I’m not busy. Thank you for asking.”
She wasn’t busy?
“Is that a yes?” He sounded like an overeager kid. Jesus. He had no game.
“Yes. I’d…I think I’d enjoy that.”
Dan stood and walked to her. The air between them seemed to warm and thicken. “Do you still live on Bay Avenue?”
Color rose in her cheeks and she looked down at her hands. Was she going shy on him? Because if she was, it was damn appealing.
“I do. Still in the family house.”
He nodded and felt the pull of his body to hers. He took another step, and found Chloe squeezing between them.
Jane caught her breath as the dog nudged her hand, bringing her back from whatever fog surrounded them. “What the—Good Lord, dog!” She rolled her eyes at the pup’s antics. “You’re such an attention whore.”
The only thing he could do was laugh. “I’ll pick you up at seven. Does that work for you?”
“I can meet you someplace,” she countered.
“Nah. I’ll drive.”
“Really, it’s fine.” Her insistence was laced with a tinge of nervousness.
“I’ll pick you up, Jane.”
She stroked the dog’s head, but her eyes were connecting with his. Her expression was soft, and full of questions. “Okay. Sure. Seven works. But I don’t want to take you out of your way. It’s not like it’s a date, or anything?”
The idea that after all these years, he was finally taking Jane Fallon out on a real date made him inordinately happy. He could keep it as a friendly dinner, or he could throw down the gauntlet and use the “d” word just to see what would happen next. He slipped his laptop into its sleeve and then into his old bag.
“Danny?”
“I guess we’ll find out.” He shrugged, enjoying her baffled expression. He was glad the chill had left the room. Earlier, she appeared completely unflappable—but now, she was charmingly flustered. “See you later, Janie.”
He swung the bag over his shoulder and touched her arm lightly as he made his way to the front of the shop. He turned back, giving her a wave before heading out into the cold November day.
It felt like the holidays were around the corner. The air was crisp and cold, with the breeze sending the scent of pine and salt water through the downtown. It was festive and cheerful, with pine garlands and wreaths, and gold and silver decorations beginning to adorn the stores, the lampposts, and the trees.
Looking back into the bookstore, he could see Jane hadn’t moved. He hoped his vagueness about it being a date, or not, didn’t spook her too much. Her face, with her eyes wide, and her mouth in a disbelieving “O” made him smile.
Dan had a date with Jane Fallon.
It was about damn time.
*
Jane sat on her bed staring at her closet. What the hell was she supposed to wear? She had no idea where they were going, and obviously, since it was feeling very much like a date, she was even more confused.
No, not confused. She didn’t know enough to be confused. What was clear was that she was a middle-aged woman who did not get out enough.
She was so nervous, part of her wished she’d said she was busy or working. But no, she’d eagerly volunteered that she was free, and then she was possessed by some kind of menopausal insanity to say yes to his invitation.
He was due here in minutes, and she was still standing around in her underwear and a pair of tights, unable to make a simple decision. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Jane ran a hand over her belly and examined the little pooch that stuck out, a reminder of too many cookies consumed at the store under the guise of taste testing. In her head she was hearing glowing affirmations telling her to embrace herself. To accept who she was. Fluffing her hair, Jane didn’t hate what she saw. She’s was in good shape, not just for her age, but any age. Sure, she’d put on some extra pounds over the years, but she took care of herself. She ran a successful business, had friends and a wonderful family. Still, where Danny was concerned, insecurity rocketed around her gut like pinball.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered to herself. It wasn’t like they were going to have sex or anything, Jane didn’t know if she even remembered how. But the person she saw looking back at her was a ticking clock, a reminder of the time that had passed. So much time.
Reaching into