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“When, let’s say seven or so. I’ll head out of here right at five to get Blake from my parents’. I’ll spend a little time with her, help her pack her bag, and once Brooks picks her up, I’ll head your way.”
“Okay.”
“That was a hell of a lot easier than I anticipated.” He steps closer until we’re standing nose to nose. “You and me,” he says huskily.
“While I’m here,” I agree.
He places a tender kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Lunch?”
“I should let you get back to work.”
“Not until you have lunch with me. You have to eat, right? Is Maureen expecting you?”
“Right.” I chuckle. “You know she’s not.”
“Then have lunch with me.” His hand lands on my hip, giving it a soft squeeze.
“How about I run to the diner and grab us something? We can eat it here. In your office?”
“Are you trying to get out of spending time with me?”
“I literally just agreed to dinner tonight.”
“And lunch today?”
“Let me bring something back for us. That way I’m not taking up more of your already booked day. That’s the least I can do with Grandma calling and forcing you to add me into your schedule.”
“She didn’t force me, Kens. And it’s not just Maureen. This is my town. I grew up here, and although Maureen might not be a lifelong resident like the rest of us, she’s still a citizen of Willow River. I’d take care of any of them the way I offered to your grandmother this morning.”
“And it has nothing to do with me?”
“Nope. However, don’t mistake that to mean that I didn’t want to see you. My day got a whole hell of a lot brighter when I found out I’d be seeing you today. It’s been too damn long.”
“Not even a full seven days,” I remind him.
“Too. Damn. Long.”
I melt at his words, my body feeling all warm and gooey on the inside. “What do you want from the diner?” I ask him, pretending his words didn’t affect me like they did.
“Whatever is on special is fine. I have drinks here. I keep the fridge in my office stocked.”
“Should I see if any of the guys want anything?”
“Nah, they like to go down as a group and eat together.”
“Well, all right then. I’ll be back.”
He engulfs me in a hug and whispers, “Hurry.”
When he releases me, it’s on shaky legs, but I manage to maintain my composure as I walk back out in the frigid January air. Sliding behind the wheel, I let the engine warm up a little before I pull out on the road and head a few blocks down to Dorothy’s Diner. It’s a short drive and would have been a great walk on a warmer day.
When I pull open the door, the warmth and the smells of home cooking wash over me like a warm embrace. Taking a seat at the counter, I grab a menu and begin to look at my options.
“Hey, darlin’, what can I get you?” an older lady asks, pulling a pen out from behind her ear.
“What’s on special today?”
“We have meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner roll.”
“I’ll take two of those, please. To go.”
“You’re new in town?”
“I am. I’m Maureen Hoffman’s granddaughter. I’m staying with her while she’s healing from her broken leg.”
“Oh, well, you don’t want two meatloaf dinners. Maureen swears hers is better than mine. You’ll never hear the end of it.” She laughs, and it shakes her entire body.
“Oh, this isn’t for her. It’s for a friend and me.”
“A friend, you say? Anyone I know?”
“I’m guessing my little brother.” I hear from behind me.
Turning to look over my shoulder, I see Orrin smiling. “How are you doing, Kennedy?”
“I’m doing well. How about you?”
“Living the dream.” He nods to the older lady. “That for Dec?”
“Yes. He Yes.” There is no point in trying to explain how I ended up at his shop today.
“Do I need to have a talk with my little brother about him making you get him lunch?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Little?” I laugh. All nine of the Kincaid boys are built like brick houses.
“I’m the oldest.”
“I bet there was never a dull moment growing up in your house.”
“Nope.” Orrin grins.
“I offered to pick up lunch for him. I was there, and he looked busy, and well, we all gotta eat.”
“That we do, little lady. I’ll get this right out for you. Orrin, you want the same?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Congratulations on your engagement.”
He nods. “Thanks. We’ll be reaching out to you or your grandma about the manor.”
“Oh, is this going to be soon?” I ask him.
“Damn, I hope so. We haven’t set a date, but the sooner, the better.”
“Here you go.” Dorothy sets two bags on the counter. One for me and one for Orrin.
“Thank you.” I hand her my card. “I’ve got him too.”
