Page 13 of Harvest of Love
I chuckle at Rain’s last text. My friends are wild, and I love them dearly. I’m so glad I have these incredible women in my corner.
Pulling a beanie from the basket of hats and scarves, a cold shiver runs through me. What if this date doesn’t go the way I’m hoping? What if Manny and I aren’t compatible as a couple and we inevitably screw things up after today?
Ugh, I should never have let those lust-induced thoughts convince me that touching myself in Manny’s bed was okay.
I don’t think my heart could survive not seeing him—or Tommy—every day. They’ve already become such an important part of my world. I can’t imagine staying in this town if it meant not having them in my life.
The doorbell rings again, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts.
I inhale deeply. Exhale twice. Try to slow the frantic beat of my heart. And I repeat my new mantra, over and over in my head:Everything is going to be okay.
When I finally open it, Manny is there—swallowing hard.
“Hey,” he says.
I didn’t think it was possible, but my heart kicks up even faster.
“Wow, you look stunning.” He chuckles nervously, and I join him, anticipation coursing through me.
“You look very handsome,” I say with a coy smile.
His eyes light up behind his glasses. “Thank you.” He leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek.
I positively swoon. He smells so good—citrus and musk, the perfect combo.
“Are you ready?” he asks, holding out his hand.
I nod and slide my hand into his, my whole body buzzing like a live wire.
He walks me to the passenger side of his truck and opens the door. I give him a grateful smile as I climb in and buckle my seatbelt.
Manny stays by the door, one hand gripping it, the other braced against the truck’s frame. He lingers, gaze locked on me, his expression soft… happy.
“What?” I ask with a nervous laugh, tugging at the edge of my beanie.
He shakes his head. “I’m sorry, I just… can’t believe you wanted to go out with me.”
I frown. Doesn’t he realize how incredible he is?
“You’re amazing, you know?”
He beats me to it—steals the words right out of my mouth. Heat surges from my chest to my neck, and I’m suddenly grateful I didn’t choose the ribbed knit dress; I’d be a sweaty mess right now.
“Why wouldn’t I want to go out with you? You’re an incredible man,” I say honestly.
He closes his eyes, like he needs a moment to let that sink in.
“I’m just a flawed man. Way too old to feel desirable.” He chuckles, but it’s fragile. “It’s true, Daisy. You’re way out of my league.” For a heartbeat, I see his confidence falter. Then the smile is back, bright as ever.
“I could say the same,Dr. Gutierrez.” I put extra weight ondoctor, and it makes him laugh.
“Let’s agree to disagree,” he says, leaning in to press another kiss to my cheek.
My heart does a somersault, and before I can turn my face so he might actually kiss me, Manny shuts the door and jogs around to the driver’s side.
He backs out of my driveway with ease, and a comfortable silence settles between us. I’m grateful neither of us feels the need to fill it with chitchat. I need the quiet to calm my first-date jitters.
We roll through the sleepy streets of downtown and hit the highway in no time.
