“Okay to what, exactly?”
“Dinner. Just don’t make me regret this, got it?”
“I won’t!” Gale nods enthusiastically. “I like seeing you smile too much.”
His sincerity catches me off guard, and I feel something warm unfurling in my chest. “Fine,” I say, trying to sound put-upon but failing miserably. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
He practically bounds to his truck, opening the passenger door with a flourish. “Your chariot awaits, m’lady,” he says with an exaggerated bow. “How’s that for Regency talk?”
“Well actually, ‘my lady,’ which is what you’re shortening, was used during the Middle Ages or Renaissance. Well before the Regency period that E.M.M.A.’s British audio is coded to.” My skin prickles with awareness when he takes my hand and gives me a boost up. His palm is warm and calloused, engulfing mine completely. I can feel the strength in his grip, controlled yet powerful.
“How about: Fair maiden, might I offer you a ride?” His other hand finds my waist, just barely applying enough pressure to steady me. Even through my sweater, his touch burns. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world fades away. Then, it’s over. I’m seated in the truck, and Gale’s stepping back, his hands leaving my body.
The loss of contact is almost painful.
“Now you sound like a Renaissance Faire worker,” I manage to say, hoping my voice doesn’t betray how affected I am.
“Is that a good thing?” His voice is rougher than before. “I could break out some Shakespeare.”
I shake my head. “You’re impossible.”
“You mean impossibly charming?” he quips, his eyes twinkling.
“Jury’s out on that one,” I retort, but there’s no bite to my words. Something about his earnestness is melting my defenses faster than I’d like to admit. I pause, then add with a hint of playful authority, trying to regain some control over this situation—andmyself—“And don’t get too cocky. I’m the one calling the shots.”
Gale’s eyebrows shoot up, but I catch the way his throat moves, the slight flush creeping up his neck. “Yes, ma’am,” he says, voice gravel rough around the edges. The air between us shifts and suddenly I’m hyperaware of every inch of space between us. The same space I’ve always maintained, my carefully constructed safety zone that’s kept me from doing anything stupid.
As he walks around to the driver’s side, I press my hands against my thighs to steady them. What exactly am I doing here, getting into his car? We’ve never done this before. There’s no middle ground—it’s either very smart or very stupid and I’m starting to suspect tonight will make that crystal clear.
Only a half hour ago, I thought tonight was going to suck. But here I am, letting my guard down around Gale Knight. Something has shifted—not just in him, but in me. I’ve spent so long proving myself, always feeling like I needed to be twice as good as everyone else just to be considered half as competent. But now? The way he’s looking at me, like I’m the one with all the power, like what I think actually matters... it’s different. Unsettling. Good.
I already figured out that I’m going to give him that second chance. But he doesn’t need to know that yet. Let him work for it a little. After all, the best things in life aren’t handed out freely—they’re earned.
“Ready?” he asks softly, his hand hovering over the gearshift.
I straighten in my seat, letting a small smile play at the corners of my mouth. “Ready.” My voice carries just a hint of command, and I notice how his shoulders tense slightly in response. “But remember, Gale—you’ve got some making up to do.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he says again, and this time there’s no mistaking the eagerness in his tone.
Hmm. Interesting.
As we pull into Mama Rosa’s, the dark windows and empty parking lot tell me everything. Gale parks and I follow him to the front door, where he’s reading the notice taped there.
CLOSED TONIGHT!
Your favorite diner needs a little romance too.♥After all these years of watching young lovers share milkshakes and first dates turn into forever, well... I found my own happy ending. Don’t waste time like I did. Life’s funny that way—sometimes happiness is right there all along, just waiting for you to look up from your pancakes and notice. Back tomorrow with fresh coffee and warm smiles! xoxo, Rosie
I take an unconscious step back, suddenly hyperaware of Gale’s presence beside me. “Oh. Well, that’s good for her, I guess.”
“Yeah.” He clears his throat, hands disappearing into his pockets. The silence stretches between us, heavy with things unsaid. Those little hearts Rosie drew around the borders might as well be flashing neon signs.
“So now what...” Gale shifts his weight, a hint of nervous energy breaking through his usual confidence. “This is—”
“Only awkward if we make it awkward,” I cut in, then cringe at my own defensiveness. “I mean, it’s just dinner, right?”
“Exactly.” His relief is palpable. “Just two old friends needing food. And hold up...” He glances at me, something careful in his expression. “I have a good kitchen. And actual ingredients.”
A good kitchen? At his house? I should say no. My brain is practically screaming at me to call it a night. But my stomach betrays me with perfect timing, letting out an embarrassingly loud growl.
