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Then, to add insult to injury, the way he had looked at her with a lopsided, sexy grin and casually mentioned dinner to give her his number like it was a gift was just an eyeroll. Sure, he was hot. That he knew he was hot was annoying.
She liked Mr. Chapman a lot, though, and was genuinely looking forward to visiting with him. When they had been together, he had reminded her of the grandfather she had never known. He would’ve been a little blue-collar for her very proper grandmother, but Megan liked to think that they would have gotten along well. Grandma always appreciated hardworking gentlemen who knew how to fix things and took pride in their work.
Megan drove past the burned original house which now was wearing a big blue tarp like a bandage. The little house wasn’t too much farther, and in no time, she was parked next to Mr. Chapman’s old, reliable pickup and Troy’s newer one.
Both matched the personality of their owners. Mr. Chapman’s was plain white with a few dings and scrapes, but overall in good condition. She couldn’t see inside the cab, but she had a feeling it sounded like old-school country, smelled like McDonald’s.
Meanwhile, Troy’s was newer and bulkier, but at least it didn’t have the lift kit or any annoying bumper stickers. There was hope yet.
She braced for the cold, windy night and went to the little covered front porch. Even though spring was right around the corner, here the wind still had a bite to it. She raised her hand to knock on the door, but it swung in courtesy of Troy who gave her another lopsided smile.
“Right on time.”
Levi pushed past him, with his tail going a mile a minute as she knelt down to give him scratches.
“Hi buddy! I’m so glad to see you again! I missed you.”
Troy let out a laugh to her left. “I see why you agreed to come.”
Megan stood back up and gave him a smile. “I wasn’t sure what to bring, so I picked these up.” After he shut the door behind her, Megan handed over the rolls and the bottle of wine, which she hoped was good. She didn’t drink and didn’t know wine. All she knew was red wine was good for the heart, she liked the label, and it was at eye level, which maybe meant it was good?
Troy eyed the wine and looked impressed. “Thank you. This will actually go great.”
Before she could say anything else, Mr. Chapman ambled around the corner.
“Megan. There you are! Was wondering where you got off to, you turkey.”
She stepped into his outstretched arms for a quick hug, noticing he was wearing the new overalls she had picked out when she had run into town for him.
“Well, I’ve been working and wanted to give you two some time together.”
“Come in and sit. Troy has made a feast.”
“Thank you.”
The small table was set for three, and Troy had already poured ice water and was uncorking the wine, which he placed next to her. Megan fought to keep her nose from wrinkling at the thought but wanted to be polite, since Mr. Chapman was clearly happy and feeling well.
He asked her about her pets, and she talked about Levi who was resting and smiling happily, his big golden head in between the two of them watching them talk.
Troy stepped forward and picked up the plates. “Salad, mashed potatoes, and steak good for you?”
“That sounds great. Thanks.”
He gave her a quick nod. “I went for medium, but can let it go longer if that’s a problem for you.”
The arrogance of him assuming how to cook her steak was annoying, but what made it worse was that he was right.
He slid a plate in front of her, which she had to admit looked delicious, then slid an identical one to his father and sat down to a face of disapproval.
“Where’s the ranch?”
“Terrible condiment and you’re lucky you’re getting steak. Doctor’s orders.” Troy glanced at Megan and smiled. “Tonight’s a special occasion. Let’s eat.”
Megan hadn’t had steak like this in, well, as long as she could remember. She didn’t take meat often, but when she did, it never tasted like this. Tender and cooked perfectly, it almost melted on her tongue. She swirled her fork in the potatoes, which were light and buttery and mixed perfectly. Everything down to the light dressing on the mixed greens was restaurant quality.
Before arriving, she had her usual social anxiety panic in the car, but now that the food was so good, she relaxed and ate, realizing just how hungry she was. Stopping to sip her wine, which wasn’t that bad and went nicely with the steak, she caught Troy watching her.
“This is really delicious,” she said as she paused to wipe her mouth.
