Page 74 of Second Chance

“I called the pub and told Billy to come get me.”

Good Lord, soon the whole town will know Denton spent the night at my home. It’s bad enough half the town knows he left the pub with me last night. Complicated, Alyce’s word repeats. I don’t know what else to say until I speak to a son…or two.

“I need to get to practice. I’m sorry about all of this, but I’ll figure it out.”

“Have dinner with me?” he asks, reaching for my arm as I turn away from him. “The diner.”

Ugh. Not the diner, but something in the way he looks at me makes me agree.

“Meet you at six?”

30

The Not-a-date Date

[Denton]

I don’t know why I’m nervous. It’s Mati, and it’s not a date. It’s the diner but being seen with her will definitely make a statement. I sit at the counter, but I’ve already told Hollilyn I’ll take a booth when Mati arrives. Hollilyn has been managing the place while Dolores takes time to be with our mother. I haven’t been to the farm all day, and I need to give Dolores relief. I also have questions to ask Mother, but I don’t know how.

“Hot date,” Hollilyn teases as I swipe fingers through my hair again and she passes me to walk behind the counter.

“It’s not a date,” I retort. Hollilyn turns to face me, her bright eyes widening.

“Wonder if she thinks it’s not a date?” Hollilyn nods behind me, and I spin to see Mati standing inside the diner door.

Goddamn. Mati wears black leggings with ankle booties and a fitted white sweater that looks soft and fluffy. It just covers her hips, and when she turns, it’s going to hug her ass. I rub a sweaty hand down my jean-covered thigh and look at her hair, softly curled and falling in loose waves over her shoulder. She wears a touch of makeup which I haven’t seen her wear before. The light covering highlights her eyes and covers the freckles over her nose and cheeks. Her lips are coated in a dull peach color, and she looks delicious.

I stand from the stool and cross the diner.

“You look gorgeous,” I blurt like I’ve never been on a date before, but I remind myself it’s not a date. It’s Mati.

She pushes her hair behind her ear, blushing a little and looks away from me, but the smile on her face and the tug of her teeth at her lip tells me she appreciates the compliment. I wave toward the booth in the back. It’s hardly private nor is the place fancy. I should have taken her somewhere nicer, like The Patio, but I wanted casual, uncomplicated, easy.

Mati takes a seat, and I sit opposite her after throwing my leather jacket onto the bench. Hollilyn brings us each water, and I can’t stop staring at Mati. It’s like I’m sixteen, wanting her all over again, and fighting the feeling to reach for her.

“So, what’s good here?”

Mati laughs. “You really don’t know?”

“It’s been a long time. The last time I ate here consistently was when Magnolia worked here.” The comment is a reminder of the passage of time. I clear my throat. “I ate here my first night back, but I’ve been at the farm most nights eating everyone’s generous casseroles.” I rub my belly. “I’m gonna need extra workouts when I get home.”

Mati’s expression drops for a moment before a false smile curls those peachy lips.

Damn it. I shouldn’t have mentioned LA.

“I guess I better not recommend the cheeseburger then.”

I smile back at her, the grin just as weak. “I think that’s what I’ll have.”

Hollilyn returns to take our order, and Mati’s eyes follow Hollilyn’s retreat, almost begging to go with her to the kitchen. The sensation to reach for her overwhelms me again.

“Mati?” I question, and she returns her attention to me. “Ever figure out what happened earlier today?”

“Surprisingly, Jordan is not answering my calls, but Jax gave me an earful.”

“I’m supposing that earful wasn’t pleasant.”

“He’s just…struggling, I guess. He was close with his father even though they were considerably opposite one another. Their relationship was kind of like you and Chris.” Mati’s eyes open wide in surprise at what she admitted. Clearing her throat, she continues. “I just mean, Jax always felt a little competitive with Jordan because Jax isn’t similar to Chris like Jordan is. The lawyer, the married man, the solid guy. Jax is more restless and a little reckless.”