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“What then? I can tell that you’re leading me somewhere – what are you thinking?”
She stopped walking and turned to face him, resting her hands on his hips. Her heart was pounding, this felt really important. She liked the idea, but if he hated it…
He leaned down and rested his forehead against hers. She loved the way his eyes shone as he smiled.
“You know you can tell me anything, sprite. Even if you think it’s weird and wonderful, I’m open to it. I might tell you that it’s not for me, but you know I’d never laugh at you.”
“Oh no! I know that. That wasn’t what I was thinking. I just… Oh, what the heck! A sports bar, Xander! What would you think of a sports bar?”
He looked shocked, but she could tell that he liked the idea. “Why a sports bar? What made you think of that?”
“It just hit me. Right now, that place is dark and dreary. It’d feel so much better if it were bright and modern. And when I thought about bright and modern, I could see TV screens. And you know me, I’m not big on watching TV. In fact, the only time I’ve seen a TV lately was when you and Smoke were watching football.
“It all just fell into place in my head. One of the things I was considering was that whatever we do should be different from what’s already here. I think part of the reason that the wine bar didn’t work was because there’s the restaurant in the lodge – it’s too similar. A sports bar wouldn’t exactly be direct competition for the restaurant or for the café – or even for the resort over in town. It would have its own unique appeal.”
Xander rested his hands on her shoulders, his thumbs stroking the side of her neck. “But does it appeal to you – honestly?”
“It does. I wouldn’t have come up with it otherwise. I was even thinking that we could have it in like two sections. We could have one side with all the TV screens and everything where guys can watch the games, and the other side could be TV free. I mean, think about it – when you and Smoke wanted to watch football, Laura and I took ourselves off somewhere quieter to talk. Mom goes out with her friends so that they can chat away from the guys. We could make sure that we cater to both sides.”
She looked up into his eyes, waiting for him to say no – to tell her why it was a terrible idea. Instead, a big smile spread across his face.
“You really like the idea, don’t you? Just for you.”
“I do. But what do you think, Xander?”
He chuckled. “I love it. I don’t know if you’ll believe me, but I was thinking about a sports bar while we were in there. Although, I was just coming from the guy perspective – it didn’t occur to me that we could also have a sports-free section. That makes all the sense in the world; you’re so smart.”
She made a face at him.
“Seriously, sprite. I mean, sure, in a larger market – in a larger town – it makes sense for sports bars to go all out on appealing to their ideal customers. In a town like Summer Lake, it’s better to have a broader appeal.”
“Yeah but, do you like the idea – for you?”
“I do. I can see myself running a place like that with you.” He smiled. “I can see myself enjoying it.” He took her hand and carried on walking. “Come on, do you want to have dinner at the restaurant in the lodge and we can talk about it?”
“Yes. Mom said that a friend of hers bought the restaurant since I was here last. I can’t wait to see the new menu.”
~ ~ ~
When they got to the restaurant in the lodge, Xander raised his hand in greeting when he saw Dalton standing at the bar.
“Someone you know?” Tori asked.
“Yeah. That’s Dalton, he’s a friend of Russ’s. I met him at the gym the other day.”
“Oh, Mom told me about him. He’s with Taryn – the lady who now owns the restaurant.”
Dalton greeted them with a smile when they reached the bar. “Hey, Xander. I’m glad to see that you’re still here. And you must be Tori; nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
“Are you here for a drink or to eat?” Dalton asked. “Taryn will be right out if you want a table.”
“We’re here to eat, but we’ll have a drink with you first if you want one?”
“I’m good, thanks,” said Dalton. “I’ll hang out with you, though.” He gave the bartender a nod, and he came to take their order.
From the look of him, Xander guessed that the bartender might be another former SEAL. He was a big guy, and he obviously kept himself in shape.
