Page 44 of Bridge to Safety

When their server, Dolly, arrived, Rowan ordered three specials before returning his attention to Shiloh. “Thank you again for a wonderful evening last night.”

“I’m sorry I got spooked and cut it short.” Embarrassment burned through her. She’d wondered at his jumping when a car backfired, and then she’d run like a frightened rabbit because of a splash in the lake.

“This whole thing with Larson has us both spooked.” He placed his hand over hers. “I still enjoyed the date. There’s no one I’d rather be spooked with.”

“Silly.” She laughed and straightened as Dolly placed their orders in front of them. A slice of bacon sat on the edge of the plate. “Thank you, Dolly.”

Their server smiled. “Can’t forget the dog.”

Shiloh bit into a biscuit slathered with rich, thick chocolate. She closed her eyes in bliss and savored the flavor.

“If you don’t stop looking like that, I’m going to kiss you right here in front of everyone.”

“Do it, Daddy!”

Shiloh’s eyes popped open to see both of the Reynolds grinning like loons. “It’s very good.” Embarrassed twice in one morning had to be a record even for her.

“You’re cute when your face is all red.”

“Would you shut up and eat?” She laughed and dug back into her breakfast. When she glanced at the table where Duke sat, he wasn’t there.

“He left when your eyes were closed.” Rowan’s eyes twinkled. “Probably couldn’t take the temptation.”

“Stop it.” Her face flushed again. Good grief. She acted like a teenage girl with a crush instead of a grown woman attracted to a handsome man.

“Want to go out again this Friday night?”

“Can I come?” Rachel glanced from him to Shiloh.

“No, sweetie. This is my and Shiloh’s time.”

“Oh, pooh.” She crossed her arms and pouted.

“What are your plans for today?” Rowan dropped his napkin on his empty plate.

“Absolutely nothing except reading on my back deck. You?”

“I have some errands to run. Never seems to be time during the week.”

“I don’t have a little girl to take up my time.” She gave Rachel a one-armed hug. “How about a picnic on Sunday afternoon with all three of us?”

Rachel nodded. “Okay. Can I pick the place?”

“Sure.”

Her forehead wrinkled. “How about your backyard?”

“Really?”

“It’s pretty enough now that you planted flowers.”

Shiloh glanced at Rowan. “Is that all right with you?”

“Absolutely.” His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, then pushed to his feet. “Do you mind watching Rachel for a few hours?”

“Sure. Is everything okay?”

“Melinda Larson is in the hospital. A broken arm and bruises. The sheriff is asking me to go question her. I shouldn’t be gone long.”

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