Page 28 of Just Another Chance

His reaction is kind of adorable and I try to suppress the smile threatening to grow wider. “Do you want me to change my mind?”

“No! I’m just-” He clears his throat. “I’m just happy.”

And there it goes– my smile develops a will of its own and I grin from ear to ear.I’m happy, too,I realize. I’m also scared and hope to God that I didn’t just set myself up for the heartbreak of the century.

Tanner walks me back to the flower shop after lunch and before he leaves, he buys a big Ficus in the corner. It’s huge and heavy and I have no way to get it home.

“Tanner,” I say, “I don’t have any more room in my apartment with all the flowers.”

With a charming smile, he hands me a single pink rose. “This is for you. The plant’s for me.”

“Oh, good,” I say, feeling a wave of relief. With all the vases and arrangements, it’s getting crowded. I never thought I’d be happy to see flowers die. Not that I want his flowers to die, but it clears up some space for all the new ones he keeps buying me daily.

After paying, he lugs the big plant to the door then turns around, walks back over and hands me a card. I feel bad that he’s using up all the complimentary cards, but as a paying customer, I suppose it’s his right.

I accept the card and our hands linger, fingers touching for longer than necessary. It feels like a thousand butterflies take flight in my stomach and I look up into his golden-green gaze, unable to say a word.

“See you tomorrow evening,” he says in a low voice. Then he walks away, and Heather holds the door open for him as he drags the big, potted Ficus out. I can’t help but chuckle as I picture him hauling it down the busy city sidewalk.

The moment the door closes, Heather pounces. “See youtomorrow?” She squeals. “You finally agreed to go out on a real date with him?”

“After 20 lunch dates and thousands of dollars’ worth of flowers, I suppose he earned it.”

She bursts out laughing. “I’m so happy for you, Addie. I really think it’s going to work between the two of you.”

“I’m trying not to have any expectations, but yeah, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested to see where we could go.” I flip my ponytail over a shoulder and lean back against the worktable. “I’m so freaking nervous, though.”

“Because of Owen?”

“Because of everything. Mostly, though, because today all during lunch, all I could think about was jumping his bones.”

“Do you need a babysitter tomorrow night?”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Hell, no. If I can help contribute to you getting laid, then I’m all in!”

I laugh. “Thanks, Heather.”

“I mean, it’s not like you haven’t already slept with him. So, you know exactly what you’re getting. No surprises there.”

My mind fills with heated memories and my face flushes. Tanner and I were always electric together when it came to the sex. Of course, that makes me nervous because I’m not sure I’m ready to open that can of worms. That’s my brain talking. My body is already picturing him undressed and imagining those long, talented fingers of his touching and stroking every inch of me.

“No, I definitely know what I’m getting when it comes to that and…” I release a shaky breath. “Being with Tanner was always amazing.”

Heather hoots with approval. “I’m so happy for you, Addie. It’s like a second-chance romance. Why don’t these things ever happen to me?”

I can’t help but smile. “Trust me. You don’t want my drama.”

“Oh, I do, though! Especially if he looks anything like Tanner “Hottie” Beckett.”

We both laugh and, once again, I’m so grateful that Heather and I met.

Since it’s already Friday, the next night arrives so fast. I take extra time getting ready for our date and when Tanner rings my bell, I plan to go downstairs to meet him.

When I hear the buzz, I squeal, and my nerves shoot straight up to outer space. “That’s him! How do I look?”

I do a quick spin in front of Heather and Owen who are playing on the floor. “Absolutely gorgeous,” Heather says and Owen babbles in agreement. “Have a wonderful time and stay out as long as you like. Just so you know, I plan on sleeping over.”

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