Roll for Initiative by Elle Downing

Author:Elle Downing [Downing, Elle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-12T22:00:00+00:00

11

“I’m outside.”

I know the text is from Callum before I even pick up my phone. Wow, he’s punctual. I always knew that, sure, but it never mattered before. Not like this.

Especially since I’m not ready.

My outfit is on, my makeup finished, and my hair actually behaving itself, but I’m so not ready. A romantic night with Callum Baldwin, high school friend and Saturday night dinner pal for the last two years.

“Have fun,” Kelly says as I sling my purse strap over my shoulder. “Don’t freak out.”

“Thanks. That helps. A lot.”

She laughs. “You’re already friends. Just be normal.”

OH MY GOD, HOW?!

“See you later.” I leave before she can offer anymore sage advice.

Candles, music, tablecloths. OK I’ll see you, and I’ll raise you a Little Black Dress, kitten heels, and a touch of jasmine perfume on my wrists. Operation: First Date is go.

I head downstairs and get to the curb in front of my building. Callum is there, standing outside of his SUV in a black suit and tie. Well. I think we both may have won this round.

OK, he totally won the second I forgot to breathe.

Be yourself, Bailey. Act normal.

“You clean up nice.” I smile, talking to the door as he opens it for me.

“You do, too.” He clears his throat. “I mean—you look beautiful.”

I look up at him despite the heat flooding my cheeks. “Thanks.”

He takes my hand to help me inside, although he doesn’t need to. His hand is so warm. He’s really pulling out all the stops, isn’t he?

When he gets into the car, I ask, “Where are we headed?”

“I was thinking a nice dinner to start.” He turns out of my part of the complex and navigates toward the main road. “We’ll see where the night takes us.”

“Oh, I do love a good intrigue.”

His laugh is quiet. “I thought you might.”

Quick, Bailey. Think of something to talk about. “Cathy’s party had a good turnout.”

“Yeah, it did. She’s got a lot of names for sandwiches, too. The town really came through.”

“Any favorites?”

“Of the names?”

“Yeah. I know for a fact that you have at least two good ones.”

He chuckles. “Both from you?”

“I can neither confirm nor deny.”

“Mm-hm.” He takes the turn toward the interstate.

“We’re not eating in town?”

“What place has candles, music, and tablecloths? I mean, I could always call Nell and see what she’s got.” He sets his mouth and eyebrows in a serious look—the type steeped in sarcasm.

“Ha, ha.”

“It’s a proper date, Bailey. Somewhere special, just the two of us. We’d hardly have any privacy in Golden Shore.”

Whoa there, heartbeat. Just the two of us. Where is all this coming from?

I wait until he merges onto the interstate before I say, “OK. Cards on the table.”

“Hit me. I’m an open book.”

“How long have you felt this way?”

“Hungry?”

“Callum Scott Baldwin.”

He laughs. “All right, all right. A while.”

“A while.” I relax against the passenger seat, looking at the road ahead as I process that. “A while.”

“I’m afraid to reciprocate the question.”

“Why?”

“Just nervous about the answer.”

One thing that I love most about my friendship with Callum is our honesty.

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