Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111278 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
“How about we go and get that dinner I owe you?”
“But you just let him leave thinking that we’re an item.”
“So?”
“So, I just met you today. And I’m still not convinced you’re not a stalker.”
“Would you go out to dinner with your stalker?” he asked as he started walking along the sidewalk, taking her with him.
She only went because she didn’t want to be pulled over. It wasn’t because he smelled so good or that his hand on hers made her heart race.
Nope. Not at all.
You are so fucking delusional.
“I don’t know. I might if he promised me burgers and fries.”
“Yeah? That’s the way to your heart, huh? Burgers and fries?”
“It’s carbs, and some of those carbs are deep-fried. Duh. I didn’t get this ass by eating salads and tuna.”
He stilled and looked down at her for a long moment. She almost started squirming.
What was wrong with her? This guy had her squirming like a naughty toddler.
“I know that we don’t know each other and that perhaps my opinion isn’t wanted, but I happen to think you are gorgeous. And I don’t like hearing you say bad things about your body.”
“You’re right. We don’t really know each other well enough for you to say things like that.”
“Well, as your official stalker, I guess I’ll be getting to know you well enough to say things like that. And then you’re going to be in trouble, Shortcake.”
“Hey, I’m not that short.” At five-six, she’d say she was average.
“That’s not the reason for the nickname.” He started walking again. She noticed that he was walking at a slow pace so she could easily keep up.
That was thoughtful.
“What is the reason, then?” she asked.
“Sorry, can’t tell you that until we know each other better.” He reached a diner that looked like it had seen better days. But she’d learned that sometimes the best places to eat were the ones that looked the worst.
“It’s not quite Delicious décor, but I can assure you the burgers are awesome. Delicious seems to be more about being seen than what you eat.” He placed a hand on the small of her back and held the diner door open with the other.
She took it back. He did have nice manners.
“I’m not sure anyone was actually eating in that place,” she said.
“Likely not. I don’t think Davidson opened it in order to serve food. Weird as that sounds.”
Yeah, that’s what she’d thought too.
A young server bounced up to them. Damn, had Gwen ever had that sort of energy? “Dom! Good to see you! Come this way.”
“Do you know everyone in this town?” she asked as the server led them to a booth at the back.
“I’ve lived here a while,” he replied. “Thanks, Liv.”
“What’ll you have to drink?”
“I’ll have water,” he replied. “You, Shortcake?”
Oh, dear lord, he wasn’t calling her that in front of people, was he?
Seemed he was.
“Coffee, thanks.”
He frowned slightly but didn’t say anything.
“I’ll get right on it.” The server skipped away, and Gwen sighed forlornly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Just remembering what it was like to have that much energy.”
“Yeah, sometimes I miss being that young. Then I remember all of the idiotic things I did when I was in my twenties and I think I’m probably better off now.”
She let out a small laugh. “You’re not wrong there.”
Liv brought over their drinks, setting them down. “Do you need a few more minutes?”
“Actually, we want two burgers and fries. Anything you’re allergic to, Shortcake?” he asked.
“Just anything green.”
“Oh, um, there’s lettuce on the burgers.” Liv looked at her worriedly. “Would you like me to ask the cook to take it out? I don’t know if there’s anything else green in them.”
“Oh, no, that’s okay. It was just a joke.”
“It was?” Liv asked.
“Yep.” Apparently, not a very funny one. Although Dominic was smiling.
However, she was pretty certain he was laughing at her.
“Right. Sorry. My mom and dad make jokes I don’t get, either.” She skipped off.
“I’m old enough to be that girl’s mom, aren’t I?” she asked, feeling ancient.
“I think she’s just out of high school, sooo . . .”
“Yeah, I know that’s your diplomatic way of saying I’m old enough to be her mom.” She sighed.
“You don’t have any kids?” he asked.
“Nope. Never been the right time or the right person. You?”
“No. Although I wanted them, once upon a time.” He looked away, seeming sad.
She didn’t like that. She preferred Dominic when he was teasing her. Heck, she’d even take him scolding her over this sad look on his face.
“You realize that deputy thinks that we’re dating, right? Why didn’t you set him straight?”
He grinned. “Because now he’ll call me every time you get into trouble.”
Her mouth dropped open. “No way.”
“Oh yep. He thinks you’re mine. I’ll be able to keep tabs on you, Shortcake.”
She just stared at him. He wasn’t for real right now, was he?