Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1168

“Mom?”

The second the call connected, her mother’s voice rang out sharp and annoyed. “Joyce, what is going on with you? The woman who set up the date said you barely finished your meal before leaving!”

“Mom!”

Joyce pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to lose it. “He basically told me I’d have to quit my job if we got married. I mean, why waste either of our time?”

There was a beat of silence as her mom’s indignation fizzled out.

“Mom, please, stop setting me up with these guys. Who in this day and age wants a wife who stays home and bakes pies all day?”

She ended the call, still fuming.

Galen glanced at her from the driver’s seat, fighting back a grin. So, does this mean she’s done with blind dates for good?

He pulled up outside the Cooper house, parked, and handed her the keys.

Joyce reached out for them. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah…” Galen nodded, hesitating for a second. As she took the keys, he let his hand linger, gently closing his fingers around hers.

“Joyce, unless you object, I’m going to start… well, trying to win you over.”

Joyce froze, her hand tingling where he touched her, her whole body sparking with nerves.

“I…”

She wanted to say something—shouldn’t she turn him down? But the words wouldn’t come.

Galen chuckled awkwardly and let go of her hand. “Got it. I’ll take that as a maybe. Go on inside.”

“Oh.”

Flustered, Joyce clutched the car keys and hurried toward the door.

Her head was spinning. He said he understood—understood what, exactly? She wasn’t even sure what she meant herself.

…

Later that night.