Chapter 10

HOLLY

A week later, Holly was starting to wonder if she had said something wrong or why Cade wasn't pressing harder to get his truck back. It was weirdly silent around town, almost as if people were watching her. Were they wondering about her chatting with Cade at the festival – or had he changed his mind about them talking?

Maybe he was regretting talking to his ‘Creature-Feature,' she thought, her feelings still a little raw from behind, immediately seen as some freak or reject as a first impression. There was not one girl in the world that would be okay with her crush referring to her a ‘creature' or ‘monster.' It immediately brought up slimy pond-monster things that laid eggs or had fangs, complete with moss or algae dangling from the arms.

And don't forget the grunts and groans, she thought and immediately made a weird noise across between ‘The Ghost' and ‘Creeper' from Scooby Doo. It was a high-pitched warbling sound followed by a hoarsely spoken phrase.

"Creatureeee… Feature…" And then Holly warbled again before sighing heavily as her shoulders slumped with rejection as she went back to working on Cade's truck.

The refurbished radiator had arrived, and she was planning on keeping the other one for an emergency. A good deep cleaning, maybe trying a spot weld or taking it into New Braunfels to see if she could find someone to repair the seam, might save some time if something like this happened again. The odds of her needing a radiator for a 1932 Coupe were slim, but she had paid through the nose for this one – and was passing along the hefty price tag to her handsome client.

Just before she squeezed the trigger on her impact gun, she heard a noise and looked up only to see Cade standing there in his uniform, looking very uncomfortable.

"Cade?" she blurted out, stunned, and dropped the extension bit. "What are you doing here? How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," he answered quietly.

"Do you want to see what came in today?"

"I should probably go…"

Holly jumped to her feet, adjusted her baseball cap that she used to keep some of her hair from getting in her face, and hurried to him, only to falter mid-step with awareness. Cade caught her arm and met her confused gaze, and neither looked away from the other.

"I look a mess…" she whispered.

"You look like you've been working hard," he breathed.

"I have," she admitted and tried to tug him forward into the shop, only to see him hesitate. "What?"

"Is it safe to walk under the lifts?"

"Oh yeah," she smiled. "I always do a wiggle test to make sure I'm not top-heavy…" and glanced at him warily as his eyes widened – and dropped to her bosom. "I make sure the car is not top-heavy. Weebly-wobbly. I push on it to make sure it's not about to go over the edge. I mean, I don't want it to get let down or…"

"Captain!" someone yelled from the truck. "We gotta call…"

"I'll be right there," Cade hollered over his shoulder and looked at her. He nodded erratically and hesitated before holding out the flowers to her. "I've gotta go."

"It's okay," she began – and he touched her arm again.

"I want to know what you do, how things are going, but duty calls…"

Holly nodded, unsure what to say. She was floored that he brought her flowers and awkwardly held the potted mums in her hand, making the shiny paper surrounding the plastic container crackle.

"I can text you," she began and saw him smirk. "What?"

"We could eventually have dinner and talk," he countered.

Holly felt her eyes widen as her breath caught in her chest. Oh my gosh, was Captain Hotness asking her out? Forget ‘Hotness'! He's a Hostess… unexpectedly sweet and a snack-and-a-half… yum…

"Uh, thanks?" he chuckled awkwardly, smiling and blushing. "I don't think I've ever been called a ‘snack-and-a-half' before in my life."

"Tell me I did not say that aloud," Holly slapped her forehead and groaned in dismay. "Just kill me now…"

"Nahh, but we'll talk more about that," he chuckled, backing away and his eyes sparkling. "You know, Holly… not every ‘creature' is necessarily a bad thing or makes eerie noises. I'll have you know that fairies, sirens, and nymphs are creatures, too."

Holly couldn't help the budding smile of sheer delight on her face as she stood there holding the flowers against her chest, watching Cade finally move around the big fire engine that now had its lights on. Bright lights flashed and spun; but they were nothing compared to the intensity of happiness that was flaring to life within her chest.

She saw him lean forward and wave – only to see Rodney, Jude, and Mayberry also toss their arms out the window, waving at her playfully. A thrilled giggle escaped her as she realized that Cade must be actually serious about this. Those three men were the biggest gossips in town. Everyone would know that the handsome captain had brought her flowers or was starting up a friendship with her.

Her phone dinged as the truck pulled away, and she let out a shriek as she saw it was Cade again, upsetting some of the dirt from the plant in her hand. Taking a seat on her roll-around stool, she set the plant on the floor drain by her feet and began to type.

Hostess, huh? I think that's the best thing I've ever heard.

So, you didn't mean ‘Creature-Feature' badly?

Can I be honest?

Uh oh…

I was mad at first, but I think it's kinda fitting now – and we can talk more when I get off of work about this. I've got six sets of eyeballs on me right now that can't wait for the latest dirt.

Holly chuckled, recognizing the truth of his statement.

Gimme a little time, and we'll chat. I've got some stuff I've got to handle, but dinner is happening.

Guess I should get back to your car – by the way, does your car have a name?

Like Butter?

Yes.

Crusty… and if you say that I told you – I will deny it until my dying day. Just look at my truck. He's absolutely Crusty.

A little rusty, a little crusty, but dependable. My truck has old-fashioned work ethics and isn't afraid of some hard labor. It's ANTIQUE meets GRAPES OF WRATH styling…

Best. Thing. Ever.

I'm serious – that's our secret.

I'll take care of Crusty, Hostess.

Staaaahp – I'm laughing so hard right now and now the guys are trying to steal my phone. I'll talk to you soon.

Talk soon!

Holly couldn't help the happiness flowing through her as she picked up the flowers and slipped her phone back into her pocket. Opening the door to the waiting area of her little shop, she darted up the stairs – speaking to her plant like it would hear or pay attention to her.

"You, Precious, are going right by Curly-Sue. She's a bitty-baby-pumpkin and will keep you company on the shelf," she smiled and plucked off a yellow leaf absently, pretending she knew what she was doing to keep a plant alive. Honestly, she hoped the flower never wilted or died because this meant the world to her. No one had ever given her flowers, and it was such a sweet simple gift— just like the pumpkin.

Heading back down the stairs, she glimpsed at herself in the mirror and saw the streak of dirt from her cheek to her nose and rolled her eyes in defeat before hesitating. Cade looked at her like she was impressive, even alluding to mythical creatures and beings.

"If that's a dryad or a nymph, the poor thing has been dragged through a dark alleyway and left in a pile of dirt," she muttered, shaking her head. "Or maybe Captain Hostess is the one who's been conked on the head – hard enough to see something in me…"

Chuckling in sheer disbelief and trying to hold out hope, Holly went back to work on ol' Crusty the Coupe.

It was almost a week later before she heard from Cade again. It was like he got her to the very edge of her nerves with the whole ‘Will he?' or ‘Won't he?' inner monologue… and then POOF!

A text.

Hey, I'm so sorry. I'm back on duty at the station and could not get freed up during my time off. Remember that full plate I had? Yeah, same amount of crap on it, but it turns out it's only a saucer.

Hi.

Bad Boyfriend Groveling Commencing in 3…2…1…

Who said you were my boyfriend?

Her phone rang within half a second later, surprising her.

"You! Drive and ignore me," Cade snapped distantly to someone else. "And you two cackling roosters, hush up! And this stays here – got me?" She heard, only to hear his muttered voice not two seconds later as he whispered, speaking to her this time around and obviously covering the mouthpiece. "… yam."

"Huh?"

"I said thigh yam…"

"Run that past me one more time," she laughed, shaking her head. "You are thigh yam? What is thigh yam?"

"Oh heck," Cade groused and then spoke clearly, loudly, and distinctly. "You and I are in a relationship – and I am, not thigh yam, are dating. You have a very bad boyfriend who needs to work on communication with his girl, and we are still going to dinner… eventually. I'm just sorry it's taking so long."

"I'll take ol' Beary to dinner if she wears… DON'T HURT ME! HELLLLP!"

Holly heard a scuffle, some grunting, and a horn honking before she heard Cade's voice once more.

"You are not asking her out – knock it off because it's not funny."

"Cade, I can let you…" Holly began and he stopped her immediately.

"No," he interrupted. "Please. We've been doing drills, doing recertifications, cleaning the firetrucks repeatedly. I've pulled two cats out of a tree, removed puppies from a storm drain – and yes, they were alive – and had to help a person into a fresh diaper on a wellness check. I'm taking two minutes for myself to reach out to my girlfriend because I don't want her to think, wonder, or doubt that something is starting… and please don't give up on me."

"I'm not," she whispered, trying not to sound as teary-eyed as she felt right now just hearing his words. "Puppies?"

"I kept one…" he admitted, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "How about dinner tomorrow night, and you can meet him."

"You're on."

"About time, right?"

"Took the words right out of my mouth," she uttered, teasing him, and treasured his easy laugh.

"Do you have plans for Thanksgiving?"

"No? I used to cook, but when it's just you…" her voice trailed off.

"I understand completely," he replied. "That's part of the reason I wanted to call – to firm up things for dinner and invite you over for Thanksgiving. I thought maybe we could cook, watch the game, and talk."

"I'd like that."

"We're all coming over," she heard a voice yell in the background, causing her to pause – and arch an eyebrow. He invited everyone over. So this wasn't a date on Thanksgiving?

Okaaaay…

"I thought it would be nice to have a full table with a make-shift family of friends to celebrate," Cade volunteered quietly, almost as if he could read her mind. "I really do have a few things to show you and talk about – and Thanksgiving would be a chance to…"

"It's fine," she interrupted a little uneasily. "You don't have to explain."

"Holly…"

"You're right. Thanksgiving is a time with friends and family – so I think it's perfect your work family is coming to your place. I guess I should make something to bring over, or do they have that covered too."

"Ouch."

"I don't mean that badly, it's just…"

"You thought it was us," he whispered, covering the mouthpiece. "It is, I promise. Tomorrow night, okay? We'll talk."

"And he's taking you to a new place…" Jude hollered in the background, making Cade curse and Holly flinch at the word. Yeah, she'd heard the rumors about him just like any others in town.

"Ignore him."

"Everyone's going to think the same thing."

"I'll be there in just a few…"

"You're at work."

"So are you, I'm betting…"

"Cade…"

"Ten minutes – unless we get a call. I promise," he said quickly and hung up the phone.

Holly sighed and ran upstairs to wash her face, brush her hair, and spritz some perfume so she didn't smell like a walking armpit smeared with axle grease.

"Ugh…" she uttered aloud, flinching at the sheer pungent idea of what that would smell like – giving herself one extra spray of perfume, just in case. Starting back down the stairs, she heard Cade holler her name.

"Holly? Holly, are you here?"

She rounded the corner and saw the relief in his eyes as he spotted her, walking toward her immediately while leaning away from the lifts. The automotive lifts really made her big, brave hero nervous, she thought wryly with a smile and got nervous when he didn't stop.

He came forward – and hugged her.

Holly froze in full sensory overload. Cade was hugging her. She could smell the sweat on him, the scent of smoke, and several others that seemed to wrap around her just like his arms.

"I opened my mouth," he said softly, speaking to her. "I'm so sorry, and I've been so stressed, nervous, and feel like I'm frazzled to the point I'm about to break."

"Cade," she began gently, savoring the feeling of warmth from him. She could feel his strength and never imagined that he would just suddenly rush right into her arms, hugging her. That was a sign of affection, and she thought he wasn't interested. Sure, he said the word ‘relationship,' but he also told her he wasn't ready. The man gave mixed signals and…

That thought died in her head as he leaned back to look at her, smiling tenderly. His thumb brushed against her cheek as she stared into his eyes, not moving. She wasn't sure what was louder – the oil drain pump for the shop that just kicked on or her heartbeat.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making me feel better… calmer."

"What's going on?"

"Well, honestly? I've been kinda rushing to find a place to live. I got a short lease on my apartment, and it's up for renewal in two months – but I also need a tax break for Uncle Sam. So, I'm in the process of giving up every account number associated with me since I was sixteen, my blood type, reciting my ABC's in Greek – backward…"

Holly chuckled at the exasperation in his voice as he smiled proudly.

"And I close on the house on Tuesday. So, when I said be patient with me, I meant it. Tuesday night, I'll be moving what little stuff I have in, then finding chairs, a table, and purchasing pots and pans to use on Thursday… uh oh, hug incoming," he muttered, moving forward again as Holly laughed openly, welcoming him this time and hugging him back. "Can I just tell you that you smell amazing over the scent of grease – and you give the best hugs."

"You can absolutely say that," she breathed, feeling a rush of emotion wash through her at the simple gesture shared between them. "It's been a long time since I've been hugged, and I miss them."

"Me too."

"Consider me your huggy-buddy…"

"Only if you'll think of me the same."

"You got it – and I'll handle the cooking. Bring the roaring panic and anxiety down to a small roar and let someone help you."

"Oh gosh," he blurted out, hugging her tightly. "Are you sure? You don't mind? I want it to be perfect and I shouldn't have opened my mouth to the guys or you – but if it's my first Thanksgiving in my first place, it just seemed like a shame to be alone."

"It is a shame, and I'm really glad to help. Plus, we get to spend the day together."

"So, we're still on for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Absolutely."

"I should probably extract myself and ‘un-hug' you, shouldn't I?" he laughed easily, causing her to smile. "Is it too early in the relationship to talk about decorating a Christmas tree together?"

"I should say ‘one event at a time,' but you are on, captain," Holly chuckled, unmoving from his embrace, and closed her eyes in happiness.

"Am I in trouble?"

"No. Why?"

"I prefer ‘Captain Hotness' or ‘Hostess' a little more," he teased, before burying his nose against her hair. "Seriously, what perfume is that because it's giving me little shivers down my spine. Let's get you another bottle or two."

"The guys are going to start gossiping," she whispered nervously, remembering he was on duty and feeling a little self-conscious about her appearance, her scent, or all of this newness between them.

"Let them," he breathed, brushing his lips softly against her temple. The sheer tenderness of the moment, that gesture she felt to her very fingertips, was more than she bargained for – and she would have offered up everything at that moment to have him do it again, only to have him withdraw slowly. "But you are right. I should probably head out."

"What time tomorrow?"

"Five? And we can take my new little mongrel for a walk afterward, if you like. I need help naming him."

"Awww," she crooned, clasping her hands together happily. "I would love to help name your puppy."

"See you tomorrow night then, my pretty pixie."

"What? I've upgraded from ‘creature-feature'?"

"Oh yeah," he said huskily as he backed away, nearly tripping on the coiled air hose on the ground. He laughed sheepishly, gave her a little wave, and then smiled. "See you tomorrow evening for our first date."

"You got it, Captain Hotness."

"Darn straight," he chuckled, winking at her. She watched a moment longer as he climbed into the truck, said something to the other guys, and then again – all of them waved mockingly, but this time all of them were blowing kisses in her direction, and she could hear Cade's happy laughter easily on the breeze.