“But—”
He pressed a finger to her mouth, then didn’t want to stop touching her. “Yes, it’s stillourplans. And so you know, Tanner and I discussed it. He met Mike, and he’s all set to insist you stay with him and Callie.”
“I wouldnever!”
“Told him that. But if you disagree, he’s sure Addie will come calling on you, because she won’t want you alone right now, either.”
Issuing a growl of frustration, she turned away, then turned right back. “Callie told me I was in a small town now, and things were done differently.”
“She’s not wrong.”Bless you, Callie.“So what do you say? Want to grab a late lunch with me and we can strategize?”
Something softened in her expression. “Strategize, huh?”
“Over food. I’m starving.”
“All right, but only if it’s my treat.” This time, she smashed her finger to his mouth. “You took care of my tires. It’s the least I can do.”
In reply, he licked her finger, causing her to jerk back. Eyes wide with disbelief, she cradled her hand to her heart.“Kam.”Scandalized, she darted her gaze around. “Behave.”
One quick look and Kam saw Addie, Callie, and Liam making no pretense of watching on. Shit. He wanted—needed—Glory to accept him. He hadn’t felt this damned desperate since he’d been a kid, uprooted from hell and dropped into heaven with no idea how to adjust, afraid to accept, and more afraid not to.
“Lunch,” he said, ordering himself to ignore the wash of pink color in her cheeks. “Time for us to head out.” Time for him to get it together.
Past time for him to decide what he wanted, and how he was going to work it out.
“I can’t believe I didn’t know this place was here.” The small diner seemed to be run by two older men, one in the kitchen cooking and the other on the floor ensuring the customers were pleased. They were both balding, both big around the bellies, and both good-humored in a coarse but jovial way.
When Kam had walked in with her, the man on the floor had called out to him, saying, “Steppin’ up your game, boy? I approve.”
Kam had muttered, “Ignore him,” then said louder to the man, “Don’t heckle her, Ted.”
Ignoring him was easier said than done when Ted came toseat them personally, then hung around to ask Glory her name and if she’d be in town long.
Of course, she’d clarified that she lived in the area now and apologized for not knowing about the restaurant sooner.
“New blood. Just what this town needs. You’ll certainly pretty up the place.” He’d clapped Kam on the shoulder. “Not that our boy doesn’t always have a looker hanging on.”
She saw it in Kam’s set face, how he expected her to be insulted. Instead, she laughed. “Please note that I’mnothanging on. Just having lunch, that’s all.”
“Give him time, give him time. Ain’t that right, Kam?”
“Stow it, Ted, before you embarrass her.”
“Huh. She’s not the one looking embarrassed.”
Kam gave an eye roll and then did introductions, explaining that she was Callie’s cousin. Plenty of heads had turned. It seemed everyone knew Callie, but then, it was big news that Tanner had married.
Now, with their meals almost gone, she realized Kam was watching her eat. “What?”
He sat back in his seat, smiling at how she finished off her loaded cheeseburger. “It’s good, right?”
“Delicious.” She hadn’t indulged in this type of food in forever.
A sensual smile curved his mouth. “Told you you’d like it.”
“Liking it isn’t my problem.” She liked it a little too much.
“Then thank you for indulging me by splurging a little.”
