Page 40 of Keep My Heart (The Haydon Falls #1)

We head to the restaurant, the nice one we went to before. We only had drinks that night, so we decided to go back there for dinner this time.

‘When did Sawyer get this?’ I ask, running my hands over the soft leather seats.

‘A few years ago. He worked two jobs to save up the money.’

‘He must’ve really wanted this car.’

‘He did. He has expensive taste. He likes expensive cars, designer clothes. He paid like 300 dollars for those sunglasses he had on the other day.’

‘You know, it’s funny, but I could see Sawyer living in New York more than I can see you living there.’

‘I’ve thought the same thing. He wouldn’t want to live there, but he’d fit in better than I do.’ Nick points to his suit. ‘He’d actually like wearing this. I only wear it because I have to. I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt type of guy.’

‘But you look really good in the suit,’ I say, smiling at him.

‘Not as good as you look in that dress,’ he says, smiling back.

We arrive at the restaurant and are seated at the same table we were at before. The last time we sat here I was heartbroken, thinking I’d never see Nick again. But now I’m elated, my heart filled with joy, knowing Nick and I are a couple.

The dinner is wonderful. The food, the atmosphere, being with Nick. He keeps gazing at me across the table and reaching over to hold my hand. It’s nice to be with someone who’s affectionate and can’t take his eyes off me and gives me compliments. Chris was never like that .

After dinner, we go to the hotel where the reunion is being held. It’s a historic hotel near downtown. It’s beautiful and has a grand ballroom that’s rented out for weddings, but tonight it’s reserved for the reunion.

‘You ready for this?’ Nick asks as we walk up the steps to the hotel.

‘Are you ready?’ I ask. ‘You’re the one who’s been dreading this.’

‘I’m not now that I have a gorgeous date.’ He leans down to give me a kiss, then opens the door.

Matt’s standing in the lobby, wearing a tux, a big grin on his face.

‘Hey! You guys look great!’

‘Thanks,’ Nick says as we walk up to Matt. ‘What’s with the tux?’

‘I thought I should look formal since I’m kind of in charge of this.’ He leans in, lowering his voice. ‘And Tessa kind of has a thing for tuxes.’

Nick nods, smiling. ‘Now it makes sense. Your mom taking the kids for the night?’

‘She’s staying at the house with them. Tess and I got a room here at the hotel.’

Nick looks at me. ‘We should’ve done that.’

‘You still could,’ Matt says. ‘The manager said there’s a couple rooms left.’

‘What do you think?’ Nick asks me.

‘I’d love to stay here. I’ve always wanted to.’

‘Go ahead.’ Matt points to the check-in desk. ‘Tell them you’re with the reunion and you’ll get a discount.’

Matt doesn’t seem at all surprised that Nick and I are getting a room together.

Nick must’ve told him we’re a couple now.

After tonight, everyone will know that I’m dating Nick Kanfield, a smart, successful attorney and one of the town’s beloved Kanfield brothers.

I feel honored to be dating him for that alone.

His family is famous in this town. Everyone loves and respects Nick’s parents and the job they did raising four good, hard-working men.

‘We’d like to get a room for tonight,’ Nick tells the guy at the desk. He’s young, maybe 22. ‘We’re with the reunion.’

The guy doesn’t look up as he types in his computer. ‘And the name?’

‘Kanfield. Nick Kanfield.’

The guy looks up. ‘As in THE Kanfields? The people who own the orchard?’

Nick smiles. ‘You’ve heard of us, huh?’

‘I just moved here, but yeah, you’re kind of famous around here.’

‘I don’t know about that,’ Nick says with a laugh.

‘My parents used to drive over two hours just so we could go to the fall festival.’ He types on the keyboard again. ‘My girlfriend’s family used to drive up from Chicago for it. It’s kind of a big deal.’

‘Yeah, my parents are already getting ready for this year’s festival and it’s not even July yet. It’s a lot of work, but they love it.’

‘I heard they bought some land to expand the place,’ the guy says, continuing to type.

‘They did,’ Nick says with a sigh. ‘I tried to talk them out of it, but my dad really wanted the land.’

‘Why’d you want to talk him out of it?’ I ask.

‘Because he’s getting older. The place is already more than he can handle. Adding more acres is just adding more work.’

‘He could hire some help.’

‘He already has help, but he still does most of the work himself. ’

‘I got you the suite,’ the guy says, handing Nick the key.

‘It’s our most expensive room so it doesn’t get reserved much.

I gave it to you at the regular rate.’ He smiles.

‘I’m sure my manager will be okay with it when he finds out a Kanfield is staying here.

Maybe you’d consider putting some of our brochures out during the festival? ’

‘I’ll talk to my dad about it.’ Nick hands him his credit card.

The guy runs his card, then hands it back. ‘Have a good stay! Let us know if you need anything.’

‘Want to go check it out?’ Nick asks, holding up the key.

‘Okay!’ I’m already excited about this. I get a whole night with Nick in a gorgeous hotel. My mom won’t approve, but she’ll have to get over it. I’m not a teenager anymore. I can spend the night with a guy.

‘It’s nice,’ Nick says as we walk into the room.

‘It’s better than nice. It’s beautiful!’ I walk over to the four poster bed, which is covered in a white comforter and piles of white pillows. There’s a ruby-colored velvet sofa off to the side with a metal bar cart next to it that has a silver ice bucket and a bottle of champagne.

‘What do you think?’ Nick asks, coming up behind me and wrapping me in his arms. ‘You okay spending the night with me?’

‘I can’t wait!’ I say, spinning around to face him. ‘But we don’t have a suitcase.’

‘I’m sure the front desk has a toothbrush and some toothpaste. We’ll ask when we go back down.’

‘But what about clothes? I didn’t bring anything to sleep in.’

He kisses me, then talks softly in my ear. ‘I’m kind of hoping we won’t be getting much sleep tonight.’ He kisses my neck. ‘And if we do, I’d prefer you wear nothing.’

Tingles course through me as his hand cups my ass and he leaves kisses down my neck .

‘Nick, we should probably get downstairs.’

‘Do we have to? You look so damn good in this dress, I don’t think I can wait until later.’

I pull back, smiling at him. ‘It’ll be worth the wait. I promise. And then we’ll have all night together.’

He sighs. ‘This better be a quick reunion. How long do these things usually last?’

‘I don’t know. This is my first one. Probably a few hours?’

He groans and rubs his hand over his jaw, looking like he wants to devour me. ‘And you’re sure we can’t show up late?’

I laugh. ‘The sooner we get down there, the sooner we can leave.’