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“You don’t like the older women in our community? It seems like a nice enough place around here,” I ask the man, liking how he gets straight to the point.
“I didn’t say that. They can be harmless if you can ignore their constant talking. You’ll learn that this town is small and like most small towns, everyone knows everyone’s business, which can be a good thing until it isn’t. If you ever try to hide anything, then you can bet your bottom dollar if you tell one person then everyone in this town will know by sundown. There is a young woman that moved her a couple of years ago, Lyric, she’s good people. Haddie over at the bed-and-breakfast is another good one.” Nick is talkative, but his tone tells me that if I cross a line with him that he might clam up real fast.
“What type of person are you, Nick Stiles?” Nick thinks about it for a few minutes.
“The type of person that can be your friend as long as you are honest with me. If you lie to me, well, I don’t like liars. I mind my own business as long as you mind yours. I don’t ask a million questions when only a few are important. People tend to abuse the use of words in my book. Say what needs saying and then listen. You’ll learn a lot more by listening. People’s actions speak louder than words. I’ve almost used my limit today so if I can help with anything, let me know.” I know our conversation is over because Nick picks up his newspaper and starts reading it.
I now know Nick is a man of few words. He thinks the church ladies talk too much, and he likes Lyric and Haddie. I also know not to tell anyone in this town my secrets. I obtained a lot of information in one place. I look around the store and find a little tabletop Christmas tree and a few decorations for it. I also pick up a few supplies for cleaning and a newspaper. Nick rings my items up and bags them for me without a word. I start to leave the store but turn back around and look at Nick.
“Have a merry Christmas, Nick. We aren’t strangers anymore, so I will be back to see you.” I open the door and walk out into the frigid day, feeling a little lighter from just having a small conversation with Nick. Human interaction is what I need.
One more stop before I make my way home and call today a success—a quick meal at the diner.
Chapter Four
Trask
I see Cheryl, the new waitress, is still giving me sideways glances. Yes, I went there again with another waitress. I can’t help myself. They look so cute in the little waitress outfits and they’re always smiling and giving me glimpses of their cleavage when they bend over and give me my glass of iced tea. I never remember the morning after when I give them the brush off until it’s too late. At least I haven’t gotten a tea bath from Cheryl yet. Don’t laugh, it has happened more than once. Did I deserve it? Maybe, but then again, I never lie about my intentions and I never make promises in the heat of the moment that I don’t keep. I am a manwhore and I claim it. I’m a man, and I like the company of a beautiful woman. I like one-night stands. I don’t like or want a woman that thinks she is going to lead me around by my nose just so I can get me a little. I’m not a man that is going to send flowers the next day or to even call again. I might call, but I am just as likely not to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a gentleman. I open doors for ladies. I will tell a woman that she looks nice, or she has a beautiful smile. My parents didn’t raise an asshole, but I don’t date just one woman. I don’t think the happily ever after crap is for me. I like variety and I am not too selective.
I wait for Botie to show up before I order my food. I should have known when he said he was going by his house to speak to Lyric first that it would take him a while. Those two can’t get enough of each other, and I am almost jealous. I can’t imagine being with only one woman for the rest of my life and liking it. I guess it takes all kinds. I am looking at the same menu I have been looking at for years. At least if I am looking at the menu, I don’t need to avoid Cheryl’s eyes. She’s shooting daggers at me from those eyes I loved so much last weekend. Maybe I will be lucky, and Aggie will take our order for us. She’s slow, but I won’t get anything in my lap or my face.
I hear the bell ring above the front door, and I look up to see if Botie is here, but my eyes see the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. I swear I hear bells going off somewhere.
I stare with my mouth hanging open. I am speechless. I’m never speechless. I am on my feet and walking toward the beautiful vision in front of me. I just need to talk to her. I just need to be closer to her. I walk right up to her and take her hand, but she pulls it away.
“Back up, buddy.” Her voice is sweet, but no, I won’t back up.
“Have lunch with me,” I tell the woman.
“I don’t know you and you are kind of freaking me out right now. Who just takes someone’s hand in theirs when they don’t know the person?” the woman asks.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m harmless. I’m Trask Stillman and I would like for you to have lunch with me, please. I promise, I just want to get to know you.” I’ve never felt this way before. This woman has cast some kind of spell on me. She’s breathtaking. I hear her laugh.
“Are you alright? I mean, I don’t know you. Do you always ask strangers to lunch?” The woman looks shocked and I am sure I look like some crazy person. I’m acting like one for sure.
“I promise, it’s just lunch and I am harmless.” I try to assure the lady that has all my attention. I see Cheryl approach us.
“Trask Stillman is about as harmless as a rattlesnake. Take it from a woman that has lived here a while, steer clear,” Cheryl says with a hateful voice.
“Please, just sit with me for lunch?” I almost beg. What is wrong with me? The woman tilts her head to the side, and she looks like she is thinking about my request.
“Alright, but only lunch.”
I want to fist bump myself. The woman that I can’t take my eyes from said yes. I take her hand and she follows me to the booth I was sitting in. I take my phone out and send Botie a quick text and tell him lunch is off, but I would meet him in about an hour. That will give me enough time to dine this lovely in front of me and get her number for a quick hookup tonight. I thought I was a goner there for a minute, but I am back to myself now. I just need to work my magic and by tonight or in the morning, I will have this beauty out of my system, and I can move on to my next conquest. Priorities man, I need to keep them straight.
“My name is Trask Stillman as I told you, but what name do I need to call you in my dreams tonight?” She laughs again but sits down.
“I’m Kelly and I agreed to lunch but you need to drop those corny lines. They won’t work on me and you can do much better if you just be yourself.” Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. “I take it that you have already used those lines on the waitress who doesn’t like you much. How is that working for you?” She’s challenging me with that sexy smile of hers. Challenge accepted.
“Oh, darlin’, I was just having a little fun with Cheryl and she knows it, but you, you take my breath away, sweetheart.” I lay it on thick with my good-old-boy charm.
“I’m not sure that Cheryl would agree with that. Look, Trask, I’m new in town and I don’t know anyone. I would like to make a few friends, but I can guarantee you that I am not your darling or your sweetheart and the only way I will take your breath away is if I punch you in the gut or pop that overly swollen head of yours. I would like to be your friend not your booty call at two in the morning.” Kelly gives me a too-sweet smile. Damn, blunt much?
“If I say no to the friendship thing, does that mean no lunch?” I ask, hoping I can still convince the woman I am too loveable to turn down.
“That’s exactly what it means. A good friend is worth ten meaningless hookups. I mean, we could go and have some meaningless sex that would be spectacular, I’m sure, but then we would never get the chance to know each other. I need friends.”
The spectacular sex part sounds good but there is something about the way Kelly says she needs friends has my attention. She sounds almost lonely. Can I have a female friend? Just a friend.
