Page 53 of Chasing Sunrise

She was anything but a mess. Her short, black hair was slightly mussed, like he’d just run his fingers through it. She wore a green tank top and cut-off shorts. Honestly, she couldn’t look better if she’d just stepped out of a salon. Instead of saying that, he said, “You’re cranky.”

“Only when people barge in uninvited.”

Barking sounded outside.

Her brows furrowed.

“Edward’s in the back yard scaring squirrels away.”

“You’re trying to use a sweet dog to make me forget you invaded my privacy?” she accused.

“I also want to take you to lunch.”

She stared at him for a second, as if lost in thought. He wondered what was going through her head. Then she nodded. “Let me take a quick shower.”

~

Amanda shut the bathroomdoor and leaned back against it, frustrated with herself.Nohad been on the tip of her tongue when he mentioned wanting to take her to lunch. She couldn’t make herself say it. He looked too expectant, too playful, too gorgeous. Her traitorous heart had ruled in that moment of decision. How was she going to stop her growing feelings for him?

Eager to spend time with him, she showered quickly, dried her hair, made her face, and dressed. Kasey took her to a diner that looked like a throwback to the fifties. Shiny chrome gleamed everywhere, from the counter with stools to the tables and chairs. Plastic white tablecloths draped across every table. The workers were dressed in white and wore pointy white hats.

Kasey pulled out her chair and sat across from her.

Laminated menus were trapped between a napkin holder and salt and pepper shakers on the table. She reached for one at the same time he did and their hands brushed. His warm skin kissed hers.

They looked at each other.

“Kasey,” a female called.

They broke eye contact and turned toward the voice.

An older waitress, red hair in a bun, shuffled to their table. “It’s wonderful to see you.”

He stood and bussed the woman’s cheek. “Ms. Bonnet, how are you?”

“Always working.” She smiled.

“Ms. Bonnet, this is Amanda Crane. She’s a counselor at Goodson High School.” He returned to his seat.

“Welcome, Amanda. What can I get you?”

“Do you trust me to order for you?” Kasey asked.

Instinctively, she knew she could trust the man with anything. Which was silly since she hadn’t known him long. Even so, in her heart, she knew. “I do.”

“Two number fives.”

The woman wrote on her notepad. “To drink?”

“Punch,” he added.

“I’ll put the order in.” Ms. Bonnet hurriedly made their drinks and set them on the table.

Amanda took a sip, surprised to find the punch carbonated. “This is terrific.”

While they waited, Kasey told her about his last two weeks. She cackled at his account of the penguins and was impressed when he told her about his excursions on the glaciers.

“Have you ever seen a glacier?” He lifted his glass to his lips.

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