Page 36 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door

“I’ve been thinking about it too…”

“About?”I typed, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“Us,”he replied, his simplicity sending a flutter through my chest.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond.

“What about us?”I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“I’d like to explore this,”Antonio wrote.“Explore us… see where this train takes us.”

My mind raced. Was he really asking me out?

“I don’t know,”I typed, stalling…“I think we should forget about the kiss.”

“Can we talk about it in person?”Antonio asked, ignoring my request.

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me.“Tomorrow?”I suggested.

“How about dinner?”Antonio proposed. Before I could respond, another text came through.“I’ll pick you up at 7.”

I typed a quick response.

“Looking forward to it.”

“Okay, goodnight, Kendra. Sleep tight.”

Seconds after I read his last message, the screen dimmed, but Antonio’s words lingered.

***

The next evening, Antonio rang my doorbell promptly at 7. I opened the door to see him looking dashing in his tailored suit. His smile faltered for a moment as he took in my hesitant expression.

“Hey,” he greeted, handing me a bouquet of sunflowers.

“Thanks,” I replied, inhaling their sweet scent. “They’re beautiful.”

He took in my look, his gaze softening. “Well, not half as beautiful as you,” he breathed.

As we drove to the restaurant, small talk filled the silence, but my mind was elsewhere—caught between the pros and cons of getting involved with Antonio.

Over dinner, Antonio shared stories about his childhood, his passion for the winery, and his dreams. His eyes sparkled, and his laughter was infectious.

I found myself relaxing, enjoying his company.

As the main course arrived, Antonio’s expression turned serious.

“Kendra,” he said, his voice low. “About last night…”

My heart did the flutter thing again. All along, we’d been skirting around the subject, talking about everything except the actual reason why we were out. I’d been careful not to mention my job.

“About last night…” I repeated.

“I don’t want to play around with you. I know what I want, and what I want is to be with you,” Antonio said, his eyes locking onto mine. “Exclusively.”

My mind went blank. I hadn’t expected him to be so direct.

“I… I don’t know,” I stammered.