Page 39 of Billionaire Protector

Johnny, Andy and Annie’s red-headed teenage son, emerged from the back with two menus in hand. “Hi Miss Sloan, Mr. Carter. Great job at the events today!”

Sarah smiled wryly. “We didn’t actually win.”

“Yeah, but you could have if you tried. Everyone’s joking about how you guys mistook the balloon toss for a balloon fight.”

Sarah forced a smile. Clearly, they had failed to escape notice, with antics that attracted even more attention. It wasn’t just small town news that travelled fast – gossip made the rounds ever quicker.

“Bobby Fisher told me all about it. Shannon Davidson told him, who heard it from Angie Peters.” Johnny counted on his fingers. “I don’t remember who told her, but I can ask.”

“That’s okay.” Sarah smiled so wide her lips hurt. “It didn’t mean anything. Nope, nothing at all.”

Johnny blinked while Cole grinned. She reached out to give him a little poke in the side, but he captured her hand instead. He didn’t let go.

Johnny’s eyes widened.

Perfect.With a doubt, Bobby would hear about it, then Shannon, then Angie and so forth until it made its way through every man, woman, child and potted plant in Harmony Creek.

Johnny recovered, but the speculative light in his eyes took on new meaning. “We’re sure glad you joined us on Cupid’s Day.”

“Cupid’s Day? What does that mea–” Sarah stopped, blinked at the décor. She’d been so preoccupied with Cole’s attempted coup, she hadn’t noticed the dangling heart shaped lights, scattered rose petals or fabric cupids hanging from the ceiling. She’d definitely missed the sign that said, “A Night Made for Love.”

She slowly turned toward Alcatraz Island’s soon-to-be newest resident. It didn’t matter that the prison had been closed for years – she would find space for Cole. However, before she could demand an explanation, arrest him or both, he held up his hands. “I had no idea. Really.”

From his earnest tone, she believed him, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his amusement. Didn’t he realize what a disaster this was? If people started to get the wrong idea…

Who was she kidding? They already had the wrong idea.

She frowned at the heart-shaped napkins on each table. “It’s just a coincidence. We’re not here on a date or anything. In fact, we don’t even like each other.”

Cole winced. “Ouch.”

Sarah grew warm. “That came out wrong.I mean of course we like each other. A lot.” She grew warmer. “That came out wrong, too. I mean–”

“I think he got it, Sarah,” Cole took her arm, which one definitely shouldn’t do on so-not-a-date and gestured to a secluded table in the corner. “Is this one taken, Johnny?”

“It’s all yours.” The teenager left both menus on the table and walked away. Sarah practically dove into the chair Cole held out for her. He sank into the plush cushions of the opposite seat and picked up his menu.

She didn’t even glance at hers. “You shouldn’t do that.”

“Sit down?”

“Not that.”

“Pick up the menu?”

“You know what I mean.” She lowered her voice. “You shouldn’t hold the chair out for me.”

“Why in the world not?”

She swept her gaze around the space again. Thankfully, the restaurant was still mostly empty, probably due to the lingering festival. No doubt it would fill up quickly as people left the event. “We shouldn’t give anyone the wrong idea.”

“That I’m a gentleman?”

“Obviously not.”

He raised an eyebrow, and she breathed out. “That’s not what I meant. I just don’t want anyone thinking this is a date when it’s not. After the festival, people might get the wrong impression, but it’s not like anything happened.

He looked at her though hooded eyes. Oh yeah. Thatkisshappened. She lowered her voice even more. “I mean nothing happened that anyone saw. Just a big mistake, a one-time thing.”

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