Page 28 of Loved By Tandy

“So cute. I feel almost young just being around them.” I unlock the front door. “Want to come in for a cup of tea or something?”

Matthew glances at the driveway, where only my truck is parked. And I wonder where Colt is this evening.

“Tea sounds good. Give me a second and I’ll grab us something to have with it.” He strides back to his truck.

“Do you tote candy around with you everywhere?”

He grins as he walks back toward me with a paper bag in his hand. “Only if there is a chance you’ll be around.”

“Keep this up, and I’m going to gain twenty pounds before my new place gets built.”

“Walking is good exercise. Maybe in the morning, we could go for a stroll. Either here in town or out on the ranch. Whaddya say?”

I stop in the middle of the living room and face him. “Are you saying I need to exercise?”

He leans down until our noses are almost touching. “I’m saying I want to spend time with you every morning.”

I back my way into the kitchen, staring at him.

And this seems to amuse the man. “Watch out for that doorframe. You don’t want to crack your head open.”

After a huff, I turn around and march into the kitchen. “Mint or peach?”

“Surprise me.” He pulls mugs out of the cabinet while I fill the tea kettle. “Honey or sugar?”

“Honey.” I stare at the kettle, waiting for steam to exit the spout.

Then I feel warmth behind me. “I’m picking up the plans for your place tomorrow morning. He texted during dinner. Want to grab breakfast, then go out to the build site?”

I like this. I enjoy having company in the evening, and Matthew has been here for a lot of evenings these last few weeks. But I’m hesitant to give even the slightest hint that there is more than friendship growing.

“That sounds like a good plan, and I’d be up for walking before breakfast.”

“Perfect.” He rests a hand on my hip and leans in closer. “Your cats are staring at me like I’m their next meal, but I think that’s because their bowls are empty.”

I both feel and hear his chuckle.

“Chip and Dale, I’m sorry, fellas. I’m not usually gone so much. I can’t believe I forgot to refill your bowls.” I step away from Matthew and get the cat food container out of the pantry.

By the time my cats are happily eating and no longer giving Matthew the death glare, he has two mugs filled with tea. “Table or back porch?”

“Porch.”

We slip outside, sip tea, and listen to the chorus of night critters.

After several minutes, Matthews says, “I don’t expect my grandkids to fill my calendar. They have their own lives. And two of my three kids live out of town, not that I’d expect that ofthem either. But, you know, some nights, the quiet is like a heavy blanket. It pins you in place even though you’re uncomfortable. And there are lots of ways to avoid being alone. But I don’t want you to think that’s the reason I’ve been over so much.”

I pinch my lips, trying to decide how to tell him that we’re too old for romantic notions. As much as I love matching couples, I’m not interested in getting matched.

“I like your company, Tandy. You’re whip smart, a great conversationalist, and a friend. Thanks for carving out time for me.” He lifts his mug. “To old friends.”

“Who are you calling old?” Laughing, I clink my mug against his. “This is nice. And I’m glad we’re on the same page about this being nothing more than friendship. I left my phone inside because I’m being bombarded with texts asking about our dinner date. I’m not sure how the ladies even know we went to dinner. But they’re in a tizzy. It’s funny, but only because it’s so far from the truth.”

“Probably my fault that they know. I bumped into Clint at the hardware store. Dinner came up in conversation, and I must’ve mentioned you.” He stares out into the dark, sipping his tea.

“I’ll get it all straightened out with them tomorrow night. I heard the guys are playing poker.”

“Yep. And this time I plan to win.”

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