Page 26 of All Because of You

Should he just walk away, hands given up in defeat?

Instead, he squeezed Madison’s fingers. “Just one date. You can ask me anything, and I promise to answer truthfully. Then you can determine for yourself what you think of me.”

She swallowed hard, the smooth skin along her neck rippling with the motion. “I guess Chrissy believed in you. So, OK.”

“OK?” He couldn’t help the laugh that stumbled from his mouth.

“Yes. OK.” She checked her watch then stood. “Text me details, if you don’t mind. I have to go. I’ve got a meeting at the bank to discuss Aunt Chrissy’s—well, my—finances.”

“Will do. And Madison? Thanks.”

She stood, unsmiling. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Turning, she headed back inside, leaving Evan sitting there smiling like a fool.

“What was that all about, son?”

His dad’s voice startled him out of his thoughts about where to take Madison on their date. Looking up, he found the mayor standing there, a boxed salad in hand.

“What? Oh. Nothing.” Evan held Dad’s stare.

“Is that the girl causing all the trouble? The reason Hank Aldrin just called me in a rage?”

Evan wanted to call out Dad for his clear derision when speaking about Madison. But he wouldn’t engage. Lot of good that would do. “Yes, that’s Madison Price.”

Dad sat in the seat Madison had vacated. “I overheard you making plans to take her out.”

“Yes.” The mayor would think him a traitor. Well, too bad.

His dad studied him a moment then nodded. “I have to admit, Evan, I didn’t think you had it in you. I’m impressed.”

Wait, what?

His dad ignored the perplexed look Evan was giving him and opened his salad, squirting the packet of Ranch dressing all over the lettuce greens. With a lowered voice, he continued. “You saw what needs to be done, and you figured out how to accomplish it, no matter the personal cost to yourself. That takes guts, son. And I admire you for it.”

“And what is it that needs to be done?”

Stabbing a cherry tomato, his dad brought it to his mouth. “We want her to recognize that opening her store is a mistake, of course. That it’s selfish for her to take away the jobs and lowered prices that her fellow townspeople could enjoy if Herman Hardware provided for the home improvement needs of the town. And who better to do that than someone she’s dating, who she trusts? Bravo, son. I’m confident you’ll get us what we want in no time.” He bit into the tomato, and some of the juice dribbled onto his lips. He quickly swiped away the mess.

Evan couldn’t help staring at him. How could his father think he’d do that to a woman?

Ironic, really. Because that’s the man he was trying really hard not to be anymore. And his dad had made it clear thatthatman had been an embarrassment, a disappointment.

His head hurt. His dad had referred to what they “wanted,” but with every interaction, it was becoming clearer to Evan that he wanted Madison. But he also wanted that promotion.

And he was starting to wonder if it were possible to have both.

Chapter 7

How had Evan known to come here?

Madison climbed from the truck, breathless as she looked out across Baker Community Park. What started as a field of grass boasting a children’s playground and barbecue pits became sand then sea. The ha-ha-ha of seagulls echoed from the ocean as the birds swooped against the waves and beach searching for their next meal. On either side of the six-acre park, brown bluffs rose to meet the horizon. Waves pummeled the rocks, which escalated at a gentle slope, forming natural seats along the way.

Perfect for watching the show below.

Evan stood next to her clutching the truck door. Even in his casual pullover sweater and jeans, he was achingly handsome, but the most adorable thing about him was the uncertain yet hopeful expression that lit his face. “Your aunt talked about this place a lot, so I thought—”

“It’s perfect.” She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in the tangy scent of salt-tinged air. Then she opened them and found Evan watching her. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she stepped aside so he could shut the door. “Where to?”

He reached into the backseat and pulled out a blanket and basket. Wow. A picnic? She had figured they’d just hit a place in town for lunch, but this was so much better.

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