Midnight Roots (Silver Creek Ranch)

Chapter Nineteen

Dillon

Last night was even better than the first night, but I can't help but be disappointed that Heston didn't stay for the night. I don't understand what he meant by "not yet".

What are the requirements? What criteria do I have to meet?

It's Sunday, so I don't have a shift, but I want to see Cece. I want to ask her more about Heston since he won't open up to me. I mean, if she can get involved on his behalf, then surely she can get involved on mine? Also, I forgot that I didn't have a shift and told Heston I'd see him at work, so I'll just show up as a customer instead of an employee.

I have to go grocery shopping, though, and I want to get some more perfume to wear when I next see Heston. I saw a nice one in the beauty aisle at the supermarket.

I'll do that first and then see Cece about Heston.

I get up, shower, and get dressed before I gather my laundry and sheets and take everything down to the shared laundry room downstairs. It's early, so there's no one there. I only have one load to wash, so I set it onand go upstairs to get a book. By the time I'm back down, it's halfway done, but there's still no one else there.

I sit in the worn wicker chair in the corner and open my book to the page I left it on. Reading a horror book is my way of unwinding. When you don't have a television, you have a lot of time to catch up on reading, and second-hand shops become your best friend. I don't actually know if there is a second-hand shop in Ironhaven. I would need to check.

In what feels like no time, the old laundry machine gives a whine to let me know it's done, so I transfer everything to the dryer and set it on for an hour. I sit back down and continue to read, though my mind keeps drifting to Heston and the compatibility we share. I set the book down and check the dryer. It's about two minutes from finishing, and everything is dry, so I take it out and put it back in the basket.

I carry the basket back upstairs and fold and pack everything away before I make the bed. Once I've tidied up, I scrounge through my fridge and find the new cherries and yogurt I've bought. I combine some cherries into the yogurt and sit down to eat it, looking out the window to the main road.

I need to get going if I'm going to get done in time to see Heston. I clean up, discard my rubbish and wash my spoon. I grab my clutch and keys and leave.

I go to the supermarket first and browse the perfume. I sample a few before I decide on one and put it in my cart. I then head to the groceries and get a few things for the house, including some cereal, fresh milk, and bread. Once I've paid, I grab my bags and carry them back to my apartment. I pack everything away before I leave again and walk to the diner.

Cece looks surprised to see me when I walk in.

"What's this? Trying to pull double time?" She smiles jokingly. "No, seriously. You got nothing better to do than come hang around here?"

"I didn't know how to let Heston know I wasn't working today," I admit shyly. "And he's coming to meet me here."

"Well, you know the rules. You sit, you eat." Cece says.

"Actually, will you join me?" I ask.

Cece looks surprised but nods. "Sure, let's go to the grill section. Martha," she calls the name. "Come handle the customers in the cafe."

I head to the grill side and sit next to Heston's usual spot. Cece comes to the counter. "What will it be?"

"Um, I will have Heston's usual and some extra fries for me and two glasses of orange juice instead of one," I say.

Cece nods and writes down the order before she hangs it up and pours one glass of orange juice. "I'll do Heston's when he's here."

"Thanks." I put some bills on the counter. "Of course, you should keep the change."

"Aren't you a honey?" Cece says with a grin, going to the register. She comes back and leans on the counter. "So what's up? "

"You know Heston well, right?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

Cece looks surprised. "Well enough, I guess. We talk every day about my day and his ranch work. I don't know him on a personal level as you do, though."

"That's just the thing," I say. "I don't know him personally. I was hoping you could tell me a little more about him."

"I uh... I don't think this is a good idea," Cece says. "Heston wouldn't like us gossiping behind his back."

"Is he a secret murderer or something?" I joke with a grin.

Cece laughs. "No, it's just that he's very private, and he should be allowed to let you into his world as and when he likes. You'll ruin the magic of the relationship. The one thing I can tell you is I've never seen him like anyone or even take to anyone the way he's taken to you. "

I blush and nod. Just then, the doors swing open, and Heston walks in. "Morning, ladies. You're not in uniform?" He looks at me curiously

"Actually, I have the day off. I've ordered breakfast for you."

Cece smiles. "I'll get your order for you. Sit, Heston."

Heston takes his ball cap off and sits down, putting the cap on his knee. "So, how did you sleep?"

"Well, and you?"

"Could have slept better," he says.

"You would have if you'd spent the night," I tease him.

He grins. "Maybe you should spend the night. At my ranchhouse. "

I look at him, surprised. "Really? I get to see where you live?"

"Yeah, why not?" Heston smiled. "I'll pick you up around five this evening. I just need to get things in order for your arrival."

"Why is the place a pigsty?" I ask with a grin. "I could help you clean."

"No, you don't. I'll take care of everything." He turns to his food as Cece puts it down.

We eat peacefully, and I want to ask him questions, but I know I'll get a chance later, so I will hold it off until then. I'm sure we won't just have sex. I'm sure we'll talk. I mean, I'm spending the night.

We finish eating, and Heston takes out his wallet.

"It's on me today," I say. "I already paid. "

"Thank you," he says with a grin. "Can I drop you off at home?"

"No, you go get ready, and I'll see you outside my apartments at five," I lean over and kiss him softly. "I'm looking forward to it."