AllFreeNovel
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Without the animals circling around her, I finally have a chance to observe her outfit. She’s wearing a simple tunic dress with cowboy boots. She’s gorgeous. Juniper could wear a burlap sack and she’d be more beautiful than any Hollywood actress.
She squirms under my scrutiny. “I can change.”
I step forward and grasp her hand. “Don’t you dare. You look utterly gorgeous.”
I kiss her knuckles and she shivers in response. I duck my head to hide my smug smile. I know she’s affected by me – our chemistry has never been a problem – but the confirmation is welcome.
“Your chariot awaits.” I motion to my golf cart.
“We can bike. We’ll be just as fast and the only energy we’ll use is our own leg power.”
I ignore her and begin escorting her toward the driveway. But when I remember one of the reasons she doesn’t trust me is because she thinks I don’t share enough of myself with her, I realize I have to tell her the truth. No matter how embarrassing it is.
“I don’t know how to ride a bike,” I admit as I help her into the cart.
“I didn’t realize. I’m sorry,” she apologizes instead of making fun of me. And then she does the most wonderful thing of all, she lifts up and kisses my cheek.
I stand frozen for a moment enjoying the feel of her lips on my skin again. Her stomach grumbles, and I become unstuck. She giggles, completely unabashed by the sound of her stomach rumbling. She doesn’t make any attempt to hide her true self from me. How refreshing.
I rush around the golf cart and jump in. The brewery is a few blocks away and we’re there in no time. I frown when I notice the line outside the door.
“I didn’t think to make a reservation.”
“There’s no need.”
I allow her to drag me to the front of the line where she cuts in front of someone at the hostess station.
“Hey, Moon,” she greets the woman. “Do you have a table for us?”
The hostess smiles at her before glancing over at me. Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t otherwise comment on who I am. Again. Refreshing.
“You bet.” She grabs two menus and marches off.
We follow her up the stairs to a corner booth. She slaps the menus on the table. “I’ll be back to take your order in a while. It’s a mad house today.”
“What’s going on?” Juniper asks before the hostess can leave.
“Love Hill didn’t show up for her shift and now I’m stuck doing her work as well as mine.”
Juniper stands. “Do you need my help?”
Moon waves for her to sit. “Don’t be silly. I got this.” She waggles her eyebrows. “Besides, you have a date.”
As soon as she leaves, Juniper buries her face in her hands and groans.
“What’s wrong?”
“Moon is Ashlyn’s best friend. She’s also competing to become the number one gossip of Winter Falls. News of our date is going to be around town before we’re served our first beer.”
I feel my forehead furrow as I study her. “Are you embarrassed of me?”
She bursts out laughing. “Are you serious? Me embarrassed of you?” She shakes her head. “You’re hilarious.”
“If you’re not embarrassed, what’s the problem?”
“You’ll see,” she sings but says no more as Moon returns to take our drink order.
Our beers haven’t yet arrived when Sage darts into the room and runs to us before screeching to a halt in front of our table. She bends over at the waist and gulps for air.
