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“You don’t have to pay for a haircut to get me to touch you.”
The smoldering heat in his eyes blazed as his gaze held hers for several racing heartbeats. She loved the rush of heat, searing its way through her system and straight to her belly. She squirmed under his intense stare. He looked away first, taking a bite of his meal and chewing thoroughly.
She held back a laugh, enjoying the flirting immensely.
“Mrs. Little came in today.” She took a bite of her salad and grinned.
Caleb took the bait and asked, “What color streaks did she get today?”
“Cotton candy pink to match her pedicure. I have to say, it’s my favorite color on her. Makes her striking white hair stand out.”
“How old is she again?”
“Eighty-three. I hope I’m as adventurous and daring at that age.”
“You will be. You love life.”
“I don’t see any reason to wallow, when having fun is so much more enjoyable.”
“That’s one of the things I love most about you.”
Love?
He didn’t mean it. It’s an expression. Still, her heart skipped a beat and thrashed in her chest, hope welling up inside her until she had to swallow it back.
“Which coat did she wear today? The blue one with the purple feathers?”
Summer focused on him again and tried not to think about love and happy endings. “With pink hair streaks? Not a chance. She wore the white.”
“With the white fur trim?”
“I like that one.”
“Me, too.”
They shared another smile. He poured her more wine and she took a deep sip, letting the warmth settle through her system. The evening wore on as they sat together at the table sharing conversation about the people they knew, their work, movies, and family. When he spoke of his brothers, his face lit up with happy memories of them together on their family’s ranch.
“You miss them.”
“I miss the way things used to be. We’ve all grown and gone our separate ways.”
“But they all live in your hometown.”
“My two older brothers are back in town. Dane, the youngest, is riding the rodeo circuit. Last I heard, he’s in Texas.”
“Well, you’ll see them soon.” If she had her way, he’d see them for their wedding.
“I told you last night, I’m staying here.”
“I’m glad you are, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a visit.”
“Are you coming with me?”
“Are you asking me to?”
“I just did. My mother would love to meet you.”
Meeting his parents made her nervous, but she squashed the butterflies, wanting more than anything to belong to Caleb and his family.
