ould work all weekend, and I would love it. Work was safe and fun. I was in charge, and I was good at it.
But instead, I turned into the underground parking lot located beneath my neighborhood. I trudged up the stairs to my street with its beautiful cobblestone path and pretty brownstones. My neighbors had their pumpkins and their mums out.
I smiled to myself—I loved where I lived. My house had cost a fortune, and I’d paid for every cent of it myself, which was important to me.
I saw Mrs. Lindenmeyer walking her Yorkshire terrier, Bibi, and we waved to each other. Then the UPS truck stopped at the end of the street. The deliveryman climbed down the stairs, a huge package clamped in between his muscular arms. I fanned myself. Lucky package…
Oh crap! He was heading my way. That big box was probably my bridesmaid’s dress. Sienna had insisted we all fly to New York to go to some crazy wedding boutique where the cheapest dress was nine hundred dollars. Mine had cost over three thousand—I’d almost choked when I’d gone to pay for it. My mother had insisted on buying everyone’s gowns, but I wouldn’t let her pay for mine. I liked taking care of myself. I enjoyed being able to pay for a three-thousand-dollar dress, even if I thought the price was borderline immoral.
The UPS guy stopped to chat with Mrs. Lindenmeyer, and I stared at his legs. I couldn’t help it! He wore those brown shorts through October, and I understood why. The dude clearly worked out. His boots accentuated his still-tan, muscular calves.
I fanned myself again. I ordered a ton of shit from Amazon, and it wasn’t just because I was at work all the time. Bob, the UPS guy, was super hot. He was also unfailingly kind. He always had a smile for everyone, including old Mrs. Lindenmeyer and Bibi, whose hair was oily to the touch and who had perpetual eye boogers.
Bob started heading my way. I leaned back against the wall, tracing the veins in his bulging forearms with my eyes.
“Hey there.” He stopped in front of my door and smiled. He had thick dark hair, brown eyes, and God bless him, a deep dimple in his left cheek.
I grinned at him. “Hey.”
He kept smiling, but he tilted his head. “I think this is for you.”
I ogled his handsome face. “Huh?”
He started to look a little concerned. “The package. This package.”
“Yep, that’s for me, all right!” I gave him what was most likely a very crazy-ass smile. “It’s my bridesmaid’s dress!”
“Ah, you’re a bridesmaid? Sounds like fun.” His easy smile was back. He gently put the package down. “It’s sort of heavy for a dress. Do you want me to put it inside for you?”
“Yeah! Sure! Thanks!” Why couldn’t I stop exclaiming at him? I didn’t know, but my hand shook a little when I turned the key.
He waited for me to turn on the light in my entryway, then he carefully put the box inside. “Here you go. Have fun at your wedding.”
“Um, it’s my sister’s wedding, actually.”
The dimple was back. “Nice. Have a great time.” He gave me a friendly wave as he retreated.
“Um, can you help me? You can help me!”
Bob, the hot UPS guy, stopped and blinked. “Okay?”
“I need a date.” The words were out of my mouth before I could think it through. “I need a date for my sister’s wedding.”
“Okay.” His tone was gentle, as if he were talking to a dog who’d gotten off his leash and was about to bolt. Or bite. “How can I help?”
“Are you married?”
He looked confused. “No.”
“Are you single?”
His brow furrowed. “Yes.”
“Will you come to Nantucket with me this weekend? Like, tomorrow? My sister’s getting married this weekend.”
He blinked at me again. “I’m sorry?”
“Don’t be sorry.” I reached for his hand and patted it. “Be my date. I’m totally freaking begging you.”