“That’s the one.” He grinned.
She gasped. “You bought that place?”
“I sure did.”
“Are you kidding me?” she asked and he shook his head. “Tell me you kept the purple shutters.”
“Sadly, no. I painted the house gray, and the shutters are white.”
“Oh, well.” She laughed. “I never expected you to buy that place.”
He shrugged. “The little old lady who owned it passed away, and it happened to be in my price range.”
“That’s so cool. I have to see it.”
“Well, then you’ll have to come for supper one night.”
“It’s a date.” She lifted her glass, and her nerves began humming when she realized what she’d said.
“It’s nothing compared to my parents’ mansion on the lake though.”
“You know I always loved that cute little house, and now it’s yours.”
“That’s right, and it’s just enough space for me and my two cats.”
Questions filtered through her mind as she imagined him in his own little house, and she thought about his relationship status on Facebook. How could Drew actually be single? He was such a great catch! “Your cats are too cute.”
He leaned forward. “Have you been stalking my social media?”
“Maybe?” She gave her best coy smile, along with a palms up, and he laughed. “How are your folks?”
“The same. My dad still makes comments about how I could make some ‘real money’ if I gave up teaching and joined his financial planning firm.” He rolled his eyes. “Everything with him is about money, and he thinks I don’t make enough.”
Kacey set her fork down and studied him. “Your father isn’t proud of you for being a teacher?”
“He says it’s a noble profession, but he wants to leave the financial planning firm to me since I’m an only child. I have no interest in that.” He shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I just ignore him.” He picked up his drink once again. “I applied for a job as the music department head for Catawba County. The office is in Newton, but it’s a big pay raise.”
“Oh wow. Would you have to sell the house?”
“Yeah, but I doubt I’ll even get the job.”
The server appeared. “Do you need anything else tonight?”
Drew leaned forward. “Share a molten lava cake with me for old time’s sake.”
She hesitated, and he gave her his best puppy dog look. “That’s no fair, Drew Murphy. You know I can’t resist that expression.”
“It always works.” He turned toward the server. “We’ll split a molten lava cake.”
“Coming right up,” she said.
Chapter5
After splitting an enormous piece of warm chocolate cake smothered in chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream, Drew paid the check before he and Kacey walked outside. She was certain she wouldn’t eat another bite of food for at least a week.
The dark sky sparkled with bright stars, and the air was crisp. Kacey breathed in the scent of a nearby woodburning fireplace.
Drew nodded down the street. “I parked at the end of the block.”
