Page 27 of Forever To Me

I swallow hard. Take a sip of water. Try to push down the sudden knot in my chest.

Because none of this is real.

It’s just a meal. Just a quiet night. Just anillusionof something that was never meant to be mine. He’s a friend. And Maggie’s friend. I can’t let anything get in the way of that.

But when I glance up again—when I catch him watchingme with that unreadable look in his eyes, like maybe he’s feelingittoo?—

I know, deep down, I’m already in trouble.

I clear my throat and smile. “Not a problem. I love to cook and rarely have people to cook for,” I tell him as I sit across from him, trying to play it cool.

But I’m not cool. Not even close to cool. I’m nervous as hell.

“I have a question,” I ask as he takes a bite, and his eyes widen in surprise.

He taps his fork on his plate. “This isreallygood.”

“Thank you,” I say as I clear my throat.

“What’s your question?” he asks as he looks over at me, his eyes warm and sweet.

Damn, why does he have to be so sweet? When he looks at me like that, I forget everything that I’m doing and thinking.

“I was wondering if you ever found a bartender. I saw you were looking for one,” I ask.

He clears his throat and says, “I haven’t.”

“Oh,” I say quickly, taking a bite and looking away.

“Why? Interested in bartending?” he asks as he studies my face.

“I am. I wanted to find a part-time job,” I admit. “But I’ll find something.”

He nods, and we eat quietly. He looks at peace and says, “Red, that was the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Thanks for fixing the drain. I’ll take care of these,” I say as I take our plates and rinse them.

“Let me help,” he says as he reaches for the plates, and our fingers brush, sending a zing through my body. His touch is familiar, reminding me of our night together.

“It’s okay, I’ve got it,” I tell him as I finish putting the food away and take the dishes from himto dry.

“I insist. I always try to help Maggie, too,” he says as his eyes meet mine.

“I’m glad she has you,” I tell him as I hand him the dish towel.

“I’m pretty sure I’m luckier to have her. I’ll keep an eye out for anyone hiring around here,” he says as he searches my eyes.

“Please do,” I tell him as I tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear. “I’d appreciate it.”

He glances over at my guitar and the notebook with a pen tucked into it on top of the desk. An expression crosses his face, and he looks irritated for a moment, then says, “I gotta run. Thanks for dinner.”

“Have a good night,” I say as he heads out the door and doesn’t look back.

I watch him walk to his truck and wonder what that was about. Busying myself with a few guests needing things, I tidy up the office for the night.

Walker’s a man of mystery, that’s for sure.

I quickly get my work done for the evening and help a few customers, but I can’t help but feel like I’m floating on a cloud after spending time with him. It was a great evening.

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