Page 22 of More Than a Little Spark

“What do you think?Will you go out with me?”

He tilts his head.“On a date?”

“Earlier, when I used the word friend, I meant friend in the sense of two people who spend lots of time together.Not in the sense of two people who do not have romantic feelings for each other.I mean, it’s a little early to know for certain about the feelings part, but I’d love to explore that possibility.”

“I thought you were trying to friend-zone me.I’m glad I was wrong.”He gives me a half smile.“I’d love to get to know you better.I don’t know when I’ll have a free night next, but as soon as I figure it out, I’ll call you.”

“I’d like that.”I give his upper arm a squeeze.“Do you mind if I sleep on your couch for a bit?”

“I do not mind at all.And whatever you need, just say the word.”

Grinning, I nod toward my foot.“I’m going to need help getting inside.Will you get my crutches for me?”

“I could do that.Or I can carry you inside.That might be easier.Because of your ribs.”

“Good idea.”So far, I’m liking how my day is turning out.Even though I could do without the pain.

Moments later, I’m in Carson’s arms, feeling all the zings and sizzles like I did the other night.Before this guy, I didn’t know attraction was an actual sensation, a real feeling.I thought it was just a concept.

Boy was I wrong.

Chapter9

Carson

Carson

Ihand Daphne a cup of water, then ask, “What else do you need?How can I help?”

She shakes her head as she swallows her pills.“You’ve done plenty.My foot isn’t throbbing as much now that it’s propped up, and these pills will help immensely.I really just want to close my eyes for a bit.”

I glance at my phone, trying to decide if I should stay here or get some chores done while she sleeps.I don’t want to hover, but I also don’t want to leave her helpless.

“It probably feels weird to leave me alone in your house, but I promise not to snoop or anything.I’ll stay on the couch.Unless I have to go into the bathroom.”

“I got the wet towel off the floor and cleaned up a little.Your crutches are by the couch, and you have my number.”

“Thank you.”She flashes a smile as she settles her head onto the pillow I brought out.

This woman is stunning, and I’m shocked that she wants to go out with me.

I pull on my coat and head to the door.“Call or text if you need anything.I won’t be far away.”

My phone dings as I climb into the truck, and I read the message from Rose.

Rose:I’m so sorry about all this.Once Dallas gets the downed trees cleared off the main road, I’ll drive over and get Daphne.Thank you so much for everything.

Me:No problem.

As I pull away from the house, my stomach growls, and I drive toward the main house because I know Ava will have a hot meal waiting.It’s rare that all us guys sit down to eat at the same time in the middle of the day.But she keeps food hot for a couple of hours, and we take a break between getting stuff done.Since it’s close to the end of that window, I’m not sure who I’ll see in the mess hall.But I’m hoping to bump into Kent.I want to take him up on the offer he mentioned this morning.Dating wasn’t even a thought then.But that all changed because of Daphne.I like that when she has something to say, she says it.And now that she knows I’m not good at catching hints, we’ll be able to communicate better.

I pull in beside Kent’s truck.Today is turning out to be a good one.

He and Poppy are sitting alone at the table when I walk inside.Ava is in the kitchen, holding Clara.Kent and Poppy’s youngest is a cutie, and she loves her grandma.That’s not a surprise because everyone loves Ava.

“Carson, come on in.Everything is still hot.And dessert is at the end.”Ava waves a hand toward the counter.Then she goes back to playing with Clara, who is giggling up a storm.

“Thanks.I’m going to make an extra plate for my friend.She’s at my place.”I scan the counter, wondering if I should eat here or hurry the food over to Daphne.

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