do. Then I spot the rose. It’s lying on a table where the cowboy is sitting. Isn’t that wild?”

“Are you going to ask him what happened?”

“Not sure yet. Maybe. Right now, I’m just hoping I can learn enough about him to make this façade believable.” My phone beeps, and I pull it away from my ear. “He’s calling. Bye!”

I suck in a deep breath before answering. I don’t want to sound too excited about talking to him. Petting Floofy, I take a quick breath before speaking. “Hey there. How was the bachelor party?”

“I lost all my M&M’s. But we had a good time. How about you? I mean, how was the rest of your night?”

There is so much I want to know that I’m not even sure where to start. “Pretty good. I talked to my parents. They were surprised but are eager to meet you.”

“So they didn’t give you a hard time?”

There’s a tenderness in his voice, and just hearing it calms my inner chaos. But there is also an edge of something else. Protectiveness maybe.

“Not really. They did their best to sound excited for me. And, obviously, they’re curious about you. Would you be willing to meet them for dinner?”

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