Page 67 of The Backup Bride Proposal

She took a sip of her drink. “Nothing wrong with red meat. I’m a fan. Just not every day.”

“It’s hard to grow up in Texas, around all the cattle ranches, and not be a red meat guy.”

“I suppose that’s true. Though I don’t know if I could be around those sweet cows every day, knowing they’re going to be slaughtered for someone’s dinner.”

“And yet you eat meat.”

“I know. It’s an ethical dilemma that I struggle with.”

“Agree. There are arguments to both sides.” He took a drink of beer, then said, “For example, the potential negative effect on the planet from animal emissions. Ethical treatment of animals. On the other side, potential animal overpopulation and its effect on the ecosystem. Producing an overabundance of vegetables can potentially cause the same environmental problems as meat production.”

She blinked. “Wow. You’ve thought about this.”

“I wrote a paper on it in college.”

“No kidding. I’d like to read that.”

He laughed. “No, really, you wouldn’t. It’s long and dry and boring.”

She lifted her glass, took a sip, her gaze never leaving his. “Do I look bored?”

“You look beautiful.” He reached over and slid his knuckles lightly across her cheek. “I want to kiss you.”

“Hmm. I’ll have to think about all the reasons you should. Or shouldn’t. Maybe you could write me a paper about it.”

“Funny.”

Their server returned to take their food order, and promptly disappeared. He liked servers that didn’t linger or make small talk. And he really liked this table in the corner where they had the nice view.

The food was outstanding. It didn’t escape his notice that he and Mae never ran out of things to talk about, whether itwas something philosophical like the ethics of eating meat or something simple like favorite books or movies. They had even discussed the games they’d played as kids. And with every conversation, he found out new things about her. The more he found out, the more he liked.

After he paid the bill they put on their coats and headed outside. He unlocked the car, but before he opened her door he pushed her against the car, wrapped his arms around her and did what he’d thought about doing during dinner. He kissed her—a long, hot kiss. She slid her hand around his neck, lifting up on her toes to press her body closer.

He heard the familiar click of a camera, then another, then another. Immediately jerking back, he cursed under his breath, spotting the photographers he hadn’t even noticed were there when they’d walked out of the restaurant. Hell, for all he knew they’d been inside the restaurant. But now the damage had been done and they’d gotten the shots.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Paparazzi. Let’s go.” He tucked her inside the car, angry that he’d let his guard down. He’d been here before, that moment when he was out in public and he was suddenly surrounded by photographers. It was part of his job and he lived with it. But it wasn’t part of Mae’s life and he felt bad that she was being sucked into it.

He slid into the seat and started the car, getting out of there as fast he could.

“Somehow I get the idea you’re pissed off about what just happened,” she said. “Isn’t this something that happens to you, given your occupation?”

“I didn’t see it coming. I should have.”

“I didn’t see them, either.”

“Not your job. It is part of mine. I let my guard downbecause they haven’t been hovering lately. I should have known better. Now a photo of us kissing will be plastered all over the gossip sites.”

“Oh.” She shifted in her seat and stared out the windshield. “That is a problem.”

He spared her a quick glance. “I’m sorry, Mae. I would have never dragged you into this, exposed you like this—”

“Wait. You’re worried about me?”

“Hell yes, I’m worried about you. I’m used to this bullshit. But you—”

“Can take care of myself, thank you.”

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