“You like gardening then.”
“I hate gardening.” She opened the box of mints and offered him one. He shook his head. “But I like having a neat, colorful landscape and I can’t afford to hire help.” That last part slipped out, and she instantly wanted to take it back. “I mean, I could, but I prefer to save the money.”
“You’re not...” He didn’t finish, but looked at her, concerned.
“In financial trouble? No. I make a good salary, and Britt pays rent and all her bills. When Daniel and I bought the house, we got a good deal. I’m fine.” She grinned. “I’m just cheap.”
“Nothing wrong with that. I’ve been known to pinch a penny or two.”
“Let me guess, you got your Mercedes on sale.”
He chuckled. “No, I paid full price. Of course, the dealership makes it seem like you get a deal, but we all know how that works. I don’t even really like it that much. I’d rather drive something more practical.”
She side-eyed him, wondering if he was trying to downplay his wealth to make her feel better. “Then why don’t you?”
“I’ve got an ’83 Corolla in my garage. Still runs and has over three hundred thousand miles on it. I keep it to remind me of when I was working three jobs while going to college.” He crossed his ankle over his knee. “It also needs a paint job and the inside smells like an ’83 Corolla. If I ever drove it to work or the courthouse or pretty much anywhere else... let’s just say people would be wondering why their lawyer and/or colleague couldn’t afford a better car.”
“Ah. Got it.” His explanation made sense, but she still wasn’t sure he was being honest about not liking the car. Not that he was lying to her, but it’s just that she couldn’t imagine not enjoying a luxury car if she could afford one.
“But if you ever want to take a spin in an old clunker, let me know.” He grinned. “Or a highfalutin Mercedes.”
She laughed. “Let me see, which one should I pick?”
His smile diminished a little. “I’m serious, Amy. Just say the word, and I’ll pick you up.”
The theater darkened and the previews started. But she was still looking at him... and still smiling. “I just might take you up on it.”
Chapter 14
“I hope that wasn’t too torturous for you.”
Britt glanced at Hunter, who was stretched out on the passenger seat of her car as they drove back to K&Bs. Her instant reaction was to think he was being sarcastic, but his expression showed he was serious. They were driving back from Yo Jo’s, having spent almost two hours there. She had to admit the first thirty minutes were extremely uncomfortable. “I wouldn’t call it torturous,” she said. Then she sighed. “It wasn’t easy, though.”
“I know. But you handled it like a champ.”
She rolled her eyes. They’d been drinking coffee, not running a marathon. Although from the sick feeling in her stomach and the sweat running down her back as they approached the café, a marathon might have been easier. She should have known the place was busy from all the cars in the parking lot, and when they walked inside, there were no places to sit. Turned out Yo Jo’s Monday special was two for one espressos, and according to the barista, it was always packed.
Hunter had leaned in close and whispered, “We don’t have to stay.”
She’d almost fled at that moment. Then she looked up at him, saw the encouragement in his eyes, and stayed put. By the time they got their order, a two-seater table had opened up, and they sat down. Conversations hummed around them, and she was so aware of being surrounded by people she couldn’t even talk. Theysipped their drinks until the crowd filtered out, and only then did she regroup and relax enough to have a conversation with him.
She looked at him again, surprised to see his eyes were closed as he lay back against the seat. She jerked her gaze away and focused on the road. She could stare at him all day, and at the café, she did, because he kept telling her to keep her eyes on him instead of the crowd. The easiest request she’d ever received.
Even though she was consumed with her own anxiety, she still noticed that Hunter had attracted plenty of female attention. The barista even outwardly flirted with him, which made her feel invisible. It didn’t matter that they weren’t on a date. They could have been, and the woman’s behavior was out of line.
Britt sighed again. Who was she kidding? That barista knew she and Hunter weren’t a couple. Everyone in the café knew. A man as fine as him wouldn’t be with a timid mouse like her. That only happened in movies and romance novels.
“Hey.” His eyes were partially open, giving him a sexy, half-sleepy look. “That was a big sigh. Everything okay?”
Oops. She hadn’t meant for him to hear it. “Yes. Just tired.” Which was true. Coming down from prolonged anxiety could be exhausting.
“I think I dozed off a little.”
“I haven’t exactly been stimulating company.”
Hunter didn’t respond for a moment. Then he said, “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
