Page 44 of Love In Harbor Falls

“If everyone is up to it, how about we head over to my bar and grille for a couple of celebration drinks on the house?” Colin grinned.

CHAPTER21

TWO WEEKS LATER

Colin

I sat on my boat with a beer and stared out at the water. My thoughts went to where they always did, Adalyn Richards. Now that the gallery was open and she was less stressed, I thought it was time I asked her on a proper date. Things between us were good as far as friendship was concerned. We never talked about what happened between us the second time, and I didn’t push it.

For the first time in two years, I was ready to open my heart and wanted to do that with Adalyn. I fell for her the moment she looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes. The connection was instant, and I hadn’t been the same since. Every time we were together, I saw a future with us—a bright future of unconditional love and happiness.

I finished off my beer and headed to the art gallery to see her. When I opened the door, the little bell that hung above jingled, and Adalyn looked up from behind the counter.

“Hi.” A bright smile crossed her face.

“Hi.” I walked over to the counter with my hands tucked into the pocket of my pants.

“What are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?” she asked.

I felt nervous as I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. My heart was pounding, and I could feel the beads of sweat starting to form.

“I was wondering if you had any plans tomorrow. Being it’s Sunday, I know the gallery is closed. If you don’t, maybe we could spend the day together.”

Her eyes stared into mine, and I could see her hesitation.

“You know what? Just forget I asked. I’m sorry. I’ll let you get back to work,” I tapped the counter with my knuckle and headed towards the door.

“Wait. I don’t have any plans tomorrow, so what did you have in mind?”

“I have a friend just outside of town who owns a ranch, and occasionally I go horseback riding there. I thought maybe you’d want to go check it out.”

“Sure. I love horses.” A smile crossed her face. “What time do you want to pick me up?”

“Is ten o’clock good?”

“Ten o’clock is great.”

“Okay.” A smile crossed my lips. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“You too, Addy.”

I grabbed a glass and poured myself a beer when I walked into the bar.

“Isn’t it a little early for that?” Katherine pointed to my glass.

“I was at the art gallery and asked Adalyn to go the ranch with me tomorrow.” I brought the glass to my lips.

“And? What did she say?”

“She said yes, but I could tell she was hesitant.”

“Listen, Colin. You need to remember that it has nothing to do with you. She’s still hurting and trying to put her life back together.”

“I know.” I sighed.

“On a positive note, she agreed to go, didn’t she?” She smiled.

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