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Simmer down.If she didn’t get a grip on herself, everyone in town would know how much Dakota was beginning to mean to her.
Beginning?Ah, hell, he already meant too much. That was why she hadn’t marched out of his woods after the traveling discussion they’d had earlier. He’d been right about that wall of photos at his cabin being like a flashing beacon though. Her mouth had dropped open at the sheer number of them. Floor to ceiling, the collection was voluminous. It reminded her of the built-in bookshelves she’d had back in New York. Books let her go on adventures too. Ones that didn’t involve potential harm to her physical person.
Seeing the wall drove home that Dakota was a risk taker. Not only had the pictures been from all over the place—United States to Italy to Brazil to India and more—they’d also showcased extreme, gravity-defying rock climbing up a cliff face, white water rafting through frenzied rivers, skydiving into the Caribbean Sea… Leah couldn’t imagine watching someone do some of those activities on TV, yet Dakota had done them all and more in real life.
Could she be with someone who put his life on the line repeatedly in the name of fun and adventure?
Dakota’s leg rubbed up against hers under the table as Heidi told a story of a second grader who had stepped in a paint tray today and left little footprints all the way down the hallway. Everyone had wanted to freak because the school was still brand new, but the footprints were so darn cute… and pink. Luckily, the janitor had been able to clean them up with ease. Hurray for washable paint.
When Dakota’s leg rubbed against hers again, it sent a current through Leah. A current she couldn’t ignore. Despite the adventurous streak that was a big part of this man sitting across from her, she still wanted him. She’d have to see if she could handle waving goodbye to him each time he set off on another trip. When would his next trip be? Could she get him to stick around longer instead? Would he resent her if she tried doing that?
“So what’s the mural a picture of?” Dakota asked.
Heidi and Leah shook their heads at the same time.
“Nope,” Heidi said.
“Confidential,” Leah added.
Dakota’s pout was adorable, offering further evidence that she couldn’t stay away from him even if she wanted to. “Aww, c’mon. I won’t tell anyone.”
“Forget it,” Kyle said. “I tried to get Heidi to tell me and she was like a rock. Would not budge.”
“Only school personnel and students can know right now,” Leah said.
“And you think I can’t get Luke to sing like a bird?” Dakota leaned to the side as he pulled out his phone. “I’ll call him up right now. He’ll tell me everything.”
Leah ripped his phone from his hands, surprising everyone at the table with her quickness. “You will do no such thing.”
“We won’t serve you any dinner tonight, Dakota,” Heidi said.
Kyle held up his hands. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, lady. Let’s not get crazy. Everyone who walks in here gets food.”
Heidi stuck her tongue out at Kyle. “Fine. I’ll get Dakota a lettuce leaf. That’s it.”
“Do I get salad dressing with that leaf?” Dakota asked, grinning.
“No.” Heidi folded her arms across her chest, but she was smiling too.
Dakota held his hand out for his phone. “I promise not to call Luke.”
“No, we’re not falling for that loophole,” Leah said. “You’ll just go see the kid in person or something sneaky like that.”
“Got me all figured out, do you?”
“She’s starting to.” Heidi gave Leah a high-five across the table.
“Dakota agrees to no conversation of any kind with any students at Maplehaven Elementary until the mural has been finished and revealed publicly, okay?” Kyle’s attempt at being the diplomatic one made everyone laugh.
“You can’t ask Luke to draw any pictures either.” Leah pointed an accusing finger at Dakota.
He snapped his fingers. “Shit, you really are figuring me out.” Sighing and rolling his eyes, he put his hand up as if taking an oath. “I, Dakota Brenton, promise not to uncover The Secret of the Mural until such time as it is deemed appropriate by one Leah Greenstead or one Heidi Lennings. There, everyone happy now?”
“I think we can agree to those terms, right, Leah?” Heidi asked.
Leah nodded. “I promise, Dakota, it’ll be worth the wait.”
“Speaking of waiting,” Kyle said as he slipped out of the booth, “I see two customers waiting by the door. What part ofPlease Seat Yourselfdo they not understand?”
