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He washed his hands and dried them before coming to pick up his mug of coffee. He didn’t sit beside her, but stood on the other side of the countertop, keeping the barrier between them.
Bella waited to see what he was going to say, but he focused on his coffee. Maybe he was waiting for her to speak first, but what the heck was she supposed to say? Sorry? Thank you? Nothing seemed right.
After chugging his coffee with some speed, Billy went into the back of the kitchen, and returned with a pile of paper that he set on the countertop beside Bella.
“Here’s a list of everything we tasted, and an approximate cost estimate depending on the quantities. When you get time, look through it, and get it back to me, okay?”
Bella nodded, took the printouts, and stuffed them in her purse. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Would you like more coffee, or shall I see you home?”
* * *
Bella sat beside Billy in his truck as he navigated the ice-covered roads into Morgantown. He talked about the ranch, his kids, and the upcoming wedding celebration in an easy, conversational way that helped ease Bella’s excruciating nerves.
When they reached the parking lot behind the bar, he pulled up and cut off the engine.
Bella rushed to open her door. “It’s okay. You don’t have to get out. I’m fine from here.”
“Jay would kill me if I didn’t see you right to your door.” Billy was already stepping down from his side of the truck. He walked beside Bella to the kitchen door and waited as she fumbled in her purse for her keys. The bar was still open, and the cheerful hum of the jukebox and conversation floated out from the open windows.
Bella found her keys, unlocked the door, and made herself look up into Billy’s face.
“I’m sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” He smiled. “Let me know about the menu, okay?”
She touched his arm. “I didn’t know I was going to feel like that—I . . .”
“Hey, it’s all right.” He held her gaze, his blue eyes steady, his tone soothing. “As long as you’re okay, we’re good.”
“You’re not mad that you didn’t get any?” she blurted out, and then winced.
“I’ll survive.” This time his smile was crooked and way more genuine. “’Night, Bella. Thanks for coming up to the ranch.”
He tipped his hat to her, turned, and walked away, leaving her standing there feeling somewhere between foolish and very, very blessed.
Chapter Five
“Everything okay, Mom?” Jay’s head came around the door of her office.
“Oh, hi! You scared me!”
Bella scrambled to hide the tab open on her laptop that held details of the wedding party. She’d received confirmation from Erin’s family that they would attend, had sorted out accommodation at Hayes Hotel, and just needed to go over the final catering arrangements with Billy.
For some reason she was dragging her heels on that last matter....
“You look kind of guilty to me,” Jay joked. “Are you buying shoes again?”
She laughed. “You know me so well.”
He leaned against the doorframe and continued to regard her. “How’s Sonali working out for you?”
Bella swiveled her chair around to face him. “She’s amazing.”
“Good.” He nodded. “I’m just off to the suppliers. Do you have a list for the kitchen?”
“Yup.” She found it on her desk and handed it over to him. “Same old stuff.”
“I haven’t heard anyone complaining.” Jay obviously wasn’t finished. “Are you okay yourself?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bella asked.
“You seem a bit down.”
“I’ve just been busy. Even though Sonali’s a quick learner, I’ve still had to go through everything with her.”
“You sure that’s it?” Jay persisted.
Bella fixed him with her best Mom stare. “If you have something to say, Jay Ronald Williams, why don’t you just spit it out?”
He came in and sat down on the only other chair. “I saw you with Billy Morgan at church last Sunday.”
Bella raised her chin. “Doing what?”
