Kiss by Kiss (Riggins Brothers #3) - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,37
he does. Everything inside me, well except for the butterflies, calm when I’m with him.”
“You’re still getting butterflies?”
“Every. Single. Time.”
“Wow,” she breathes. “That’s a big deal. It’s been a couple of months now.”
“I know. I keep waiting for the day that they go away. It hasn’t happened yet.”
Aspen tilts her head to the side, studying me. “Maybe they never will. That’s what true love is about, right? Always feeling like it’s new with the one you love?”
“I don’t know. It’s never happened to me before.” Neither one of us mention that I was engaged to be married. I thought I loved him, but I was wrong. I was so wrong. The longer time passes from that day—the day it all ended—I see that. Even more so as Grant and I grow closer. I’ve never felt the way I do when I’m with Grant. My heart beats a little faster, and those damn butterflies run wild. It’s not just when I’m with him; it’s when I hear his voice, get a text message, or even think about him. I’m in trouble. So much trouble.
“I love this.” Aspen claps her hands together.
“What are you talking about?”
“I love getting to see you fall for a good man. A man that deserves you.”
My phone rings and a picture of Grant and me that he took on one of our many dates pops up, requesting a video call.
“It’s him, isn’t it? I can tell by the giddy smile on your face,” Aspen says knowingly.
“Hey,” I greet him.
“How was your day?” he asks.
“Busy. We sold out of lemon bars. Twice.”
“Damn, I should have come to see you. I’ve been working all day. We have a new location opening in Pennsylvania, and I’ve been buried in paperwork.”
“I saved you some,” I tell him.
“You love me.” He laughs.
It’s just an off-handed comment, but it has my heart stalling in my chest, and the butterflies, they're insane. “I knew you were working, and I know you love them.”
“I love everything you make, babe.”
Aspen does a little dance around the living room and points at me, mouthing, “I told you so.” I don’t know what she thinks she told me. It wasn’t a confession of love, but my heart, it’s still beating just a little faster.
“So, there’s a slight change of plans tonight if you’re willing. Owen and Layla invited everyone to their place for dinner.”
“Sure.” I’m quick to agree.
“That’s my girl,” Grant says softly.
He doesn’t have to elaborate for me or even Aspen to know what he’s talking about. When we first started dating, I never would have agreed so quickly, not without stressing over what to wear or if I would fit in. Don’t get me wrong, I still worry, but it’s not controlling me. I’ve met his family several times over the past couple of months, and I know they are good people who have accepted me as a part of Grant’s life.
“What time?”
“I’ll be there to pick you up around five if that works?”
“Sure. I’ll be ready.”
“Oh, and Aspen is invited as well.”
I glance at my sister, and she shakes her head. “I’ll tell her. She’s getting ready to go to the store.”
“I thought that it was your week?”
He’s always listening when I talk. “Aspen volunteered so I can get caught up on laundry and maybe take a short nap.”
“Okay, babe. I’ll let you go so you can get it all done. I’ll be there at five.”
“I’ll be ready,” I say as we end the call.
“You’ve got four hours, sister. You better get to napping.”
“I’m going to start a load of laundry and then lie down. Are you sure you don’t mind doing the store this week?”
“Positive.”
“Are you going to come with us?”
“Nah, not this time.”
“What are you not telling me?” I ask.
“Fine,” she sighs. “I have a date myself.”
“That’s great. Who is he?” I hate that I’ve been so wrapped up in my own life, that I failed to miss that my sister is dating. I need to make sure that I’m making time for her. After all, she did uproot her life to follow me and help me make my dream a reality.
“Just some guy who came into the bakery last week. He asked for my number, and we’ve been texting. I finally agreed to dinner. And before you ask, I’m meeting him there so that I have my car.”
“Good. Call me if you need me.”
“Wait, what time? You’re going to need a nap too.”
“I’m not meeting him until seven. I have plenty of