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Ace liked Charlee in every way, but when she wasn’t full of doubts, she shone with confidence and she looked pretty damned happy.
Once he’d helped her into the truck, he jogged around to the driver’s side and climbed in. He started up the truck and backed out of her driveway.
“It feels like it’s been a while since we got back from the cabin.” She tipped her head to the side. “But it was only yesterday.”
He grinned before turning his attention to the road. “I knew you’d miss me.”
“I did.” She smiled when he glanced at her again. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Same with me.” He reached over and rested his hand on her knee and squeezed before taking the wheel with both hands. “It’s like coming home.”
“That’s a nice way of putting it.” She settled back in her seat. “Coming home.”
Nectar’s wasn’t too far, and it wasn’t long before the hostess escorted them to a booth along a wall with tall windows with partially drawn shades. The restaurant had gone through a renovation since he’d been here last, and he liked what they’d done with the place. Stained glass lighting, rich dark woods that shone, and shiny brass fixtures.
“I haven’t been here for some time.” He scooted into the booth and picked up the professionally done menu. “They must be doing well.”
“I like it.” Charlee looked around them. “This place has probably been around for a decade or so, since Tess and Megan’s family bought it after they purchased the Hummingbird Café next door.”
“I haven’t been to the Hummingbird for a while now.” He browsed the extensive list of bottled beers. “Do you go to your sister’s nightclub often?”
“Not really.” Charlee shrugged. “Jo spends most of her time with the twins, but she does keep an eye on Jo-Jo’s. She’s a fantastic businesswoman.”
“Runs in the family,” he said. “Her little sister is no slouch.”
“Thank you.” Charlee dropped her gaze to her menu. “They have a lot of new drinks I’m not familiar with.”
He flipped through the happy hour section of the menu. “Sticking with Maker’s Mark?”
“That’s reserved for the cabin.” She pursed her lips. “I think I’ll stick with something a little more traditional than their new drinks, like a margarita on the rocks, salt on the rim.”
“I’ll be happy with a Rolling Rock.” He set the menu down. “Nachos sound good for an appetizer?”
“Definitely.” She placed her menu on top of his. “It’s nice to let someone else do the cooking.”
“I dunno.” He took both of her hands in his. “I liked cooking for you at the cabin, and I enjoyed cooking with you.”
She smiled and laced her fingers with his. “I had a great time. Every moment of it.”
“I want to kiss you.” He fixed his gaze on her mouth. “I can’t get enough of you.”
Her lips parted and he watched her take a slow breath in. “You’ve kinda grown on me, too.”
He couldn’t help a grin. “Kinda?”
“A little more than that.” She leaned forward and whispered, “Just wait til I get you alone.”
Ace nearly groaned out loud. “I am so tempted to sweep you away and take you home.”
Charlee gave him a teasing grin. “Drink and appetizers before we even think of leaving.”
“Can’t help it.” He shook his head. “I’ll be thinking about it until we leave.”
A server approached, a young woman he didn’t recognize. He gave her their order and she headed off to turn it in.
“Remember when we were kids and I slipped a garner snake into your backpack?” he said.
“I totally lost it when it slipped out in class. Most of the class freaked, too.” She shook her head. “You denied it until just a few years ago, but Iknewit was you. You werealwaysteasing me.” She studied him. “And you never stopped.”
