Page 61 of A Cup of Autumn
“He’s helping me with the Boo Bash.”
“I heard you went out last night. And he kissed you.”
Seriously?“This town needs to watch TV or read more books.”
Anna raised a curious brow. “So, it’s true?”
“We went out for dessert.”
Anna smirked. “Is he a good kisser?”
Raine glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “He kissed my forehead. No lips were involved.”
“Too bad, but forehead kisses are so sweet. And a nice slow start to something more.”
“It wasn’t a date.” Raine hated the way the words rushed out.
Anna shrugged. “Ask him out.”
“He’s only in town for a short time.”
“Make the most of it,” Anna encouraged.
“I…” Raine considered the idea and tossed it away. “I’m not ready to date again. And I’ve never done anything like that.”
“Dated casually?”
She nodded.
Anna leaned in closer. “Look, I’m the last person to give relationship advice after what happened with Davis last Christmas.”
“You’re not clingy.”
Raine couldn’t believe Davis had called Anna that when they broke up. Of course, he changed his mind and wanted her back if they could date other people.
Who did that?
Well, besides Davis Tucker.
Raine respected Anna for saying no to the hottie contractor. Looks weren’t everything.
Anna shrugged. “I wasn’t trying to be, but he saw it that way. And I was desperate not to spend another holiday alone.”
Raine would face that herself this year. Emmett and his family went all out with food and tradition. She’d enjoyed each holiday with them since moving to Silver Falls. From Thanksgiving through New Year, even Mrs. Wilson made her feel like one of the family, and for that, Raine was grateful. She would miss them.
“But I’ve changed my thinking about relationships after watching Callie and Brandt and Taryn and Garrett,” Anna continued.
“Spill the tea please. Or is this secret sauce stuff?”
“A combination. We, I’m using that as a general term, need to stop trying to find a boyfriend.”
“I’m not. I don’t want one.”
“Right now. But eventually you will.” Anna sounded more certain than Raine felt. “Relationships take on their own energy. You don’t have to force anything. Love happens when it’s right. I saw it with Callie and Taryn. That’s what I’m holding out for.”
“Even if it’s a pipe dream?”
“It might feel like a pipe dream, but it’s not. Some of us are just late bloomers.”
