Wishing for the Girl Next Door (Piney Brook Wishes Book 3)

15. Karlee

Walking into work Thursday evening, I feel like I’m floating on air. I’ve never had a date like that. After we danced beneath the stars for a while, I suggested we wrap it up. It was getting late, and he had to work this morning.

He helped me back into the truck, packed up the blankets, and took me home. I smile and rub my fingers on my cheek where I can still feel his kiss from my doorstep last night.

I’m still smiling when I slip behind the nurse’s station and drop my bags and water bottle on the counter.

“Whoa,” Mona says, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “I take it the date went well?” She wiggles her eyebrows up and down.

I laugh at her antics and nod. “It was amazing.”

“Well, spill it,” Terran says as she makes her way around the counter from a patient’s room. “We have a few minutes before the official shift change.”

“He was so romantic. He brought me flowers, took me to a lookout where we ate a picnic he’d packed for us, and then we slow-danced under the stars.” Butterflies fight for space in my chest. “It was perfect.”

“You’re making that up,” Mona says, a dreamy look on her face. “Guys don’t plan dates like that.”

I press my hands over my heart and grin. “Mine does.”

Mona and Terran wear identical shocked expressions. “So, it’s true! You guys are a thing!” Mona says excitedly.

“I think so,” I say, uncertainty making it more a question than a statement. “I mean, he said he wanted a chance to woo me.”

Terran grins. “So, are you two exclusive, then?”

I pause, worry niggling at my gut. “Well, we didn’t officially decide on terms...”

Mona waves her hand in dismissal. “Did you see the way he looked at her at the Curly Pig? He’s exclusive. Plus, when have you ever heard of Evan Thompson dating more than one woman?”

Terran raises an eyebrow and nods. “You’re right. Never. He’s always all in, even if the other person isn’t.” She rolls her eyes and scowls.

I want to ask what she means, but I don’t.

“All right ladies, enough gossiping,” Marla says, tucking her purse away. “Give us the report and get out of here so we can do our work.”

Mona laughs. “You just want us to leave so you can get the exclusive scoop.”

Marla glares at her a moment, but then laughs too. “Report, ladies.”

It’s after 8:00 a.m. when I finally climb the stairs to my apartment. I’m bone tired. Turns out we were too busy with admissions last night to get a moment to do more than scarf down some food, let alone chat about my date.

I make it to the top, my keys in my hand, and stop. Taped to my door is a note with my name written in big letters.

Adrenaline wipes the fatigue away as I take the note carefully off the door, unlock it, and step inside. Once I’ve locked the door back, and taken off my shoes, I drop my purse onto the coffee table, and slump down onto the sofa. Carefully, I open the note, and my breath catches in my throat.

Karlee,

Thank you for last night. It was the best date I’ve ever had.

From the first moment I saw you, with your hair in a messy bun, frantically chasing Peanut, my heart has been drawn to you. I didn’t recognize it right away, but you’ve captivated me. Your smile is like a ray of sunshine, bringing light into my world. It’s why I call you Sunshine.

Dancing with you in my arms last night felt so right. As we swayed to the music beneath the stars, it felt like the world disappeared and it was just the two of us.

I know I asked for one date, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more. I hope you feel the same way. What do you say, Karlee? Take a chance with me?

Xo

Evan

I hold the letter to my chest, tears slide down my cheeks. I read it again before carefully folding it back and sliding it into my nightstand drawer for safekeeping.

I pick up my phone to text him, but that feels so inadequate after finding his note taped to my door. Deciding I’ll wait until I see him this afternoon, I take a shower and slide into my bed for some much needed rest. I have a feeling I’ll be dreaming of Evan holding me close while we dance.

I wake up later than usual and have to rush to get ready for work. Peanut is meowing at me furiously from his seat beside his food bowl. I missed feeding time. I slide both legs into my scrubs pants and pull the top over my head before grabbing his bowls and filling them with fresh water and his dinner.

“There you go, Peanut,” I say, patting his head as he digs into his dinner.

I rush to the bathroom, pull my hair into a bun, brush my teeth and splash water on my face. Taking a look at myself in the mirror, I cringe. I have sleep lines on the side of my face, and I could have used a bit of makeup today. Oh well, it will have to do.

I grab my purse and keys. I’ll have to grab something from the cafeteria later. Gross.

I step outside, and shut the door, quickly locking it and moving toward the top of the stairs. I pause when I see Evan’s door. Shoot. I meant to stop by earlier and thank him personally for his note. I glance at my watch and sigh. It will have to wait.

I barely clock in on time, making Mona and Terran raise their eyebrows in question. I’m never late. Never even this close to being late.

“Sorry, I overslept.”

Mona and Terran share a look, but don’t say anything else.

“Okay, I’m ready.” I listen as they give a report, nodding. It looks like another busy night. Great.

I get a short break between tasks and grab my phone.

Karlee:Thank you for the sweet note. I am so sorry. Was going to stop by before work but was running late.

Evan: No worries. I’m glad you got the note. Did you get dinner?

Karlee:No, I’ll have to grab something from the cafe vending later.

A patient’s buzzer goes off, so I shove the phone back into my bag and get back to work.

An hour later, I’m at the nurse’s station, entering notes into the computer when I hear someone clear their throat. I look up and gasp.

“Evan, what are you doing here?” I jump up and go around the counter to where he stands and give him a hug. I step back, reluctant to let him go.

He holds up a bag from Beats and Eats. “You said you didn’t have time to get dinner, and when I texted you back, you didn’t respond. I figured you were going to be too busy to stop and get food, so I brought you some.”

He puts the bag on the counter and tucks his hands into his pockets. “I hope that’s okay.”

I grab the bag and drop it on the desk behind the counter. “Not just okay. It’s perfect. Thanks.”

“I got you something different this time. I wasn’t sure what you’d want, but I figured probably something lighter than a burger.”

I raise my eyebrow in question. “I’m sure it will be delicious. I haven’t had anything from Beats and Eats I didn’t like.”

He smiles. “Well, I’m going to go. I know you’re busy. I just wanted to make sure you ate.”

I step into his space, wrapping my arms around his middle and soaking him in. “Thank you, Evan. I really appreciate this.”

After a beat, he wraps his arms around me and buries his face in my hair. “You’re welcome.”

I lean back, still supported by his arms, and smile. “Your note was sweet. Is it okay to tell you I think I’d like more dates, too?”

His face lights up, and he leans close to my ear. “You can tell me anything, sunshine.” He places a soft kiss on my cheek and steps back. “I’ll see you soon.” He winks and walks back down the hallway to the elevators.

“Oh my.” The radiology tech is standing behind a wheelchair with a silly grin on her face. “I just came up to get 409 B for her X-ray.”

I stare at her. “Okay . . .”

“That was so sweet.” She sighs. “I wish my boyfriend brought me dinner when I was busy.”

I look down the hallway to where Evan was just standing. “He’s one of a kind. That’s for sure.”

She nods her head in agreement. “Definitely. Don’t let that one go.” She pushes the wheelchair around the corner to collect her patient, leaving me standing in the hallway with my thoughts.

I finally get time to sit down and eat the meal Evan brought me. I pop open the container and grin. A turkey sandwich and a cup of fresh fruit. Perfect.

I pick up my phone and snap a picture. Adding it to the text thread I have with Evan, I add a little message and hit send.

I’ve just eaten the last bite when a message notification dings.

Evan: I’m glad you found time to eat. *smiley face emoji*

I put the phone back in my bag and smile to myself. Giving Evan a chance might just be the best decision I’ve ever made.

Friday morning, I roll over and groan. I’m exhausted, and I don’t get a day off until Sunday. I’ve got a plan today, though. And I don’t want to run out of time.

Throwing my legs over the bed, I force myself to stand. I stretch my back and yawn. After getting through my morning routine, I head to the kitchen.

Evan’s been so great, doing nice things for me even before we were dating. I want to do something nice for him.

Homemade cookies should do the trick. An hour later, my apartment smells like warm sugar and chocolate. Hopefully, he likes chocolate chip cookies. I check to make sure they have cooled and add them to a container.

Grabbing my keys, I head to my SUV and hop in. It doesn’t take long for me to find Brant’s Automotive Shop. I pull into the gravel lot and into a parking space near the customer entrance.

Stepping out of the SUV with the container in hand, I shut the door and turn toward the building. Evan is already headed in my direction. He looks handsome in his blue work uniform.

I meet him near the door to the lobby. He leans in toward me and kisses my cheek.

“Karlee, I didn’t expect to see you here.” He grins, giving me a glimpse of that dimple I love so much.

“I wanted to surprise you,” I say, holding out the container of cookies. “I hope you like chocolate chip cookies.”

He laughs and pulls the container closer to him. “Don’t say that too loud. Brant will try and take some from me.”

I laugh. “I made two dozen, so there’s probably enough to share.”

He shakes his head. “Nope, these are all mine. You didn’t have to do that, you know.”

“I know, I wanted to.” I wave at the two men peeking around the corner of the bay doorway at us. “You’ve been so nice to me since I moved here, and I’ve not done nearly enough in return.”

He frowns. “It’s not a competition. I don’t do nice things for you so that you’ll do something for me.”

I look down. “I know,” I say finally. “I just don’t want you to feel like I’m not appreciative.”

“Oh, Sunshine.” He sighs and pulls me into a side hug, careful not to get his dirty clothes on me. “I do things for you because I enjoy doing them.” He lets me go. “I tell you what. You stop feeling like you owe me, and I promise I’ll tell you if I ever start feeling like you’re taking advantage of me.” He sticks out his hand. “Deal?”

“Deal,” I say, and we shake on it. “Now, why don’t you introduce me to the two guys who are about to break their necks peeking at us.”