Page 11 of Hats off to Love

“Who do I know who is available and would want to date me right now? I’m the most unavailable person until the Derby is over.”

Her eyes lock with mine and sparkle.

Uh-oh.

“Stokes.”

“You said someone and just suggested your brother, who is not a someone. He is the spawn of the devil who’s been sent to earth to ruin me.”

“You are so dramatic. He’s not that bad, and he already asked you out.”

“I guess you’ve somehow forgotten that last Christmas he bought me a bag of tools for the shop and a how-to book for dummies.”

“Those tools were really nice.”

“Maybe, but I’m not a dummy. I know how to use tools. He just thinks I’m incompetent at life and constantly shoves that in my face.”

“I disagree. I happen to love my brother and you too. Seems like the perfect setup to me. Besides, if not him then who?”

“If my options are him and, say, anyone else, I’ll take the latter.”

“Seriously, when was your last date?” she asks as the waitress drops off our drinks.

I have to think about this and then feel my cheeks heat up. Ironically, my last date was a dinner date with Stokes in New York. He was in town for work and all but demanded I let him take me to dinner. He claimed his mother would be disappointed if he didn’t, and well, I agreed because I was an intern and it was a free meal. We were told twice to keep our voices down as we flung insults at each other for ninety minutes.

Before that, I don’t remember. I’ve been busy and focused, and I’ve moved four times: college, London, New York, and now back to Louisville. It’s not that I don’t want to meet the perfect guy and settle down one day. I do, it’s just that since my life plan has unfolded, this really doesn’t line up for a few more years. In the meantime, I’m content with romance novels and Hallmark movies. There’s nothing like a super-romantic grand gesture to make the heart sigh.

“Last year when I was in New York,” I tell her, hoping she doesn’t press for details.

“Exactly, last year.”

“So what? You know I’ve been one hundred percent focused on the shop.”

“Well, in just a few weeks, after the Derby, your focus can shift.”

I can’t even think about that time yet. I want to drown in my first season and enjoy every moment of this unknown.

“Maybe,” I murmur to pacify her for now.

We’ve just finished eating our appetizer of soup and an eggroll when a dark shadow falls over the table. Looking up, I don’t know why I’m surprised, but I am.

POP!

For crying out loud, what is with this guy?

“Stokes! What are you doing here?” Molly asks, all cheerful as he runs his hand through his damp hair to shake out any rain left behind.

My eyes narrow with distaste at him and then her.

Traitor.

“I thought I’d join you two for lunch.” He slips out of his charcoal gray suit jacket. His shirt is light blue and his tie is plaid, and I hate how good he looks. He bends down and slides into the booth.

On. My. Side.

“Umm, excuse me,” I blurt out at his blatant rudeness as I press up against the wall, putting the tiniest fraction of space between us.

His eyes flit my way. “Sure, no problem,” he says as he drapes his jacket over one leg.