She tilted her head and bit her bottom lip. “Too bad I didn’t know.”
“Yeah, what would you have done?” he asked, fighting the urge to lean over and kiss her lips.
The bell over the door jingled and Corra sprang from the counter holding a hand over her heart. Two middle-aged women dressed in comfortable jogging suits and sneakers walked in.
“Customers. I’ll be right back.” She excused herself, and saw to her guests while Chris browsed about the store. It took the women quite some time to settle on their gifts while telling Corra all about their Greek Alumni reunion . Corra was in her element as she listened to their stories and helped them pick out suitable gifts.
After the ladies left, Chris walked back up to the counter. Corra came from behind the register.
“So where were we?” she asked.
“We were about to pick up from seven months ago when I walked into the fund-raiser and saw one of the most beautiful women in Danville. How about that date now?”
“Can I trust you to get me someplace safely this time?”
“I promise. So what are you doing tomorrow night?”
Corra smiled. “Looks like I’m going out with you.”
Chapter 4
Corra had reopened the gift shop by the time Rollin and Tayler pulled up separately out front. She walked over and leaned against the door frame with her arms crossed waiting for them to exit the car.
Rollin tried to offer a nonchalant expression as he stepped out of the car. But Corra knew his mask when she saw it. Tayler, on the other hand, didn’t even try to hide the big smile on her face.
“How’d it go?” Rollin asked, as they approached.
Corra decided to have a little fun. “He didn’t show.”
Rollin frowned. “He didn’t?”
Corra shook her head. “Nope, I waited at the front desk until after one, and then I had to reopen the shop.”
Rollin and Tayler glanced at one another before shrugging. “I wonder what happened,” Rollin said.
“Me too,” Tayler added.
“You never told me who to expect anyway. What’s his name?” Corra asked. She tried to look as unconcerned as Rollin.
“A guy from 3C Evolution,” Rollin said.
“Isn’t that Chris’s company?” she asked.
Rollin and Tayler glanced at one another, again. “Yeah, I believe it is,” he said.
Corra reached inside the door and grabbed a plush toy and threw it at Rollin. “You knew Chris was coming by here. You set me up.”
Rollin ducked, and Tayler laughed. “So he did come by?” she asked.
Corra went to retrieve her toy, and punched Rollin in the arm. “Yes, he was here. I think I surprised him too. Seems like no one told him I was working here.”
Rollin threw his hands up. “Hey, I had every intention of meeting with him, but something came up. I’m glad you two got to talk. Did he tell you he’s moved back?”
“Of course. He even asked me out.”
Rollin smiled and nodded. “Well, looks like my work here is done. I’ll leave you ladies to gossip about the details, I’ve got work to do.”
Rollin left them and walked toward the house.
“You knew he was coming, didn’t you?” Corra asked Tayler.
“Of course. Why do you think I made myself scarce all morning?” Tayler asked.
“For a split second I thought you and Rollin had eloped.”
Tayler shook her head. “Girl, I’m sure that would be okay with Rollin, but not me. I want a wedding, and I want it right here at the Coleman House.”
Corra placed her hands on her hips. “What happened to the church wedding?”
“Rollin and I talked it over. I love your church and your pastor, but I don’t know a lot of people in Danville outside of the family. So, I thought a more intimate wedding right here at home would be more fitting. With your pastor officiating of course.”
Corra couldn’t believe her ears. “Wow, you are definitely not the same woman who came to stay here eight months ago. That woman would have wanted a big church wedding with all the bells and whistles.” It seemed like years ago when Tayler checked in as a guest, and departed as Rollin’s fiancée.
“Not actually. I already have what I want—Rollin. A wedding is just icing on the cake. Which reminds me of something.” Tayler pulled several brochures from her huge designer purse. “When you close shop come on over to the house. I have something I need your help with.”
“Business is slow, so I’ll come over now.” Corra put up the Back in Thirty Minutes sign. She followed Tayler over to the house. They used the back entrance since guests were sitting in the big rocking chairs on the front porch.