AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Reanna asked, “Are you sure? I mean, you were expecting someone else. And you don’t strike me as someone who likes surprises.”
Jerry smiled. “Usually I don’t. But this might be the exception.”
Reanna sat back down and smiled. “Well, it would be a shame to let this dress go to waste.”
They spent the next hour listening to Shanda talk about the wedding. Somewhere after ten minutes, he’d stopped listening. That didn’t prevent Shanda from continuing. In fact, Reanna actually seemed to be enjoying it. He wasn’t sure what she said, but by the end of the dinner, Shanda was hugging Reanna and they were making plans to get together to talk some more. Jerry couldn’t think of what was left to be discussed.
Kenneth asked, “It’s still early. Did the two of you want to come to the house for a drink?”
“And dessert,” Shanda added. “Don’t forget that chocolate cake I made,” she reminded Kenneth.
“I didn’t, but was hoping not to share.” He pulled Shanda into his arms and said, “Maybe a bit of dessert on the deck later?”
That was enough of a hint for him to decline the offer. Those two lovebirds really wanted to be alone. “Thanks. Maybe another time.”
“I should be getting home myself,” Reanna said.
Shanda asked, “Will you be patrolling the streets of Hope Valley this weekend?”
“No. I’m off till Monday.”
Jerry looked down at Reanna. There was no way someone so delicate and tiny could be a policewoman. She wouldn’t intimidate anyone, definitely not him. Why didn’t we talk about something interesting like this over dinner?
“If you’re off, then maybe you’d like to stay and have some coffee with me?” Jerry asked. Shanda’s brows raised and Jerry noticed her give Kenneth an elbow to the side. It’s just coffee.
“I thought you wanted to get back to Boston,” Reanna said.
“Hence the coffee,” he replied. Jerry was far from being tired, but he wasn’t ready to part ways with Reanna just yet. She’d piqued his interest, and that wasn’t easily done. Not given the number of women who practically threw themselves at him.
“Enjoy your coffee. We’re going home,” Shanda said with a grin and a wave. Jerry watched as she practically dragged Kenneth away from the table.
“Well that wasn’t very subtle,” Reanna chuckled.
Jerry nodded. “So how about that coffee?”
“It sounds good to me, but not here.” She leaned closer to him and whispered softly, “I didn’t want to say anything, but the ambience of the place isn’t matched by their food. I’m starving, and I know a little diner not far from my house that is open late.”
He’d hoped, but didn’t actually think she’d accept his offer. She had barely spoken directly to him throughout dinner. Then again, how could she? Shanda had pretty much hijacked the conversation from the start. Jerry was hungry, but not for diner food.
Reanna bit her bottom lip waiting for his reply. Definitely could go for a taste of you. That wasn’t going to happen. The last thing he needed was to become sexually involved with anyone who was connected to his family in any way. Reanna might not have been an hour ago, but dinner had quickly changed that. And ruined this so-called date.
“I could eat.”
“Great. This place serves breakfast all day. And right now, I’m in the mood for some serious carbs. I’m thinking banana nut pancakes with whipped cream and drizzled hot fudge on it. How about you?” she asked.
“How are their burgers?” He wasn’t a sweets eater.
“I actually am not a big meat eater. But I haven’t had anything there that wasn’t huge and amazing.”
“Then I suggest we head out now, before the waitress thinks we’re staying for dessert here,” Jerry suggested.
Reanna got up and said, “The road there is bumpy, so why don’t I drive, and I’ll drop you back here after we eat?”
As they left the restaurant and approached a Ford F250 he said, “This is yours?”
She nodded. “Don’t let this dress fool you, Mr. Heart.”
He chuckled. “Should I be afraid?” he teased.
