Page 73 of Tempted Hearts
“Tomorrow? Are you working?”
“Just writing in the morning, but I’m free after that. If you’re around, text me.”
“Sounds good.Buonanotte, monella.”
“Sogni d’oro.”
My dreams would be anything but sweet.
28
JULES
Why I thought I could actually get any writing done this morning was beyond me. Instead, I headed to the gym and met with my new personal trainer. I had five free sessions and was determined to make them count. By the time I headed home and took a shower, still nothing.
I replayed our last conversation again for the eighteenth time. I’d told him to text me if he was free, and he’d said “sounds good.” I’d taken that as a green light and spent the entire morning waiting for a text.
But maybe he’d meant “sounds good” in a vague, maybe-I-will-maybe-I-won’t kind of way.
The fact that I kept picking up my phone was exactly the disaster I’d been hoping to avoid. Was there anything worse than the texting dance?
When my phone finally buzzed, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
Cole
So what’s on the agenda for today?
I thought about my response and then typed one out.
Jules
Back from the gym. Nothing pressing. You?
Cole
Just finished helping Parker and Mason with a painting job here at the inn.
So he’d been painting. Probably why he hadn’t texted earlier. I really wanted not to care.
It was my turn to text back, but instead I just stared at my phone as if I’d never used it before.
Cole
If you’re free, I do have an idea.
Jules
Do tell.
Cole
Jake Jones is playing at two o’clock at Grotto Valley Vineyards. I know you said you liked him, and I definitely know you like wine. They might even have some bubbly.
My heart began to race. What was this, exactly? A date? Did it matter if we named it? But going to Grotto Valley alone with Cole felt very different than meeting up with him and the guys.
Jules
I did like him, and Grotto Valley is the best. Count me in!
