Page 24 of More Than a Little Spark

“I need to keep weight off it for two weeks.So I’ll stay with Rose until I can at least put weight on it.Then I’m not sure.I wish my apartment wasn’t on the second floor.”

“I’m glad you have a place to stay.It’s good that you aren’t by yourself.Also, I’ll be free on Saturday night.Would you like to grab dinner?Or would it be better to wait until your foot can bear weight?”

“Saturday is great.”She leans forward and clasps my hand.“Did you mention something about lemon bars?”

“The best you’ve ever had.”I hand her a square.“And I’ll text you about dinner.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”She takes a bite and moans.“You aren’t lying.These are incredible.”

“They are.”I choose not to add that she is too.

I parkin front of Rose and Dallas’s place and take a deep breath.It’s been ages since I’ve been on a date, and never have I gone out with someone as hot as Daphne.This still feels a bit like a dream, and I’m waiting for the part where I wake up at the worst moment.

After drying my palms on my jeans, I walk to the door.And after I knock, Dallas opens it.

“Come in.”He nods toward the hall.“She’s making her way to the door.”

“It’s great that y’all are letting her stay here.”My gaze is fixed on the end of the hall because I’m eager to see Daphne again.And I guess Dallas notices.

“She’s just as excited as you are.”

I give an awkward laugh.“I won’t keep her out super late.”

Daphne rounds the corner on her crutches.“Hey there.Dallas hasn’t given me a curfew.”

“But you’re staying here, and they care about you.”I help her slip into her coat.

Rose eases up beside Dallas.“I like you, Carson.”

“He’s great, isn’t he?”Daphne hooks her purse on her arm, then steadies herself on her crutches.“Okay, I’m ready.”

I walk beside her out to the truck.Then after helping her in, I wave at Dallas and Rose, who are standing at the door like I imagine engaged parents would be.The whole scene is funny.

“I wanted to find a place where you wouldn’t have trouble getting around.Dallas mentioned a place in Keyhole, so I scoped it out yesterday.It’s not fancy, but the food’s good.”I glance at Daphne to see her reaction.

“Sounds great to me.I just want to spend time with you.”

“I’m glad it worked out so that we didn’t have to wait long before getting together.And how are you feeling?Your foot and your ribs?”I have two possible settings when nervous: rambling or quiet.But tonight, I’m trying hard to find a middle ground.

“I’m pretty good.The foot is healing, and I cannot wait until I get the all-clear to put weight on it.And my ribs are better than they were.Sore at times, but not so bad that you can’t be funny.”

I shoot her a side glance.“Uh-oh, now the pressure’s on.”

“No pressure.Just be you.I think your humor comes naturally.”She reaches over and rests a hand on my upper arm.“Don’t think about it.Say whatever pops into your head.”

“You are by far the prettiest woman I’ve ever been on a date with.”That may have been too much honesty out of the chute, but I did as I was told.

She grins.“Thank you for that.After having to be creative with showers because my foot can’t get wet, I don’t feel very pretty.”

“You are.I promise.”I park in a spot near the entrance, then go around and open her door.“Here are your crutches.”

She slides out and gets situated.“This place is cute.”

“Inside, the walls are plastered in signs and other décor.It’s cool.And I saw a sign about live music on the weekends.Not sure if it starts tonight or next weekend.”

“Fun!What kind of music do you like?”

I keep pace beside her, ready to catch her if she wobbles.“All kinds.But mostly I listen to country.That’s probably not a surprise.”

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