Déjà Date (15 page)
I set the empty bag on the floor then leaned against the rim, gazing wistfully at the ashes dancing in the sky. An invisible heavy cord snapped free inside me, pulling a heavy weight off my shoulders, leaving behind a weightless freedom.
Nate’s arms slipped around me from behind, his forearms leaning onto the rim of the basket as he pulled me close and rested his cheek against mine. He didn’t say anything to me, and he didn’t need to as I nuzzled into him.
I glanced around me to find the ashes, but they now blended with the sky. My dad’s love flowed through me and I let go of yesterday, ready to seize all life had to offer me today.
Epilogue
Six weeks later. . . .
I pushed open the yellow shabby-chic door of Bernie’s Bakery,
my
bakery, and the familiar
ding-a-ling
of the bell chimed overhead. I couldn’t believe I’d left my mom and Bernie’s engagement gift in the storage compartment on Nate’s motorcycle. Then again, I still couldn’t believe I’d ridden on his motorcycle while wearing a silver-sequined cocktail dress.
I’d worn my hair up, showing off the purple streak in my hair, but to say it was mussed from the not-so-elegant motorcycle helmet would be putting it mildly. But, eh. Who cared about looking perfect, anyway?
“I still can’t believe my mom and Bernie are getting married.” I turned to Nate as we hiked up the stairs that led to the private rooftop terrace. “Won’t that make us step-brother and step-sister?”
Nate shuddered, placing his hand on the small of my back. “Let’s not think about that.”
“Good idea.” I chuckled as we arrived at the top of the stairs. But instead of giving my mom and Bernie their gift right away, I tugged Nate over to the railing and glanced around the terrace at my dinner party, which was starting to wind down.
Instead of a girls’ night, this time I’d invited couples and friends alike to celebrate my new business. Avery, Mary Ann, Ginger, and even Sarah were here. Ellen and her husband Henry had come too, and this was their first night out since their baby, Henry Holbrook the fourth, had been born. I’d invited my friend Chris from my old job and he’d brought his girlfriend, Gina, with him. The two were such a great couple, I had a feeling they’d be getting engaged soon.
Under the dark evening sky, lights twinkled across the terrace that Ginger had redesigned for me. She refused to let me pay her for her time, which I supposed was a huge perk of having a decorator as a roommate. Even though I could afford my own place now, Fudge was so happy living with Ginger’s cats, Gilligan and The Professor, that I didn’t want to move and make my pup sad. In truth, I didn’t want to move either.
Nate wrapped his arms around my waist, hugging me. I pivoted on my silver heels, twisting away from the party until I was facing Nate. My gaze locked with those jade-green eyes that always took my breath away.
I slinked my arms around his neck, making a humming sound. “Wow.”
He rested his forehead against mine. “What?”
I laced my fingers through the soft hair at the back of his neck. “Never thought I could feel this happy.”
His mouth curved upward. “I bet I can make you happier.”
“How?” I asked, wondering how I could possibly feel any happier than at this exact moment.
“You’ll see.” He reached into the pocket of his slacks and pulled out a
small square package covered in wax paper that I recognized very well. “Close your eyes.”
I squeezed my eyes shut as the scent of fudge filled the air around me. When I felt a nudge against my lips, I opened my mouth, welcoming the sugary-sweetness of my favorite chocolate marshmallow fudge bar. “You know me so well,” I whispered.
Then his mouth captured mine, and I tasted the greatest sweetness of all.
THE END
If you enjoyed spending time
with these characters,
be sure to read Mary Ann’s story in:
(Better Date than Never series, Book 10)
About the author
:
SUSAN HATLER
is a
New York Times
and
USA Today
Bestselling Author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan's books have been translated into German, Spanish, French and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
You can reach Susan here:
Facebook:
facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
Twitter:
twitter.com/susanhatler
Website:
www.susanhatler.com
Blog:
susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog
Books by Susan Hatler:
Love at First Date (Better Date than Never series, Book 1)
Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .
Truth or Date (Better Date than Never series, Book 2)
Truth or Dare is all fun and games until a playful dare has Gina falling for the office playboy.
My Last Blind Date (Better Date than Never series, Book 3)
Should Rachel risk another dating disaster by trying yet again for love?
Save the Date (Better Date than Never series, Book 4)
Kristen swears off men, but temptation swoops in when her sexy friend Ethan starts flirting with her.
A Twist of Date (Better Date than Never series, Book 5)
Will Melanie have to follow her best friend’s narrow dating rules in order to find lasting love?
License to Date (Better Date than Never series, Book 6)
Kaitlin agrees to five dates in five days only to fall for the mysterious bartender who’s there to witness them all.
