Page 38 of Forget Me Not

“As long as you catch me, I’ll be fine.” He winks.

I laugh as I tie my apron around my waist. “If that’s your game plan, then we’re both in trouble.”

Returning to the lights, he hooks the cord on the string then descends the ladder. Face to face, he says, “Maybe I wanna get into trouble with you.”

I’m not sure how this guy manages to make me blush so often, but once again, I feel the heat in my cheeks. “I don’t think you’re capable.”

“Oh yeah?” He lifts his chin. “Why’s that?”

“Easy. You’re too good. I don’t think there’s a rebellious bone in your body.”

“In case you’ve forgotten,” he steps closer, and his voice drops to a near whisper, “I did kiss you in front of everyone last night.”

My legs tremble just thinking about that kiss and the way Tyler's hands gripped my hips. It was everything I always hoped a kiss could feel like.

“I do remember that. Very well, actually. And now that I think about it, you probably started a whole lot of rumors we’ll both need to clear up.”

Tyler grabs the sides of the ladder and pushes it together. “Or we could leave them guessing.” Grinning, he carries it away and I shake my head, trying desperately to push down the excitement in my chest.

Getting involved with Tyler is the last thing I need. Not only do we work together, but he’s far too good for me. Not to mention, I barely know him. It would be insane for me to jump into something with the first guy in this town to pay me any attention. The best thing I can do for both of us is keep this relationship in the friend zone, even if my lips do still burn with the memory of his kiss.

The morning goes quickly, and before I know it, we’re jumping into the lunch menu. Tyler is still here decorating for Halloween, and he’s even gone out to help on Main Street a few times when his muscles were needed by a couple ladies.

I’m pleasantly surprised when my shift ends and I’ve made forty-three dollars in tips. It’s not great, but it definitely could be worse.

As I’m leaving out the front door to walk home, I’m stopped by Tyler. “Wait up,” he hollers as he jogs to the door where I’m standing. My eyebrows rise and the corner of his mouth lifts. “I was wondering if you’d like to come over for dinner tonight?”

Taken aback by his offer, the first word out of my mouth is, “Dinner?”

“Yeah. You do eat, right?” That damn grin stretches across his lips.

I chuckle. “Of course I eat.”

“Good. Then it’s settled. I’ll pick you up at G&C at six?”

I’m hesitant to respond, unsure what this dinner is going to entail. “If this dinner is with your family, I’m just not sure…”

“Hell no. Just you and me.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m definitely not ready to meet anyone’s parents. The thought has me wondering if maybe Tyler and I should talk aboutus.If there’s even the slightest chance he’s getting attached in a way that I’m not, I should probably let him know now that I’m not interested in starting up a relationship.

“Okay,” I tell him, knowing tonight will be the perfect opportunity to do just that.

“Great.” He leans in and places a chaste kiss on my cheek before walking past me. His hand slides across my hip and goosebumps break out on my arms.

Yeah. We definitely need to talk. My body might crave his kiss and melt at his touch, but love isn’t something I will ever hurt for again.

* * *

“I’m home,”I holler as I walk through the door, taking one shoe off then the other. My feet are fucking killing me and I need a nap.

“Rhea,” Gladys says from the living room. She’s in her recliner, knitting something fluffy and pink. “I’m glad to see you. Will you be around this evening? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

With my shoes in one hand and my apron in the other, I walk into the cozy room. “Actually, I’ve got dinner plans at six.”

Her eyes light up. “Dinner plans, hmm? Anyone I know?”

I bite back on the smile trying to grow on my face. “Tyler, from Taryn’s.”

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