Jonah nods in greeting and shakes Rowan's hand, relaxing slightly as the tension at the table eases.
Ice broken.
I’m not a particularly charming person—not like Rowan, at least—but after working at a bar for four years, I've learned how to talk to just about anyone. The best way to get someone to like you and leave a bigger tip is to ask them tons of questions. People love to talk about themselves.
So that’s what I do with Emily and Jonah. I ask about their kids, their plans for the holidays, and their favorite hiking spots around town.
“The trail in Whispering Woods is our favorite,” Emily says. “It’s only a thirty-minute drive, and the view of the lake is unforgettable.”
“We’d love to go.” I shoot Rowan, who’s been letting me drive the conversation, a smile. “Darkwater Hollow is a beautiful place. I’m proud to call it home.”
Jonah nods. “That’s good to hear. A lot of young people are leaving these days. I know there are more opportunities in bigger towns, but if everyone leaves, Darkwater Hollow will disappear in a few generations.”
Rowan’s hand is resting on the table, and I place my palm over it. “This is why I’m so proud of Rowan. His business, Handy Heroes, employs four people, and they’re only getting started. I’ve been helping out this past week, and I think it’s the kind of company that can make a big impact in the community.”
When I look at Rowan, he’s staring at me with some unreadable emotion in his eyes.
“I’ve heard about the work your company does,” Jonah says.
“You did an amazing job on my mom’s house,” James says begrudgingly, jumping into the conversation. “She won’t stop mentioning it whenever I call her.”
Sarah shoots daggers at her husband, but Rowan grins. “What’s your mom’s name?”
“Felicia Sutton.”
Rowan barks out a laugh. “She’s a delight. Sharp as hell, too. Did she tell you how she wiped the floor with me during a poker night she threw for me and my guys?”
James chuckles. “No, but that doesn’t surprise me one bit. You should see her when she goes to Vegas.”
Rowan runs his palm over his beard. “That was a great project. The first one we finished after we bought the company, actually.”
Emily glances at Jonah. “We’ve been talking about redoing our living room for ages. Maybe it’s time we pull the trigger? Do you have any availability in the next six months, Rowan?”
Jonah clears his throat. “We’ve got to get a few quotes before we commit to a firm, honey.”
“No commitment necessary for us to give a quote,” Rowan says. “Our prices are competitive.”
I inch my chair closer and wrap my hands around his arm. It’s solid muscle. “Very competitive. You won’t believe how sweet this man is. My house sustained some damage from a recent fire,and he insisted on fixing it for me. He won’t let me pay him a penny.”
“That was a girlfriend special,” Rowan says. “Don’t advertise it to everyone, Sunshine.”
Emily is smitten. “That’s so sweet. We’d love to talk more about this, Rowan. Do you have a card?”
I watch Rowan talk to them, noting how easily he can hold a conversation, and how subtle he is about pitching his company. It doesn’t feel like he’s selling, but by the time the bread rolls come out, he and Jonah are already discussing their budget.
Triumph blooms inside my chest. I think I managed to do it.
Me. The girl this town hates.
The conversation is interrupted by the servers bringing out large dishes of food—family style for the table to share. Rowan throws his arm over the back of my chair and leans in. “I’m in awe of you,” he whispers, his lips close to my ear.
A pleasant shiver zings up my spine. Truth is, I never would have had the courage to put myself out there like that if I didn’t have him sitting beside me.
I turn and open my mouth to respond, but when I see how he’s looking at me, I forget what I wanted to say.
He stares at my mouth as he lifts his hand to my cheek and brushes away a strand of my hair. “Did I tell you how unbelievably beautiful you look tonight?”
I feel his words brush against my lips. We’re so close, we’re breathing the same air.
