Page 19 of More Than a Blind Date

I managed to get through telling my aunt without letting on that I’m seriously attracted to Rose, which feels like a massive accomplishment.

Driving back to the ranch, I turn up the radio and sing along, eager to tell Rose the good news. And even more eager to see her smile when she learns there is a place in Stadtburg for her to rent.

CHAPTER 9

ROSE

After playing with Floofy for a while, I settle on the sofa and open my laptop. Hopefully, I can find a place to rent that is affordable and in a safe area, preferably not too far from Stadtburg. Although, my chances of running that location are getting slimmer every time I rock the boat.

But starting next week, I’m supposed to be out there a couple of days a week, supervising the construction of the building. Dad hasn’t said otherwise, and I haven’t brought it up.

Floofy is still demanding attention, so I shift to the floor, so that kitty can climb all over me while I hunt for a place.

The door swings open, and Dallas steps inside. Slowly, a grin spreads across his face. “I don’t mind if you sit on the couch.”

“I wasn’t sure if you want Floofy on the sofa, and he really needed attention.”

He shrugs. “It doesn’t bother me if he’s on the couch.” He sets a bag and a cardboard scratching pad on the table. “I bought him a few things when I went into town.”

“Aww, that so sweet.” I run over and start taking the cat toys out of the bag.

Logic says that he only did this to keep Floofy from destroying his stuff. But logic doesn’t prevent my insides from turning to goo.

“How was your day?” I debate whether or not I should hug Dallas.

“Good. And I have some news. But I’d prefer to show you. If that’s okay. It involves driving somewhere.”

Excitement dances in his eyes, which makes this surprise seem like something good.

“Yeah. Let me throw my shoes on, and we can go.” I pull on my tennies and give Floofy a scratch, then toss him a toy. “Be good. We’ll be back in a bit.”

Dallas opens the door, and I brush his hand as I walk by. I like holding his hand, and doing it all the time is good practice for having it be second nature when we’re around other people. At least that’s what I tell myself as I slip my hand into his.

He gives my hand a squeeze. “Floofy did okay last night. At some point during the night, he snuggled up with me. So I guess he doesn’t hate me.”

“How sweet. I’d love to see that.” My mind is now painting a picture of Dallas in bed with Floofy snuggled against him. Knowing if he sleeps without a shirt would make the image more accurate, but I’m just going to assume no shirt.

I stare a second, imagining what he looks like under that T-shirt.

He catches me staring and raises an eyebrow, but thankfully, he doesn’t ask what I’m thinking. “The new store in town has some of those little cans of like pâté and stuff. But I wasn’t sure if he was on a special diet or anything.”

“He’s not. I try not to change his dry food, but wet food every once in a while, as a treat, is totally fine.”

He helps me into the truck, then slides behind the wheel. “How was your day? Any blowback?”

As he drives, I tell him how my day went and that I bought boxes. “I haven’t responded to my mom. I’m thinking of just sending her a thumbs-up. You know, like acknowledging that she sent me something. But if I can’t have my cat there, why would I stay? Her logic is broken.”

When we get to Stadtburg, he parks along the curb in front of a bungalow with a cute front porch. “This is my aunt’s place. She’s building a house out on the ranch and plans to rent out this house.”

Excitement is building in my chest, and it’s all I can do to let the man finish without interrupting.

“I would invite you to stay with me, but given how short a time we’ve known each other, that seems ill-advised. I just don’t think I’d be comfortable with that. Besides, the other two rooms don’t have furniture. I only have the one bed.”

I rest my hand on his. “I completely understand. You don’t have to explain why you didn’t ask me to move in.”

“Okay, well, Aunt Tandy said she’d be out by the end of the month. And she has cats, so she’s perfectly fine with you having a cat.”

I unlatch the seat belt and wrap my arms around Dallas. “I don’t know how to thank you. This is incredible.”

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