Page 4 of Finding Her Leading Man

Trevor reached out, gripping her shoulder to steady her. Just who he’d hoped to see. “These stairs seem to be lucky for me today.”

She brushed his hand away from her arm. “Knocking women over isn’t luck, it's clumsy.” She sniffed. Her nose was red.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” Were the tears shining in her eyes from the bastard who’d cheated on her? Jasper didn’t deserve her tears or heartache.

“No. It’s nothing.” She started to push past him. Going on instinct, he blocked the way. Her eyes flicked up to meet his. “Excuse me.” He liked that snap in her voice. And whereas he wasn’t usually pushy, something about Samantha made him want to push.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Her eyes scanned the doorway he blocked before narrowing. “Weren’t you going somewhere with Grayson? It’s not very professional for an agent to be late, is it? Besides, I need to get back to the diner.” She tilted her chin up, challenging. She either tried to look in control or defiant.

Either way, that stubbornness made her even more kissable. Those full lips, no lipstick, were a pretty rosy color that stood out against her warm skin tone.

He enjoyed dating women. The chase. Getting to know someone new. Hell, he even appreciated the rejection. Addie had called him a player once. He never played the women he dated any other way but straight.

A date.

Not a relationship. He didn’t have time for one.

“I came back to change into workout clothes. How long are you planning on staying in town? I’d like to take you out if you’re up to it.”

She crossed her arms. “Look, you seem like a nice guy, but I’m not interested. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, so—”

“You’re right. I am a nice guy. I have an entire backlist of corny jokes to entertain you. I’m housebroken and up to date on all my shots. I can even give you three stunning references if you need them.” He grinned bigger when she rolled her eyes. “C’mon. I’m serious.”

“I don’t want references. Going on a date isn’t like a job interview.”

“You’re right. It’s dinner and great conversation.”

She huffed. “You think pretty highly of yourself.”

“My references can attest to it.”

“To what? That you’re a great date or that you’re conceited?”

Trevor barked out a laugh. “Fair enough. My reference can at least tell you that I’m harmless. I’m in town for the next three and a half weeks. My sister’s getting married.” Trevor leaned on the stairway wall, blocking her exit. He’d accomplished his first goal. She looked thoroughly annoyed. That was better than crying.

“Who’s your sister?”

Good. Get her talking and then maybe she’d agree to dinner.

“Addison Johnson. Everyone calls her Addie. About this tall and brown eyes. Blond hair. She’s marrying Cameron Dempsey.”

“The Sheriff?”

“Yes, he was just elected. You know, I still need a date for the wedding.” He smiled and nodded. “C’mon, you know where I’m headed with this…”

Samantha’s lips twitched. Not quite a smile, but better than a frown. “I don’t even know them well enough to go to their wedding. I’ve seen your sister and Sheriff Dempsey the few times they’ve come into the diner, but that’s it.” Her gaze focused on her feet. “And I don’t know when I’m leaving. I’m leaving in a few weeks. I have a few things back in New York, still up in the air.”

That was an understatement based on what he’d learned. “What time are you off today?”

She cut her eyes up at him. “I told you I’m not interested. I meant it. I just got out of averylong-term relationship in averybad way, and men are not at the top of my list of people to hang out with at the moment.”

He held his hands up, knowing he should back off, but also knowing he couldn’t. He’d push both Addie and Grayson if they were trying to hide.

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