CHAPTER 10

Henry

The last thing I expected to get during my day of adulting was a text from Grayson. For starters, I’d never given him my number, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t accessible.

A part of me dared to get my hopes up, thinking maybe, just maybe...

But my thoughts were quickly shut down when I realized he’d messaged me because he’d left his wallet at my house.

Of course.

I finished putting my groceries away, and headed over to the couch, sliding my hand behind the cushions, and sure enough... a hard, smooth bulky object met my palm. Wrapping my fingers around it, I pulled it out. The Italian leather was cool to the touch.

My timer on my phone went off, telling me I needed to get my ass moving if I wanted to make it to the cafe to grab lunch before my shift started.

Are you able to meet me at Jasper Springs Cafe?

I slid his wallet in my pocket as I set about to grab my keys and head out the door. I’d just made it to the car when he answered.

When?

I texted back quickly.

How about twenty minutes?

His response came just as fast.

Yes, that would be great.

I tossed my phone in the cup holder, turning on the radio with an exaggerated sigh. For some reason, my nerves were getting the best of me. It wasn’t like it was a date or anything. I mean, the guy was literally just coming to retrieve his wallet. But there was a part of me—a hopeful, wishful part—that dared to think maybe it could be more. Maybe... just maybe, we could grab a coffee and have lunch like two normal friends.

Friend.

I didn’t like the taste of that word on my tongue, but Grayson wasn’t really an acquaintance either.

I shoved the thoughts down as I drove off for the cafe. Maybe I was just having an off day because of everything that had transpired last night, or that weird tension that had formed between us this morning on my doorstep.

Whatever the case was, I needed to focus on the task at hand. Lunch, wallet delivery, and making it to work on time.