“Then what are you saying?”
He tilted his head back and looked at her with that expression that turned her insides into mush. His head dropped forward, his jaw twitched. “Is this to make Fletcher jealous or do you need support?”
“I’d have to care what Bentley thinks and I don’t. I simply don’t want to go alone.”
He hesitated then said, “Then I’m in.” He winked. “I’ll take care of the tux. I might have a few connections too.”
“Pull into the diner, Bear.” She released her seatbelt when he parked.
“Will it be hard for you to face Fletcher, and co-workers, after getting sacked?”
“Oddly, I don’t think so. I just want to go to the gala and prove that I’m okay.”
His smile beamed. “I love your spirit.”
“If you’ve never been to one of those benefactor events you have no clue how boring they are, only made worse when attending alone. So, I’m grateful for the company.”
“Glad I can be of service. Don’t forget your kitten.” He swiped up the furball that had snuggled up on his lap during the drive.
With her cat in hand, she slipped out of the truck. “Then it’s a date.” Realizing what she said, her body flushed. “I didn’t mean a date. I only meant…” Her voice trailed because she had no clue what she meant. “See you later.” She closed the door on any attempt at responding. She started up the sidewalk, not even daring to look back to see if he was watching. A huge part of her hoped he was because otherwise the added sway she put in her hips would have been a complete waste of time.
She heard someone say “Hey, Bear”. She turned and watched Echo walk over to Bear’s truck and lean in his elbows on the open window.
Aasia focused on getting inside the diner before Echo saw her. Something told her he already had but she didn’t want to look back. Before the day was out every ranch hand at Creed’s Creek would know she’d slept in Bear’s bed.
Chapter Ten
Aasia skimmed the tables at the diner and found Tansy. “I’m needing a good cup of coffee like a cowboy needs sunrise and bad decisions.” Aasia dropped down into the bench seat. “What?” she asked when Tansy’s brows lifted high over her curious stare.
“Rough night?” Tansy’s attention settled on the oversized shirt. “What the hell are you wearing? And holding.” She narrowed her eyes on the kitten.
“A kitten I rescued. I had too much to drink last night.” Aasia waved at the server. “Patty, can I get a cup of coffee?”
The platinum blonde stepped over with the full carafe, turned over the cups in the saucers and poured them rim-full. When she spotted the kitten, she pursed her lips. “This isn’t Colorado, honey. We don’t allow pets in restaurants. Even one as shitty as this place.”
“Sorry. I’m in a bit of a bind. I’ll make it worthwhile with a huge tip,” Aasia said with a wag of her brows.
Patty shot a glance over her shoulder then turned back to lean a few inches closer. “Fine, but don’t let Frankie see that thing. Since that time he saved Ethel Peterson’s cat from a tree and she bit him, he hasn’t liked cats.”
“The cat bit him?”
“No, Ethel did. Apparently, he was handling the furball too roughly and it pissed Ethel off.” Patty sniffed loudly. “You two ordering food?”
“I’ll take the farmer’s delight,” Aasia said.
“Bacon or sausage? Or both?”
“Bacon.” Aasia was so hungry she could eat a horse.
“Want the same, Tansy?” Patty asked.
“I’ll skip the heart attack on a cheap plate and take the cherry cheese danish,” Tansy said smartly.
“Coming right up, ladies.” Patty left the table.
Aasia said to Tansy, “Hold on. I forgot to do something.” She grabbed her phone and blocked Bentley from her phone and social media. She was serious this time. She discarded her phone back into her purse. “Okay. Now where were we?”
“Your car’s not in the parking lot. How’d you get here?” Tansy twirled a piece of her hair around her knuckle.
