Page 88 of Take My Love

“Good, I’m glad.” Nervously, I stuff my hands in my pockets and rock back on my feet.

“Would you wanna go on a second date before the weddin’? Maybe just the two of us?”

I swallow hard.

It’s now or never.

“I wanna be honest and not lead you on…” I breathe out. “But I don’t think goin’ together is a good idea. You’re gorgeous and fun, but I feel nothin’ besides friendship.”

“Oh.” She sucks in her lower lip. “That’s disappointin’ but I appreciate you being honest with me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be. I’d rather you tell me now than months from now. Plus, it’ll save Jackson from wantin’ to kick your ass.” She giggles. “He gets overbearin’ sometimes ‘bout the guys I date.”

That’s one way to put it.

“I’ve noticed.”

“Yeah…” She winces, waving it off. “But he’ll be fine.”

I open the door and walk her down the patio steps, then wait for Posey to return. Once she does, I follow her back into the house and lock the door.

“Did you want a muffin before I put ’em away?”

“No, I’m good. Still full from dinner.” And the popcorn I stuffed into my mouth as an excuse to keep my hands busy.

“Okay, then I’m gonna get ready for bed.”

“Posey, wait.”

When she turns toward me, I freeze up.

“What?”

“Um…did you have fun tonight? You and Jackson seemed to be gettin’ along well.”

“Yeah, it was nice to get outta the house and have a nice dinner. Hope you didn’t mind we left you two. Jackson and I couldn’t talk without disruptin’ y’all so that’s why I suggested we go into the kitchen and bake somethin’.”

“Oh, right. Makes sense.”

“Did you have a good time?”

I scratch over my temple. “Yeah, it was fine.”

She nods before walking away. I go through the house and turn off the lights and TV before going to my room. Moments later, Posey pads down the hallway, most likely putting her comforter in the dryer.

Although I’m not super tired, I get myself ready for bed, then get under the covers. Since I need a new bed, dresser, couch, and a bunch of other things, I start a list in my phone and look up ideas.

At some point I fall asleep and wake up when a banging noise echoes from somewhere in the house. When I check the time, I see it’s after two in the morning. Posey should be long asleep by now.

Deciding to check it out, I walk out of my room and find every light on.

“What the hell?” I murmur, going into the living room to find the TV on. Although the volume’s muted, the screen’s flickering between channels, but the remote isn’t where I put it.

Another bang comes from the kitchen and it’s the last thing I expect when I get there.

Every cabinet and drawer is open, silverware scattered on the floor, and the flour bag Posey left out is tipped over on the counter.