Page 6 of Forever and Always
She fills me in on the latest details about the wedding, but my mind keeps wandering back to Darke and the anticipation of seeing him again. Despite his imposing height, he’s genuinely nice to talk to.
“And we’re going to do this cake—hello? Bobby!” Jenny’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
I blink, refocusing on her. “Oh, sorry! I was just… um, thinking about the cake design.”
Jenny raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. “Thinking about the cake design? With that goofy grin on your face? Yeah, right!”
I chuckle, feeling a bit sheepish. “Okay, okay. Maybe I was thinking about something—or someone—else.”
Jenny’s grin widens. “You’re thinking about Darke, aren’t you?”
I sigh, trying to play it cool. “Maybe a little. But it’s nothing, really.”
Jenny’s expression softens, turning serious. “Listen, Bobby. If there’s a chance at something real, don’t let it slip away. You deserve to be happy.”
I smile, feeling a warmth in my heart. “Thanks, Jenn. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The conversation shifts back to the wedding arrangements, but my thoughts drift to the clock. It’s 3 pm. Only a few more hours until I see Darke again.
6
DARKE
It’s 4:50 pm, and I’m heading to pick up Bobby from his office. I send him a quick text.
ME: I’m on my way. We’ll be there in a few minutes.
I hit send and wait for a response, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. My phone pings with his reply.
BOBBY: Okay! I’m right in front of the building.
A smile tugs at my lips as I arrive at his location. Bobby is standing outside, looking effortlessly handsome in a white shirt and dark jeans. As he climbs into the cruiser, our eyes meet, and I feel that familiar jolt of electricity.
“How was work, little prince?” I ask, slipping out the nickname before I can stop myself.
Bobby’s cheeks flush slightly as he buckles his seat belt. “It was good, Darke. Long, but good.”
I quickly nod, feeling a rush of embarrassment. I start the engine and drive toward the mechanic’s shop, the cabin filled with a charged silence. Occasionally, I catch Bobby glancing at me.
“How about you? How was your day?” he asks, breaking the silence and looking out the window.
I take a deep breath and clear my throat. “Good. Just keeping the streets of Norton safe.”
We make small talk during the drive, but there’s an underlying tension that neither of us addresses. When we pull up to the mechanic’s shop, Bobby thanks me again and gets out of the cruiser. He hesitates for a moment, turning back with a hint of uncertainty.
“What’s wrong, little prince?” I ask, stepping out to meet him.
Bobby’s eyes widen, and a soft blush colors his cheeks. “Uh, nothing. I just… wasn’t expecting that.”
I realize my slip and try to cover it up, my heart racing with excitement. “Oh, sorry about that. Just a habit, I guess.”
Bobby’s smile returns, looking a bit more relaxed. “It’s okay. I kind of like it.”
He likes it?
Our eyes lock, and I feel a spark of connection. I clear my throat to break the tension. “Well, I should let you get to your car. But maybe… maybe I’ll see you around?”
Bobby nods, his smile growing wider. “I’d like that, Darke.”
