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“Alrighty then.” Shrugging off the rude behavior, she stood in front of the terrifying rack and searched the tools. Lo and behold, she found it.
Proud of herself, she almost skipped to the counter. Raven was waiting and when he saw what she was holding his brows knitted. “Well, well…would you look at that.”
She laid the big bulky item on the counter. “Here you are.”
“Now be honest. Did you find that without help?”
“Well…no, but in my defense, I didn’t realize there was another room with tools.”
He turned to Guy. “Put the tool on the Ryder account.”
“Will do. You’re all set, Ryder.”
“Ready? Or would you like to hang out a bit longer?” His smile awakened the sparkle in his irises.
“I’ll lead the way.” Parker pushed through the glass door and caught the savory scents of food. Her stomach growled. “That smells delicious.”
“That’s where we’re headed now.”
Across the parking lot she spotted the kid she’d asked for help. She waved but he lowered his gaze and kept walking. “Do you know him?” she asked Raven.
He paused in placing the tool in the back of the truck. He flicked a gaze in the direction where the kid was crossing the street. “Yeah. That’s Jamie Watson.”
“He’s a bit timid. Maybe I frighten him.”
“He’s always been on the bashful side.” He brushed his hands together. “How about we walk to the diner since it’s just around the corner?”
“Okay, but will these things be safe?” She jutted her chin at the loaded truck.
Raven smirked. “You keep forgetting this is Second Chance.”
“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten where I am.”
They crossed the street at the light, and it seemed only natural that she tucked her fingers around his elbow as they walked. He didn’t push her away or show any signs that she’d crossed boundaries. Several couples greeted them like she’d lived there her entire life. She could see that the Ryders were a well-respected family.
The diner had a unique flair. The art proudly displayed on the walls was painted by local artists and a mural of townsfolk covered the opposite wall. “Know anyone?” She pointed to the row of smiling faces.
“My Pa is over there.” He referred to the fourth man from the left. She could see the resemblance.
Raven chose a booth in the corner. “This okay?”
“It’s fine.” She slid into the vinyl seat and picked up a menu from the wire holder, perusing the wide selection. There were too many choices. “Any recommendations?”
“Sure, but I’m guessing you want your food like your coffee. Light and fake.”
She looked at him over the top of the menu. “I do eat meat.”
After ordering the Sunnyside Up Platters, Parker turned her full attention on Raven. As she stirred her coffee, she decided which questions she wanted to start with.
“You going to stare or spit it out already?” He chuckled.
“Do you have a girlfriend? Someone you date casually maybe?”
“No. And no.”
“I don’t know if I should believe you.” The spoondingedoff the side of the cup.
“Why would I lie?” He brought his cup to his lips. “How about you?”
