I do as she says, because there’s nothing else to do. We’ve been set up. It’s best now to just go along with it. Kiki seems to feel the same way. She sits down opposite me and takes a selection from the tray.
After I pick out my food, Ellie sets the tray down and clasps her hands. “I must go do some work, but please, you enjoy your lunch. And I want your honest feedback later.”
I pick up a sandwich and motion to where Ellie just left. “Sorry. I hope you don’t feel awkward. They’re not being very subtle.”
“They’re adorable.” Kiki settles back. “And I don’t mind. We’ve established we’re friends, so it doesn’t bother me.”
I slowly nod as I chew the cucumber sandwich. Friends. Yes, that’s what we are. I need to keep reminding myself of that, because right now my pulse is racing and I’m having a hard time not staring into Kiki’s deep blue eyes.
Tonight is going to be torture.
CHAPTER 24
KIKI EMMERSON
Ipick up a glass bowl and show it to Tobias as Hobby Lobby’s easy listening music plays in the background. “Do you think this is a good size?”
He studies it a moment. “I think it’s too large. What do you think of these?” He picks up a tall glass cylinder vase.
“Ooh, I like that better.” I grab several of them. “And I can get some ribbon to put bows on them.” I start to get excited about how these will look. We walk around the craft store, picking out the things that I need in order to make the centerpieces.
I’m enjoying my time with Tobias even though I shouldn’t. He’s loosened up so much since I first met him. Dare I say he’s almost got a sense of humor now? And he’s sweet. He opened my car door for me, and I felt like a queen.
I push the cart down the aisle with the twinkle lights. I look at the selection, and spot some cute ones shaped like seashells and starfish. Perfect. I reach up to grab them, but they’re too high for me to get. I stand on my tip toes, my fingers brushing the bottomof the package. Tobias comes up behind me, pressing into me, and effortlessly takes the package down.
I turn to him, my heart racing. He’s standing much too close to me, yet neither of us move. I can smell his cologne mixed with the fabric softener he uses, and it makes it hard for me think straight. Why did I tell him I can’t kiss him? He looks divine in those jeans paired with his white dress shirt. I want him to roll up his sleeves like he did yesterday. I want to run my fingers over his forearms…
“Is this what you wanted?” He holds out the package of lights.
“No.” I want him to step closer. I want him to take me into his arms and hold me. I want his lips on mine.
Tobias looks at me funny, and I scramble to say something intelligent. “I mean, yes.” I grab the lights and toss them into the cart. They’re the battery-operated kind, so I can string them up without worrying about plugs. “Can you grab about seven more packages?”
“Yes ma’am.” He pulls them down, and I have to fan myself a few times to get myself under control. Why does him calling me ma’am in that southern drawl make me want to melt to the floor? Every time he says it, I swear my ovaries swoon.
I grab the cart and push it down the aisle. I need to get myself under control before I totally ruin everything. I already kissed the stuffing out of him, and thentook it back. I can’t lose myself again or there’s no turning back.
We finish buying all the decorations for the gallery, and Tobias puts them into the trunk of the car. He opens my door for me, which makes my heart flutter, and I slide into the passenger seat. Tobias gets in, and fiddles with his seatbelt. He seems nervous. “We have time before dinner. Do you mind going shopping with me?”
“Sure.” I’m confused as to why he’d be nervous about that, but when he pulls up to the mall I grow suspicious. “What do you need to buy?”
He clears his throat. “I thought…since we’re on the mainland…maybe we could shop for something you can wear to the festival. You know, you’ll be meeting those famous people. I assume women like to buy new clothes for occasions like that.”
My chest tightens and I’m so touched I can’t think of anything to say. “For me?”
“Well, yes.” His ears turn red. “If, of course, that’s okay with you.”
My heart melts and I blink back the moisture thats gathering in my eyes. He’s so sweet to think about that. “I’d love it.”
He exhales. “Okay. Let’s go in.”
He leads me to a clothing shop, and I grin as I look at all the beautiful dresses. I’m usually a jeans and t-shirt gal, but I would love to wear something nicer for the festival. I’m sure all the southern ladies will be wearing fancy dresses, and I’d love to fit in for once.
I pick out a cute white dress with yellow sunflowers dotting it. I could picture Savannah wearing something similar. “This is adorable.”
“Try it on.”
I flip over the tag, and about swallow my tongue. The dress is $899. “Maybe not.” I put it back.
