Page 14 of Big Deal Sweetheart

NOVA PRETENDED TO BEshocked, looking around the restaurant frantically. “Oh, I feel like I need a witness for this. Do you mind if I record you saying that again? I don’t think I heard you correctly, nor do I think you say that often.”

His laughter had several other customers turning toward them. She had to admit, his laugh was every bit as sexy as his voice. She was only half joking about recording him, maybe. Okay, inwardly she could admit she really wanted to hear his voice even when he was gone. It had to be due to the fact she hadn’t had a date in a few years, not since captain jackhole.

“Alright, your turn. Did you always want to be a stylist?” Keifer asked.

She thought of all the barbie dolls who had been victim to her experimental days as a kid and nodded. “I think so. Well, I did think I was going to be a rockstar once. I was in the school choir, and I must admit, I was quite good. Now, while most people will say they can’t carry a tune, but I’m not one of them. I’m no Lady Gaga, but I can hit the right notes. Sadly though, it was not meant to be.” She put her hand to her forehead, letting out a sigh that would do even the best actress proud.

“I’d love to hear you. What’s your favorite music to listen to?”

While they finished eating and drinking their coffee, they discussed their favorite things, finding they both enjoyed rock from the eighties and a little bit of everything in-between. They were both fans of Chris Stapleton, and loved The Blues and R&B. She couldn’t imagine the impeccably kept man across from her actually listening to some of the bands he had claimed to like, but when she’d quizzed him on lyrics, he’d known them.

“Alright, one more. Who sings this‘Hangman is coming down from the gallows and I don’t have very long’?”

Keifer sat back, placing his hands over his stomach, drawing her eyes. “Seriously? That’s an easy one. You sure you don’t have something a little more...challenging?”

She sat forward, dragging her eyes away from his hands. “Are you stalling for time, Mr. Sparks?”

“Oh mama I’m in fear for my life from the long arm of the law.Styx, baby. The jig is up,” he sang another bit, finishing with a laugh.

Her stomach fluttered, a thousand butterflies taking flight at his rendition of one of her favorite bands along with the way he’d called her baby in his deep voice. Goodness, she was sure her panties were totally soaked from their casual banter.

“Can I get you two anything else?” Flora asked from beside their table.

Nova looked at the time, wondering how it had gotten so late. “Shoot, I need to check on Nana.”

Flora waved her hand. “No need, hun. She called a few minutes ago and asked if I saw you, to tell you that Harold had brought her dinner. She also wanted me to let you know he was visiting her for the evening.”

“Who is Harold, and what does that mean?” Nova lifted the napkin off her lap, wondering if Harold was a good man, or shit. What kind of person doesn’t know who was coming to her Nana’s house?

“Harold Rhett’s the postmaster, and he’s a super awesome man. No need to worry, hun. Now, if you two don’t need anything, I’m going to go into the back. Just holler if you need me.” Flora took the empty plates.

“Everything was delicious, Flora.” Keifer indicated the table, which had been cleared.

The other woman beamed down at him, sending the green monster of jealousy into a frenzy. Ugg, she was such a weirdo. She had no hold on Keifer.

“Are you ready to go?” Keifer asked.

“Oh, sure.” She pushed backward, feeling like a fool.

Keifer pulled his wallet out, putting a twenty on the table. Clearly, he was a good tipper. She hated that her first thought was he was wanting to make a good impression so that Flora remembered him.

“Here, let me help you.” Like the gentleman he was, he held her coat for her while she struggled to get control of her emotions. The man would be leaving and then so would she, both going back to their real lives. Why then did she wish she could have more time with him?

“See you two later,” Flora called, walking out with a smile.

“Bye, Flora.” Keifer called but didn’t say more.

“Burr, it’s cold out.” She shivered on the sidewalk.

“That it is. Since your Nana has company, would you like to have a nightcap with me in the lounge at the Bed and Breakfast? Delilah is staying with her grandparents, and while I usually find myself looking forward to digging into work, tonight I don’t.” Keifer moved to stand in front of her, his back to the wind, blocking it from her.

“That sounds lovely. Maybe we can do karaoke,” she joked.

His white smile flashed down at her. “Don’t bet on it.”

He gripped her elbow and began walking toward the Sweetheart Bed and Breakfast. She shivered for another reason all together. Tonight, she was going to go with the flow and grab whatever happiness, or rather pleasure, she could. There, she’d admitted that to herself. Happiness and pleasure had been in short supply for her. Not in her business and friendships, but in her personal life, it had. Her ex had done a number on her psyche, making her think it had been she who had made him run to others throughout their two-year relationship. While she’d been a virgin, she’d thought she had been good until that fateful blow up.

Entering the Bed and Breakfast, the warmth enveloped them. She looked around for the owners, or anyone who might know her or her Nana, relief filling her with renewed energy at the empty space. Luck was on her side when nobody she knew was around. Keifer steered her toward the large room where guests would gather near the fireplace and a large piano. She guessed one of the owners must’ve played at one time or another.

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