Page 18 of Can't Take Moore
“Um…I've basically just been trying to keep busy today.”
I didn't like how her voice had wavered. It sounded as though she was feeling a little down, but I had the perfect cure for that. “How about you meet me downtown? I'd be more than happy to help you stay busy.”
“I'm sure you would.”
The hint of laughter in her tone made me smile. I liked being the one who helped lift her spirits. “Is that a yes?”
“Sure, where do you want to meet?”
“My office is only a few blocks from Leaves & Pages. We can start there,” I suggested.
“Great idea. I could use one of her cookies right about now.”
Her voice had that tinge of sadness in it again. Pushing away from my desk, I grabbed my wallet and headed toward the door. “I'll be there waiting for you with one.”
“See you in about fifteen minutes,” she confirmed.
I liked how she didn't play the usual games. She didn’t bother to act coy or argue that she couldn't possibly see me so soon. I also appreciated that she showed up when she said she would, not making me wait an extra hour for her to get ready.
After Vienna pulled into a parking spot in front of Skylar's shop, I walked over and opened her car door for her. Holding out a small white bag, I murmured, “Your cookie, as promised.”
She beamed a smile at me as she climbed out of her SUV. “Your mom would be proud. You're taking the gentleman thing to whole new levels.”
“Good, because I’m sure she'll hear about this in no time at all.”
Her eyes widened as she laughed. “Let me guess, you were right about the grapevine you warned me about last night?”
I nodded. “Sure was.”
“That was fast.” She dug in the bag to pull out the freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. “I definitely need this then.”
I laced my fingers through hers and led her down the sidewalk toward the local chocolate shop. When she realized where we were headed, she brushed a cookie crumb from her lip with a laugh. “I guess it's a good thing that I skated twice as long as usual this morning. It will help me battle the sugar coma I'm going to have later.”
“Trust me, it'll be worth it.” I opened the door and gestured for her to walk in ahead of me. “This place has the best ice cream in the world.”
Vienna gasped, “You expect me to order ice cream when good chocolate is an option?”
I made a mental note of her love for chocolate. “Nobody said you couldn't do both.”
“I like the way you think.”
I guided her over to the counter and smiled at the girl who was waiting to serve us. “Hey, Leena. What would it take for you to waive the three-flavor sample rule? Vienna is new to town and has never tried your ice cream before.”
“You could just let her have your three.” Leena grabbed one of the small pink spoons and pointed it at me with a smile. “But I know better.”
Vienna slanted a curious glance at me. “Is ice cream your weakness?”
“Definitely,” Leena answered for me.
“I'll have to keep that in mind,” Vienna murmured before perusing the selection of flavors offered.
“I recommend the superhero.” I pointed at a tub of ice cream with colorful swirls of blue, red, and yellow.
Vienna crumpled the bakery bag and threw it in the nearby bin. “I would've taken you for a rocky road kind of guy.”
I flashed her a grin. “That's what one of my samples is for, but I save the really good stuff for my order.”
“He really does have it down to a science,” Leena shared as she handed me three samples—rocky road, blackberry, and red velvet cake. “But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Since you’re a newbie, you can try whatever you’d like.”
