Page 15 of Jonathan

His eyes widened as he reluctantly released her hand.

“No. The Kamilah Wilton?”

She laughed charmingly, eyes dancing. “I don’t know if I am famous enough to warrant that statement…”

“Are you kidding me?” Taking her arm, he led her towards the array of prehistoric horses and cattle. The place was nearly empty with only a few people milling around and no one seemed to be paying attention to them.

“I admire your work and your sharp acerbic wit. Your reviews are spot on. Based on that, I find myself eating at restaurants that have been given rave reviews by you. I cannot believe you’re here.”

“Just a little vacation.” Shrugging out of his hold, she stepped back a pace.

“I am on my way to Texas and decided to stop here for a day or two. I arrived during the storm and have been stuck. Where are you staying, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“At a remote cabin that suits me fine. You?”

“At the local inn. Is there a chance that you could have dinner with me? I am leaving tomorrow and would very much like to spend the evening with a beautiful woman. It would make my vacation so much better.”

She started to refuse and decided why the hell not?

“I would love to.”

“Great.” He clapped his hands, blue eyes dancing. “How about the little diner on East Street?”

“What time?”

“Say seven?”

She nodded. “I’ll be there.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He grinned at her and passed a hand over his thinning sandy hair. “I really am.”

“I will see you then.” With a wave, she walked away, leaving him staring after her. Lifting her head, she breathed in the clean air and sighed as the breeze wafted through her sweater.

Unaware that she was being observed, she stopped to look at the building housing the library and decided to take a look.

From across the street at the hardware, Jon shoved his hands into the pockets of his faded denims, a brooding expression on his face.

The jeans she had on looked like they were painted on, and her sweater outlined the slender curves, ones that his hands were now familiar with. Ones he wanted to explore again, dammit! Hissing out a frustrating breath, he entered the hardware to conduct his business.

*****

Putting aide her natural penchant to dissect and critique, Kamilah prepared to enjoy both the meal and the company. Nigel was an uncomplicated individual, a travel writer exploring the small jewels, as he puts it and noting them down for other people to read and enjoy.

“I have been to so many places that I have lost count,” he enthused as they enjoyed the simple fare of buttered salmon and scallop potatoes.

The vegetables were a bit water soaked, but she did not mind one bit. It was a small diner and the service was exceptional, the server friendly. The owner was a big boned African American with a big laugh and a bigger belly.

“I have done some traveling myself,” she said mildly as she picked up her glass of table wine and took a sip. She was enjoying the simplicity of the place and the people, much to her surprise.

“What’s your favorite?” Nigel asked her eagerly. He had been surprised when she accepted his invitation to dinner and had no illusions that a stunning beauty such as Kamilah Wilton would ever take it any further. He was enjoying sitting across from her and just having a conversation.

“This little village in England, by the name of Keswick. Charming and wonderfully green. The air is clean and really reminds me of this place.”

Nigel nodded as he picked up his own glass and took a sip. “I have never been to Keswick, but I have been to several places in the UK, charming little towns with historic buildings.”

He gave her a curious gaze. “I find it hard to believe that a woman with your…, shall we say, looks and sophistication as well as talent should end up in such a small town.”

Laughing softly, Kamilah put aside her glass and resumed eating.

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