Page 50 of More Than a Blind Date

He’ll want coffee, and I can definitely use a cup. So I get a pot brewing, then pour kibble into Floofy’s bowl.

My kitty meows as he runs to the bowl, and I pull a package of breakfast sausage out of the freezer.

“Hey.” Dallas pulls on a shirt as he walks into the kitchen. “Sleep well?”

“I did. How about you? Is that sofa comfortable enough?” I cross my arms, forcing myself not to run into his. Not that he’s offering a hug.

Nodding, he strides toward me. “What time are we leaving for the gala?”

“I need to be there early. So if you want to meet me there, I totally understand.”

“What time do you need to be there?”

“Four thirty.”

“We should leave here at three thirty.” He peeks over my shoulder at the breakfast sausage. “If that hasn’t been out long, tuck it back in the freezer. I’ll take you to breakfast. And there’s something at the ranch I want to show you and get your advice on.”

A second later, the sausage is back in its spot. “Breakfast sounds great. And if you want to get dressed for the gala here, you can.”

“That works. Let me change out of what I slept in, and we’ll go.” He steps away, then comes closer. “I’ve missed spending time with you. And I enjoyed last night. As for the part about what happened with my failed engagement, could you not mention that to anyone?”

I hug him. “Your secret is safe with me, Dallas. And I still think she lost out on a great thing. But it sounds like you dodged a bullet. And I’m glad.”

When I step back, he kisses my forehead. “Me too.”

We both change, then head to the cute little diner in Keyhole.

After eating breakfast, Dallas drives to Matchmaker Ranch. I’m starting to love this place. But that might have more to do with who lives here.

Dallas follows the paved roads past his house, then heads down a gravel road. He drives a ways before stopping next to a field. “Since you’re an expert on flowers, I wanted your opinion.”

“Sure.” I ease up beside him, and we walk toward the field.

“Aunt Tandy wants to open on Valentine’s Day. And I’ve been reading about wildflowers. If I plant seeds now, they won’t be flowering by then, will they?”

“February is pretty early, but definitely in the spring.”

“Do I need to do anything besides till this field and put out seed?”

“That should work. I don’t have a ton of experience with wildflowers, but I can research it a bit more for you.”

He brushes his hand against mine. “You have plenty on your plate. I can research.”

I link my fingers with his. “It’s beautiful, and it’ll be even more amazing when it’s full of wildflowers. I can’t wait to see it.”

“We should get going. I have a couple of things to tackle. Want me to drive you home first?”

“Can I just tag along?”

“Sure.” He squeezes my hand. “That’d be nice.”

I’ve spenthours imagining how Dallas will look in a tuxedo, and when I hear the guest room door open, I quickly dab on my lipstick so I can hurry out to see him. I have one last look in the mirror at my strapless gown. I’m pretty flat-chested, but this dress flatters my shape. I hope Dallas agrees.

Carrying my shiny red heels tucked behind my back, I step into the hall.

He spins around and gapes. After a second, his lips curl into a smile. “Wow!” When he touches my dangly earrings, his pinkygrazes my neck, and the feeling is electric. “You’re stunning. I don’t think I’ve seen you with your hair up before.” His gaze slides down the black satin, slowly, intentionally, as if he’s studying for an upcoming test and I’m the subject.

His staring gives me time to do the same. He looks fabulous in his tux, but to me, Dallas would look good in anything. What I love most is that with his tux, he’s wearing perfectly polished black boots.

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