Page 13 of Big Deal Sweetheart

Keifer figured it was the former, but he was trying to be funny, something his daughter said he’d been lacking since forever. She had drawn the last word out in her typical teen way.

“You’ll have to be a really good killer to get one over on me. I’m slippery like an eel and a ninja.” Nova made a few karate chopping motions with her hands, ending with a little yell.

He chuckled at her display, placing his hand on her elbow as they walked down the street. The gesture was a little difficult through her thick coat. “Impressive. Good thing I’m only here to take you for coffee then.”

The coffee shop wasn’t far from the salon, which he was grateful for, since he still only had the coat he’d brought, that was more stylish than good for the blowing cold they’d encountered. If they were staying any longer, he’d have purchased a new one.

“I’m paying for coffee since you got dinner last night,” he said, not caring she’d planned to come there first.

“Okay, but I’m gonna warn you I’m getting a pastry too.” She smiled up at him, happiness making her dark eyes sparkle.

Shit, he needed to look away or he’d say something stupid like he’d buy her the whole damn store. “What’s good here?”

“From what I’m told everything, but by this time we’ll probably have a limited selection. Hi, Flora,” Nova greeted the woman behind the counter.

“Nova, it’s so good to see you again. How’s Nell doing?” Flora leaned on the counter.

“She’s doing better. The swelling wasn’t as bad this morning as it was over the weekend. I’ll tell you, that woman doesn’t know the meaning of taking it easy, but she’s listening better, since she knows she can’t go back to work unless the doctor gives the go ahead.”

He had been picturing a little grey-haired woman who sat around crocheting. He wondered what kind of work she could possibly do in the small town. He stayed quiet thinking they’d divulge more.

“What can I get for you two?”

“What’s the special for the day?” Nova asked, bending down to look into the case.

If they’d been anywhere else and she’d not been wearing the thick coat, he’d have been able to ogle her curvy little figure. Shit, he really needed to get his mind off of Nova and sex.

“We still have some tomato basil bread. I can whip together a couple sandwiches and soup. Plus, I have raspberry danishes, and of course, any latte or coffee is fresh as well.” Flora smiled his way.

“Oh, I bet Nana would love a sandwich and soup. How about you, Keifer?” Nova stood back up and looked over her shoulder.

At that moment, his stomach growled, answering for him. “Sounds delicious. Make that two for me and whatever the lady wants.” He fished his wallet out while perusing the coffee selection. He hadn’t lied when he said he could drink the stuff before bed and still fall asleep within moments, usually.

They placed their orders then found a table. He took Nova’s coat before she sat, hanging it on the back of her chair before doing the same with his own.

“Thank you.”

He didn’t miss the way her cheeks turned an enticing shade of pink at his actions. Either she wasn’t used to men doing things for her, or she was as aware of him as he was her.

“So, tell me about yourself, Nova.” He clasped his hands on the table in front of him, truly wanting to know more.

Nova pulled her gloves off before she answered him, making him think she wasn’t going to. “I’m pretty boring, actually. Twenty-seven, only child to two amazing parents who met by chance and decided they didn’t want more babies after having such a perfect one first. Hint, I was the perfect child.” She winked at him. Her dark lashes, which he knew plenty of women paid big bucks for but hers were probably real, feathered over her high cheekbones for a moment.

“Your modesty is remarkable. Do go on.” He sat back as the waitress delivered their sandwiches on glass plates along with their drinks.

“Okay, your turn,” Nova said.

Keifer shook his head, knowing she was steering the conversation away from her, but he was a master at doing the same. “As you know, I’m the proud father of a fifteen-year-old who clearly had, notice the past tense, a fake ID. I’m sure she can procure another one once we get home. I’m hoping that she stops and thinks really hard before doing so. I plan to be more present and aware in the future.” An admission he hadn’t made to anyone else.

“Lots of kids have them. If it’s any consolation, she didn’t appear as though she was used to brandishing the ID, nor did it look like mine that has been used and abused many times.”

Thoughts of the gorgeous woman across from him being used and abused made him clench his fork tighter. No woman should ever be...he cut off his thoughts and the primitive need he had to take care of Nova. She was a woman he’d met by chance and would never see again after they left Colorado.

“Yeah, well if I have anything to say about it, she won’t be getting the opportunity to do so again. Fifteen is too damn young to go into places meant for adults. Getting her hair done is one thing. Clubbing and all the things that can happen in a big city are quite another,” he growled.

“For sure. I’m glad you found out now, instead of by a late night or early morning phone call. You seem like a very good and caring father. Just remember, she’s a girl with all the hormones that come along with being one. Sometimes she might need a woman to talk to.” Nova took a sip of her coffee after her little speech.

Keifer’s first instinct was to deny her words. He’d always been the one his daughter ran to when she had a problem. He wanted to be there for her if and when she needed him, but what Nova said made sense. Making a mental note to think of who in their circle he felt was best suited to be that person, he relaxed back in the seat. “You’re right.”

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