With a gasp, she took them and lifted the fragrant flowers to her nose and, with heartfelt gratitude, murmured, “They are beautiful, thank you.”
Gage asked, “Ready for your evening out?”
Emma nodded and said, “Let me put these in a vase.” While seeing to that task, Emma asked, “Where are we going first?” They’d asked her to be ready at four o’clock, which led her to believe that their plans included a drive somewhere.
“Our first stop is Tessa’s, a little out-of-the-way place in Morehead that was highly recommended. We’re getting there early so we can take you out for a night of dancing afterward.”
“Oh, I’ve heard of Tessa’s!” Boy, have I heard all about Tessa’s!
Duke chuckled and said, “We have a table reserved in the main dining room. We had to get on a list for one of the private dining rooms. I hope you’re not disappointed.”
“Not at all, Duke. I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“I did put us on the waiting list, though,” he added as she placed the rose-filled vase on the kitchen counter. The girls had hinted at the intimate dinners several of them had enjoyed at Tessa’s, and her heart thrilled that they had that experience to look forward to.
“Ready to go?” Gage asked as he reached for her hand. A flush warmed her cheeks as they looked her over appreciatively once more.
Chapter Ten
Duke couldn’t believe his luck as he drove his truck down Main Street in Divine. Between him and his cousin sat a woman who constantly amazed him.
The relationship forming between the three of them was unlike anything he could’ve imagined. Maybe it was because they had started out with the idea of tackling goals and dreams with their bucket lists.
Playing it safe and developing a regular routine hadn’t happened. Because of their work schedules, they’d had to seize any moment they had together. Their adventures had added an element of “comfort zone-less-ness” to his life that he never would’ve thought he’d be at ease with. He knew, and hoped, that eventually they would settle into the flow of a normal relationship, but these excursions forced the three of them to explore what was really important to them in their lives.
For Duke it was making a difference with the technological talents he possessed. Gage had voiced similar thoughts, and Emma had told them she loved being a healer. But in the process of helping others they’d lost that little spark in themselves. They were reigniting that inspiration with these adventures.
In his eyes, Emma was the girl next door. Fresh faced, ponytailed, always ready with a smile and an encouraging word. It was exciting to discover this other facet of her persona. When she’d opened the door he’d been floored by the difference in her. Since the other night when she’d surprised them with a visit, he’d noticed there was a new confidence in her, in the way she moved and how she responded to them.
Tonight she’d transformed herself into a sultry temptress in a little black dress that fit her sleek curves so well his cock had stirred instantly to life. She was wearing high heels that nearly brought her to eye level and made her legs look even longer and so incredibly sexy.
He caught Gage’s glance and could practically read his mind. Someone else was antsy to get the evening started as well. He decelerated as he caught up to a slower-moving vehicle in front of them. The road and speed limit didn’t really allow for passing and they were in no hurry, so they traveled the short distance through town behind the little silver Mazda sedan. Gage sighed softly, and Duke grinned to himself.
They drove through the busiest part of the shopping district, pausing for stoplights and the heavier weekend shopping traffic. A cool front had blown in that weekend, and the cooler temperatures had brought out more shoppers to the area. Evidently the owner of the Mazda was new in town because the driver braked repeatedly as though unsure of where to turn. Duke backed off to allow ample room for them and to avoid having an accident in case the driver slammed on their brakes. Adjusting her eyeglasses, Emma leaned forward and squinted at the vehicle.
“They must be lost,” Gage said distractedly as the vehicle suddenly turned into the parking lot of the large shopping center where Stigall’s was located.
Emma frowned and pulled her phone from her purse and said, “Something is wrong with the driver. Slow down, Duke.” Her phone beeped as it powered back on. “Oh, no,” she said as she pointed.
The three of them watched in surprise as the driver slumped over behind the wheel. The Mazda sedan swerved, barely missed a parked car, and careened into the limestone and glass windowed storefront of Clay Cook’s Jewelers. The bumper took out a few of the bricks, and the large plate glass window shattered and collapsed onto the hood of the vehicle.