Page 36 of Carly's Heart

The sudden acceleration of her heart startled her into a gasp. “Yes, Birch Brighton, I will go out with you. I’ll need some notice as I have a child and will need to find a sitter.” She pretended this was their first meeting hoping he’d catch the idea that this date was a reset to their awkward relationship.

“Depending on where we go, I’d love to have Layla with us. For some of our dates. I’ll message you a couple of date ideas, if that’s okay.”

Dates? He wanted more than one? Woot!

“You know what, Birch? That would be amazing.” Feeling bold she added, “About time you asked.”

“Don’t I know it.” They laughed together. She smiled at him, hoping he’d see her eagerness to be with him, and forget about her earlier shyness and her idiotic accusation of stalking.

“You better go.” He nodded toward the customer. “I’m pretty sure that’s the health inspector.”

“Yikes.” She leaped up without taking his order and rushed to the inspector’s table. “Hi. I’m sorry that took so long. Would you like coffee?” After she served him, she gathered her dress and hung it out of harm’s way.

From that moment on, the morning was a zoo. She didn’t get any time to sit, let alone talk to Birch. Knowing he’d understand, she literally took his order and ran, then dropped his food in front of him with barely a word. He left a big tip and a note that said, I’ll call you tonight. The note alone made the day worthwhile. She tucked it into her wallet for safekeeping. The diner got a clean bill of health, as always, and tips were crazy good. Even so, when she picked Layla up from the sitter’s, all she wanted to do was put her feet up.

Doing the work of two people was exhausting. Throw in manning the coffee machine and register meant she’d given every ounce of energy she had. A giddy sense of feeling useful kept her smiling all day. She had a helper’s heart and loved pitching in to make someone else’s day better.

She was sitting on the floor playing blocks with Layla when the doorbell rang. She struggled to her feet, mentally cursing whoever was interrupting their together time. She was done. Every ounce of her energy was gone. She didn’t have the mental headspace to deal with a guest.

She went to the door, trying not to be angry with the caller for disturbing their peace and quiet. She looked through the peephole. Birch. Every molecule of her body celebrated. She whipped open the door.

“Hi.” Birch grinned. “I thought you might need supper.” He held up a bag. “I grabbed Chinese. I was going to get Italian, but I remembered how much Layla loves rice.” He looked deliciously nervous and awkward. His smile was sweet and breathtaking. Her heart did a giddy dance. Her energy level soared like she’d been jumpstarted.

“Oh, you’re a life saver. I was just thinking about dinner, and I have zero energy to cook. Come in.” Her heart swelled with gratitude.

“It’s okay. I don’t want to disturb your evening.” He pushed the heavy bag into her arms and backed away.

“The weight of this bag tells me there’s enough food in here for six people, maybe more. Join us for dinner?” She almost wanted to beg him to stay but settled on giving him a warm smile instead.

“Are you sure? This was a neighborly gesture, not an attempt at a date. I swear.” He used his index finger to make an X over his heart, like a kid making a promise.

“Come in, Birch. You haven’t seen Layla since the dinner.” There was no reason to specify which dinner. That horrid engagement dinner was burned into both their brains.

He wasn’t moving away, but still looked like he might decline, so, knowing she was playing dirty, she called out, “Layla, Uncle Birch is here.” Her daughter screamed excitedly and raced into the small entry.

“Uncle Birch!” She cried and flung herself at his legs. He was one of her favorite people.

“That’s dirty pool.” Birch laughed. “Give me a second sweetie.” He toed off his boots and set them to the left of the door. His hat went on the closet shelf. “Are you hungry, munchkin?” he asked, swinging her up into his arms and kissing her cheek.

“Starved.”

Birch’s laugh was deep and joyful. “Starved?”

“Yes. That means so hungry it feels like a bear ate your tummy.” Layla jumped down and raced toward the kitchen.

“I’m continually astounded by her vocabulary. She’s the only three-year-old I know who says starved and knows what it means. You’re an awesome mother.”

“Thank you. I’ve never been one for baby talk. I’ve always talked to her like an adult. I think that’s why she knows so many words. Well, that and an hour of reading to her every night.” His honest praise made her heart happy. “Come in. Let’s eat. I’m starved too.” They laughed together.

Dinner was a light, easy affair. It reminded her of the old days when she was married and Birch wasn’t yet on her radar, or rather she wasn’t interested in him beyond as a friend. A handsome friend. Now a shimmer of shared arousal ran between them and sparked every time their hands accidentally touched. At least she hoped he felt it too.

♥♥♥

HER KITCHEN TABLE WAS so small, it barely sat three people. With eight take-out boxes, it was extra crowded. Layla climbed into her booster seat leaving Birch and Carly sitting side by side. Birch stifled a grin the first time their knees brushed, and she nearly jumped out of her seat.

“Sorry. There’s not much room here.”

“It’s okay.” Her smile was shy, and to him, glorious. There had never been a time when her smile hadn’t muddled his insides. Her face turned a delightful pink.

---