Page 17 of Perfect Blend

That didn’t stop my ex from having connections with other women though. Maybe I should just follow Victor’s lead on this.

We chat more and I help him tidy up before leaving.

I’ll just plan a heck of a next date, maybe we can have a little afternoon delight together.

* * *

Victor

The coffee tasting with Sally went well. It took all of my willpower to not coax her into a steamy workplace rendezvous. I don’t want to make her move too fast though, we slept together on the second date and she’s been divorced less than a year.

Which is why when she suggested a hike for our next date, I probably came off a little too excited. No way she wants to get frisky while walking uphill for miles, drenched in sweat.

I pull up to her house to pick her up. She’s adorable dressed in all black waiting on her porch. Her headband, jacket, leggings, and even sneakers are all black and white. The snug fit of her athletic wear shows off her runner’s physique.

“Are you ready for a fun day?” She basically jumps into my truck. “I’ve been looking forward to exploring some trails. I’m glad the weather held out and we’re more into spring than winter territory.”

“Maybe we can try a more difficult trail during the summer. There’s a gorgeous one about a half hour away. Has an amazing view from the top.”

“I’d like that.” She squeezes my right hand twice before settling into her seat.

We chat the on the drive about her work and the roastery. Sally fills me in how Jake and Violet are doing wedding planning wise. She mentions that Bethany and Violet are going to host a couple’s event next week at the bakery. Sally explains that it’s just a front for Violet to test out her ideas for wedding cake flavors, but that their posing it as a Valentine’s 2.0 event.

“We’re invited obviously.” she leans over to adjust the volume of the music.

“Count me in, I love cake.” I grin at her.

It’s great to see that she’s being more immersed into Kastle Harbor. Maybe this isn’t just a temporary place to live for her anymore. I wonder if she’s fully unpacked her moving boxes yet.

We reach the parking lot for the trails and there’s already a decent number of cars parked. Seems like everyone was eager for a little sunshine today. I glance at Sally getting out of the truck, her ponytail swinging as she checks all her pockets and grabs her backpack.

She’s eager to start the hike. The trail is a little slippery, but thankfully both of us are hikers. Though it has been a few years since I made time for anything more serious than a gym visit or long walk.

We make it to the top and the view is spectacular. It’s nothing like some other trails, but beautiful nonetheless. The air feels crisper and the sun is shining, Sally’s face has a natural flush from the hike. The pink in her cheeks suits her smile, highlighting her soft features. Her hands are on her hips as she looks around us.

“Thanks again for going hiking, Victor.” She stands shoulder to shoulder with me as we look out at the greenery below us. “It’s good to get out in nature.”

“The company is nice as well.” I squeeze her hand, imitating the two squeezes she did earlier.

We enjoy our snack and water, sitting on a few large rocks. Once we finish and repack up the trash we head back down.

Sally and I exchange funny work stories. Her laughter is contagious and my booming laugh has her gleaming. I’m too entranced and accidentally lose my footing.

As I start to fall, Sally extends her hand to help catch me, but I end up pulling her down with me.

Shit.My right ankle is throbbing. Sally says she’s okay, and she starts to pull a first-aid kit of her backpack.

“I’m fine,” I grunt out, the pain in my ankle like a bunch of needles as I try to stand on it.

Sally clicks her tongue as she shakes her head back and forth. She has the kit already open and is pulling stuff out.

“Just sit for a moment.” She gently pushes my shoulder urging me to sit. I do as she says and let her look at my ankle. “I think it may be sprained.” She lightly touches it and I wince. “Can you move it?”

I flex my foot, moving it toward me and away.

“It’s probably not broken,” she says, watching me closely. “I’ll take your shoe off and wrap it, then we can head down.” Just as I start to protest about the wrap, she pats my knee and says, “Don’t worry you can lean on me. Just let me take care of you. I’ll drive you home and make sure you’re all settled before I leave.”

I freeze. It’s like time has slowed down after her words but she’s just doing as she said she would. She gently removes my shoe and wraps my ankle.

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