The Date (Single Wide Female in Love #1) by Lillianna Blake Page B

life. I honestly can’t imagine not having you to talk to, but I will no longer put my heart on the line. I would love for us to continue our relationship as friends, but I have no interest in meeting you or in anything more than friendship. If you can put that behind us, then we can still have an amazing friendship. If you can’t, I guess this will have to be goodbye. I hope that you are able to find the love that you are looking for.  

    Samantha  

    I read over the e-mail. I thought it sounded a little harsh. But that was okay. I was still angry. I had a right to be harsh.
    I sent the e-mail and then took a deep breath.
    Would Blue value our friendship enough to want to continue it?

Chapter 23

    I was still sore when I woke up the next morning. My muscles felt like the mountain had climbed me rather than the other way around. My emotions were off-kilter too, because I wasn’t sure if I should have sent that last e-mail to Blue. I wanted him to know I cared, but I needed to draw that line in the sand for the sake of my own sanity.
    As I got ready for my breakfast date with Ben, I tried to remind myself how much I’d enjoyed our last date. I hoped that this time I’d get to know him a little better and maybe find that spark that had been missing during our first date.
    As I finished dressing my phone chimed with a text. I picked it up and smiled at Ben’s sweet words.  

    I’m looking forward to our date this morning. See you soon.  

    It was nice that he was making such an effort to connect with me. He didn’t leave me waiting or wondering whether he was thinking about me. I was sure that this would be the day that I would find that attraction to Ben that I’d hoped for. I sent back a quick text.  

    Me too. See you in 20.  

    I headed out for the date feeling much better than I’d felt since waking up that morning. I’d even forgotten to check to see if Blue had e-mailed me back. I didn’t think about Blue until I was in my car driving toward the cafe that I’d chosen for my date with Ben. It overlooked a small lake and had a wonderful assortment of meals to choose from. It had been on my list of places to take Blue when we finally got together—which is probably why I was now thinking about Blue as I made my way to my date with Ben.
    I liked the idea of seeing Ben first thing in the morning. I hoped he wouldn’t be as nervous as he was last time.
    He was already seated at one of the tables on the porch that overlooked the water when I arrived. I studied him for a few minutes from a distance. There was nothing about him that I could pinpoint as unattractive, and yet, I still saw him just as another person sitting there—not as the potential love of my life.  
    Give it time, Sammy.  
    I walked up the steps and joined him at the table.  
    “Good morning.” He smiled brightly.  
    “Good morning.” I sat down beside him so that he could still see the water.
    He reached out as if he might rest his hand on mine, but then drew back.
    I smiled and took his hand. “How are you this morning?”  
    I wanted to feel electricity when I touched him, but all I felt was a sweaty palm. I was sure mine was a little damp too.  
    “Great, now that you’re here. You’re right about this place being amazing.”  
    We chatted for a few minutes before ordering. I did find it easy to talk to him, but I had to draw him into the conversation.  
    “So you mentioned your sister last time we were together. Are you two close?”  
    “Oh yeah, we were best friends growing up and still are. She’s busy now, though, with a husband and kids.”  
    “Yes, we’re hitting that age, aren’t we—where everyone is pairing up and parenting.” I smiled.  
    “Sure—and to be honest, I can’t wait to join in. I see her with her kids, and I have to admit, my biological clock starts ticking. But I’m sure you know all about that.” He laughed.  
    I quirked an eyebrow. “Not exactly.”  
    “Really? You’re not