Page 38 of Luna

“I’m not sure I have room for dessert,” Luna said as she dabbed at her lips, then returned her napkin to her lap.

“Sure, you do.” Hunter gave the waitress one of his most charming smiles. “Bring us your three favorite desserts, please.”

“Certainly, sir.” The waitress tipped her head to him, then lifted the heavy tray full of dishes.

It didn’t take long until she returned with a dish of pudding garnished with a piece of biscotti, a plate of fried zeppole, and a slice of lemon cake topped with fresh raspberries and cream.

All three of the desserts were tasty although Hunter thought the zeppole was a bit greasy and the cake slightly dry.

“Well, what’s the verdict, Luna?” Hunter asked as he refilled their water glasses.

“Caterina has nothing to worry about. Not a thing.”

Hunter nodded. “My exact conclusion.” He took a few more sips of water, then motioned to the waitress. “May we have our bill, please?”

The woman nodded, disappeared into the kitchen, and soon returned. She set a slip of paper on the table in front of Hunter.

He turned it over, took money from his pocket to cover the total as well as a generous tip, then stood and offered his hand to Luna.

She took it and stood, then tugged on her gloves. Hunter cupped her elbow with his hand, settled his hat on his head, and then they strolled out into the hot July sunshine.

“I was thinking of the Fourth of July festivities planned for this Saturday,” he said as they meandered along what appeared to be the main thoroughfare in town, where many shops were located. “If you aren’t otherwise engaged, might I request your presence in attending them?”

Luna gave him an odd look. “That’s kind of you to extend the invitation.”

“Entirely my pleasure.” Hunter had no idea why he was speaking so formally or why he felt like his tie was about to strangle him. He’d planned to spend Independence Day in Pendleton with Dally, Nik, the ranch crew, and Nik’s family. He knew Tony and Ilsa would be there, which meant Luna likely would be as well, but he wanted her to be there with him.

The reasons for that longing were something better left alone, though. What was wrong with a man wanting to spend a day with a beautiful woman?

Last he checked, nothing.

Unless, of course, that man was beginning to develop strong, deep feelings for the woman in question and looked for any excuse, regardless of how thin or slight, to be with her. It was a good thing Hunter was too busy for such nonsense.

He stopped and tugged his thoughts in line as Luna gazed at the displays inside a furniture store’s window.

“Would you like to take a look inside?” he asked.

“No, let’s stroll. How much time do we have before we need to board the train?”

He checked his watch. “Two hours and forty minutes.”

“Oh, in that case, then yes, please, let’s look inside.”

Hunter smiled and opened the door.

“Welcome, folks,” a jolly-faced man said in a friendly tone. “What brings you in today? Are you and the missus in need of some fine furnishing?”

Hunter was amused the man assumed they were a couple, but Luna blinked rapidly and glanced at him as though some grievous social blunder had taken place. Before she could correct him, Hunter took Luna’s hand in his and nudged her forward.

“We were walking by, and something caught her eye. Mind if we look around?”

“Not at all, folks. Not at all. My name is Weston, Wiley Weston, if I can be of service to you.” The man politely tipped his head to them, then retreated to a desk in the back corner.

Hunter didn’t relinquish his hold on Luna’s hand, although she tried twice to tug it from his grasp. She finally released an exasperated breath, then proceeded to look around the store. Hunter found a few pieces he liked that he thought would look good in his house if he ever got one ready to live in. Luna seemed intrigued with a white globe lamp festooned with hand-painted violets.

“Do you like it?” Hunter finally asked when she’d studied the lamp from every possible angle.

“Oh, yes. It’s lovely, but I have no need for it. Ilsa has decorated her home with so many beautiful things.”

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