"Sorry you had to be on delivery on short notice like that brother," Robert said as he entered the loading area.
"It wasn't a problem. It was just a couple of counties over, and I don't mind pitching in when delivery orders are high," John replied as he finished up the delivery paperwork on his clipboard.
"Well thanks anyways. I appreciate it. So, any plans for tomorrow? Cora and I were thinking of having a few people come to the house if you'd like to come over."
"I do have plans for tomorrow actually."
Robert raised one eyebrow, "Oh really."
"Yes, really," John replied a little irritably.
"These plans wouldn't happen to be with the female persuasion would it?" Robert asked pointedly.
"If you really must know it does. I'm taking Anna out tomorrow night," he said proudly.
"Hmm. Anna. As in the Anna who had the flat tire Anna."
"Yes that Anna," John said as he brought the clipboard under his arm.
"You'll have to introduce us sometime since I am your best friend and all," Robert said in all seriousness.
"Don't worry Rob. Just because I'm seeing Anna doesn't mean I won't make time for you," John said as he patted Robert's shoulder.
"Good to know. Anyways have a good time. I've got a contract meeting to get to." And with that, Robert left the loading area.
John made his way out to the orchard to check on the crew picking for their latest orders. The orchard was massive and could be quite a walk to some of the sections. The crew was working on watermelons. Strawberries would soon be ready and John made a mental note to bring something up with Anna later. It didn't take him long to get to the area they were working in and he heard, "Hey boss man! Already back?"
"Yes, Tom." He didn't even have to look to know who called him that.
"Good run?" Tom asked.
"It wasn't bad. Just a few stops a couple counties over."
"Thanks for chipping in John. We've been swamped with these," Joe said, pointing to rows of watermelons.
Joseph Molesley had been with Grantham Farms ever since it opened. He was part of the management team, but John was still considered his supervisor. He was about the same age and a little awkward, but he had a great work ethic. Joe was married to a lady named Phyllis. He considered them both nice people.
"No problem Joe. Are most of these ready to go?"
"It looks like over half are almost ripe so we're picking those and by the time they get where they're going they'll be ripe. I think it was twenty crates that needed to be loaded up before we leave today," Joe said as he wiped his hands on a rag.
"It looks like William is supposed to get them delivered tomorrow," John said as he looked at the delivery schedule.
"Yeah it's William, and he already knows where he's headed," Joe replied.
"Thanks Joe. You guys holler for me over the radio if you need me. I'll be in the dairy." With that, John made his way to the other side of Grantham Farms.
"Yes, Mr. Brogan. I sent over all the reports for last month." Anna had the work phone in one hand and typing with the other.
"They should all be in your email... Maybe check the junk mail?"
"Great Mr. Brogan. Thank you, you as well"
As Anna hung up the phone Gwen came through the door.
"You busy?" Gwen asked.
"I could use a distraction for a bit what's up?" Anna replied as she leaned back in her chair.
"You told me you had plans with John tomorrow," Gwen said like Anna should know exactly what she was talking about.
"Yeaahhhhh?" Anna gave her an unsure look.
"You never gave me any details. Are you two a thing now?" Gwen asked with a Cheshire Cat grin.
"Well in answer to your first statement he's taking me to dinner and a movie, and the second thing..." Anna held it out on propose to make Gwen wait.
Gwen stood staring in anticipation, "Wellllllll?"
"He asked if he could court me," Anna said, bursting with happiness.
"Oh my God! I wish I could meet a guy nice enough to ask to court me."
"What about Gary?"
"It didn't work out. He couldn't keep up with me."
They both giggled at her answer.
"Anyways, I'm so happy for you Anna. He's a southern gentleman if I ever saw one."
"He is really great. I can't wait for tomorrow, and speaking of plans we need a girls night soon," Anna declared.
"We most definitely do! Let's try to plan something soon. Maybe go dancing again."
"Sounds great Gwen."
"Alright, I'll let you get back to work." She made her way back out of Anna's office.
Saturday arrived and Anna was more than excited. Had she ever been this excited about a date before and not only the date had she ever been this excited to spend time with any other person? She knew they had only been dating technically for four days, but her feelings for him came well before that. She was standing in her bedroom daydreaming about his handsome features when she realized what time it was. She finished getting dressed and for a finishing touch sprayed on some lilac scented body spray. She went back down the hall and into the living room to make sure she had everything she needed when the doorbell rang. She instantly blushed at the thought of him being behind the door. She took a deep breath and walked over to answer it. When she opened it, John was standing there with a single white Gerber Daisy and the half smile she loved seeing on his face. He looked gorgeous in his black button down shirt tucked into a pair of black pants with a black belt. He was also sporting black boots and a felt black cowboy hat. Anna's mouth about hit the floor when she realized he resembled Johnny Cash, wearing all black. Anna felt a stirring in the pit of her stomach at the site.
John broke her from her staring. "Evenin' Miss Smith," he said as he tipped his hat.
Oh my God, I'm going to pass out right here!
All she could get out was, "Hi."
"Are you ready to go?"
She nodded her reply.
"This is for you." He handed her the Gerber Daisy.
"Thank you. I love daises." She smelled the flower and smiled.
She turned for just a second and grabbed her purse. She locked the door and they walked to his truck. He came around the passengers side and opened the door. He offered his hand to help her up into the truck. Once settled, he closed the door and made his way around and inside the cab. Anna placed her flower in her lap as he started up the engine. She had ridden in his truck once before but that was before they were together. Now his truck seemed way sexier.
As he pulled onto the road Anna spoke,"So you never told me where we're going."
"I thought we'd go the next county over and eat at this nice Mexican place over there. I hope you like Mexican food." He glanced over to her.
"Oh I do. I never got to eat it a lot in the past. So, I enjoy it."
"Great. They have the best fajitas in all of Texas," he said convincingly.
Anna chuckled. "I may just have to try them then."
They rode in silence for a bit and John took that time to look at her out of the corner of his eye. Her hair was half up half down and lightly curled on the ends. She had on a coral pink halter top dress that came right above her knees. John's pulse rate quickened when he looked down to see she had on a pair of white high heels. He had yet to see her in a pair. They made her legs look like they go on for miles. He gripped the stirring wheel a little tighter to gain some control as Anna reached over to turn on the radio.
"You'll be my soft and sweet, I'll be your strong and steady."
"Ohhh Blake Shelton." Anna cooed
John turned to her and asked teasingly, "Have a thing for older guys?"
She looked at him pointedly, "Mr. Bates age is but a number."
"How could I not agree with a wise lady such as yourself?"
"I'm not a lady and I don't pretend to be Mr. Bates."
"You are a lady to me, and I never knew a finer one." He glanced over sincerely.
They continued to their destination with Anna singing to whatever song came on the radio.
Dinner went incredibly well. They both ordered the fajitas. John got steak and Anna got chicken but they ended up sharing so they could try both. The conversation flowed easily as it usually did between them. They didn't stay to order dessert because they had a movie to get to, so John paid the bill and they loaded back up into the truck. A few minutes later, he pulled down a road and a small kiosk came into view. He rolled down his window, paid the lady, and continued on past the kiosk. Anna's eyes widened as she noticed a huge movie screen out in the middle of a field. She turned to look at John and said enthusiastically, "When you said we were going to a movie. I never would have thought a drive-in!"
"Have you never been?"
"No I haven't!" Anna beamed as she took in her surroundings.
John smiled as he watched her. She was so excited to be here and it made him happy that he could put a smile like that on her face. She deserved so much more than a date to the drive-in but you couldn't tell it from her reaction. She was practically on the edge of her seat with excitement.
John parked the truck towards the left side of the screen when he asked, "Want to go visit the concession stand?"
"Yes!" She placed her flower on the dash and hopped out of the truck.
John chuckled and got out of the truck himself. Coming around, Anna took his hand in hers and they made their way to the stand. He decided on some popcorn and a coke and she laid down her items on the counter as well. He smiled at the items she picked. "Skittles and M&Ms... Someone has a sweet tooth," he said with a smirk.
"Now don't be jealous I'm more than willing to share, and you can never have too many sweets," she said with a wink.
They made their purchase, got back into the truck, and put the speakers up on the sides of the half way rolled down windows. All the outside lights went out and "His Girl Friday" came up on the screen.
"It's classic movie night. Have you seen this before?" He asked while he grabbed some popcorn.
"I haven't but I have seen other movies Cary Grant was in. He is brilliant," she said as she opened the skittles.
"This is one of his best in my opinion. I think you'll like it."
The movie had been playing for a while as they shared her sweets. She slid herself over so she was sitting next to him and he put his arm around her shoulder. They were trying to focus on the film but the realization of how close they were to one another was slowly taking over. She gently placed her left hand on his thigh and he lowered his arm down to her waist. She ever so softly started drawing lazy circles on his leg but to John it felt like his skin was on fire from her touch.
John leaned his head down a little to look at her. Anna was still watching the film but she was well aware of his staring. She allowed him a little longer to gaze at her then she turned to look at him as well. His face was half lit up half shadowed from the movie screen and his eyes shone darker in the moonlight. John looked deep into her eyes, seeking permission. She bit at her lower lip and that was all the permission he needed. He took the hand that wasn't behind her back and gently raised her chin with his index finger. He placed his lips on hers and it immediately took his breath.
Each time he kissed her it felt like the first time. Anna whimpered a little when he began placing kiss after kiss on her lips. She brought her hand up to the back of his neck and played with the hair at the base of it. She parted her mouth slightly and John took this as the signal to deepen the kiss. She reached her other hand up, took his hat from his head, and tossed it on the seat behind her. She ran her hand through his already messy hair and she thought she heard him groan as she did so. They broke away only for air and Anna pulled herself onto John's lap with her legs lying across the seat. He firmly placed his hands on her hips as he gave her a deep languid kiss. She ran her hands up his chest to his shoulders and back down again.
She knew no one had ever kissed her like this before. No one made her feel as she was feeling right now. He made her tingle all over with an unquenchable desire. John broke the kiss and began placing hot open mouthed kisses along her neck. His breath was hot against her ear as he whispered," You are so beautiful Anna. There has never been anyone more beautiful than you." She crashed her lips back against his in a blistering kiss as he ran his hand down to her thigh. He gently moved his hand up and down the length of her thigh as she pressed kisses along his chin and jawline. John knew they would have to stop. He didn't want to go any further yet especially in a public place so he started to slow them down. They shared a few more soft gentle kisses and shifted Anna back to her seat next to him.
She curled up close to him, handed him his hat back and whispered, "If this is what it's like to come to the drive-in, I think I'd like to come more often." He laughed and gave a smile that made his eyes crinkle. "I'll keep that in mind Miss Smith."
When the movie had finished, John drove Anna back to her place. While they sat in her driveway, he remembered what he wanted to mention to her.
"So, I wanted to bring something up to see if maybe you'd be interested in going."
"Well now I'm intrigued. What may that be?" She asked curiously.
"Every year in Lockhart on the last Saturday in May there is a strawberry festival, and I was wondering if you'd like to be my date."
"The last Saturday in May? What day is that?" She asked, looking like she was trying to figure something out.
"I believe it's the 28th but we don't have to go if you don't want," He said, trying to back track.
"No no, I'd love to go. I've never been to one and the 28th is my birthday so it'll make it extra fun," she replied with a smile.
"Anna I didn't know that if you'd rather do something else I understand. I'm sure Gwen will want to do something with you too."
"I am most certain that I want to go and I can do something with Gwen the next day," she said cheerfully.
"Well, only if you're sure," he said hesitantly.
"I am."
"Okay then we'll plan on going. I should probably get back to check on momma and make sure she got into bed alright. Let me walk you to your door."
At the doorstep Anna spoke first, "Thank you for tonight. I absolutely loved it."
"Thank you for joining me and for sharing your sweets."
She laughed. "I don't share sweets with just anyone you know."
"Then I am flattered to be one of the few," he said as he placed his hands on her waist. He gave her a long goodnight kiss then released his hold on her.
"Goodnight Mr. Bates," she said just above a whisper.
"Goodnight Miss Smith."
"Please text me when you get home else I'll worry," she said seriously.
"I will," he said as he slowly backed away and got into his truck. Anna closed her door when he was no longer in sight. She leaned against the door for a minute and sighed happily. She went into the kitchen and placed her daisy into a small vase after filling it with water. Making her way down the hall to her room, she put her purse on the dresser, the vase on her nightstand, and threw her phone on the bed. She went into the bathroom to change into her pajamas, and was brushing her teeth when her message tone went off. Toothbrush still in mouth, she went to grab her phone.
Made it home safely. Everything is fine. Sleep well Anna.
She immediately replied.
Sweet dreams John.
She laid her phone on her nightstand and finished preparing for bed. She threw back the covers, crawled into bed, and covered herself. She laid there a few moments staring at the daisy while smiling, and couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun. She turned off the lamp, and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Next time Anna will make a surprise visit, and make a few new friends too.
Thank you for staying along :)
Song Lyrics By: Blake Shelton- Honey Bee.
