Page 30 of Never Your Valentine

“Um…sure?”

The diner’s only half full today, so he doesn’t have to sit with me. But he’s already shrugged off his coat. He leans his elbows on the table. “If you want me gone, just say the word and I’ll leave. But I’m interested in getting to know you. You’re Annabelle, right?”

“Uh huh.” I pull the card I’m working on toward myself. “And you are…”

“I’m Blake,” he says, chin up and chest lifted, as if he’s been waiting for this moment.

“Last name Neverly?” I ask. The family resemblance is strong.

“So you’ve heard of me?”

“Should I have?”

“Depends on what you’ve heard.” He runs the back of his hand over his jawline. There’s a spark of mischief in his green eyes, and he has effortless charm that probably works on every girl in Echo Creek. “Anyway,” he says. “I’m much more impressive in person.”

“Who says you’re impressive?” I keep my tone neutral. Curious. I’m just entertained enough by this guy to let him try a few more opening lines before I cut him off.

“Lots of people. Very beautiful people. I go above and beyond. Always.” He says it in such a matter-of-fact way that I’m sure he believes it. Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve found the town player.

“I like to judge for myself,” I say.

He leans back in the seat, undeterred. “I like a judge with standards. It makes winning your approval more exciting.”

“Competition is always welcome. Just don’t be offended if you don’t win.”

“I might.”

“You won’t.”

“Don’t tell me that my brother already⁠—”

“Oh my gosh, Annabelle, I’m so sorry I’m late.” Lia rushes up to the table. “Have you been waiting long?”

“Um…” Did I forget a meeting?

Lia turns her considerable energy toward Blake. “You’re in my seat.”

“Yours, is it?” he asks, not moving.

“It will be, in about two seconds. Get out.”

“Nice to see you too, Lia.” Blake takes his time unfolding himself from the seat. He stands in front of her for a moment that stretches just a bit too long, then ambles away.

Lia takes his place and pulls a menu from the stack at the edge of the table.

“Did we…” I gesture between us.

“Have plans? No.”

“Is this about women’s solidarity? Like, you’re saving me from a predator?”

“Not that. Blake’s harmless. The problem is, he thinks he’s handsome.”

“Because he is?”

“It’s so annoying.” Our server approaches and Lia orders breakfast-for-dinner. She turns back to me. “Blake is the worst Neverly brother.”

“How many Neverly brothers are there?”