Page 21 of The Leaving Road

After pulling the dress on, I checked myself out in the mirror. You could only see the beginnings of the tattoo, and the dress fit like a glove. My tan that was still hanging on from summer complimented the black dress. Lexie had done a good job making my makeup look natural, but added a nice smokey eye, and my hair fell mid-back in loose waves. I glanced down at my tattoo that was peeking out underneath the hem and frowned. It was so personal that I was thinking I should change, regardless of how good I looked.

I heard the voices downstairs and since Lance was early, I had no time to accommodate an outfit change. Making the decision to just see how the night went, I left the dress on and made my way downstairs.

“Where are you taking her, and what time will you be home?”

“I didn’t know Magnolia had a keeper.” Lance chortled out. I could tell by the expression on his face that he thought he was being funny, and by the scrunched-up look on Lexie’s face, I knew she did not find it amusing.

“Lex…” I warned.

“There she is!” Lance stalked toward me, no longer paying Lexie any mind.

He scooped me up in a hug.

Seriously, the town should come with a warning. “Rockland: where everyone hugs.”

It took me more than a few seconds to relax in his embrace, and if he noticed, it didn’t deter him one bit. He put me down and spun me around while taking me in.

“You look wonderful, Magnolia.” I saw his eyes skirt down toward the tattoo on my thigh, and I saw the heat flare in his eyes.Feel free to look, big guy, because that’s all you’re getting tonight.As if Lexie knew exactly what I was thinking, she gave me a half smirk, but it wasn’t in full Lexie fashion. She chose that moment to exit and give Lance and me some privacy. However, I stored that little flash of an uncomfortable smile away to ask her about later.

“Why thank you, Lance. Would you like a tour of the house before we go?”

“Why don’t we take off and then you can give me a tour after dinner? I wouldn’t say no to being invited in for a night cap.” He was fast; he snaked his arm around my waist, pulled me in, and kissed the top of my head. I did my best not to cringe, but he caught it and must have realized his forwardness wasnotdoing it for me. I’m all about honesty, but this was a lot.

“Sorry if I’m coming on too strong, Magnolia. I’ve just been waiting all week to take you out, and I’m being a little impatient.” He at least had the decency to look a little embarrassed.

“It’s really okay, Lance,” I offered. “I’ve been looking forward to tonight, too. Let’s just start fresh.” I backed away then turned to look at him and raised my hand for a handshake.

“Hi, Lance, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Magnolia.”

His chest rumbled with barely contained laughter. “Hi, Magnolia. I’m Lance, and I’d love to take you to dinner.”

“Now works for me.”

He was still smiling as he made his way back to my front door and opened it. He stood out of the way so he could hold it open for me.Nice.I smiled at him.

Maybe this would still be a good night.

Lance took us to a seafood and steakhouse in town on the main drag. Even though Rockland was small, there was never a shortage of good food—which was one of the benefits of being on the coast. It was cozy, and they had an outside patio area with a stone fireplace that was just positively dreamy. Twinkly lights adorned the wire fence that blocked the restaurant from the sidewalk, which just added to the charm of it all.I looked around for the name of the place and found it in an elegant scrawl over a beautifully lit awning. “Yulania’s.”

“This place is amazing,” I whispered, and Lance smiled back at me.

“Glad you like it. I hope the food is to your liking as well.”

The hostess led us to the perfect spot outside with a great view of the fireplace. The outside tables were placed far enough apart that you had privacy, and the overstuffed comfy chairs were close enough that it created an intimate environment. As far as venues go for a first date, I was impressed.

“Here is the dinner menu and drink menu. The soups of the day are a lobster bisque and a creamy chowder. Your server will be with you in just a few minutes.” The hostess dropped them in a neat pile in front of us and strode off toward the host stand, leaving us alone. The ride to the restaurant was relatively quick and a little quiet as Lance had to take a quick work call.

“I’m glad you decided to have dinner with me, Magnolia. I realized I hardly know anything about you, other than that you want to hire me to fix up that gorgeous house you call home.” His eyes were looking down at the menu while he spoke.

I cleared my throat. “Yeah, my dad passed away a few months ago. He didn’t want a funeral, so I didn’t have to make it back right away. I’m back to settle his estate, and the house is part of that.”

The server appeared before I could continue. She was a cute, button-nose blonde with a Southern drawl.

“Hi, my name is Remi, and I’ll be….” She looked up from her pad, taking us in, and her lips pursed so hard, I was worried they would bruise. She was looking directly at Lance, and luckily, as her eyes slid to mine, she regained her composure. “I’ll be your server this evening. Can I start you off with something to drink?” Her tone was far more clipped and less carefree than it had been just a few seconds ago. I diverted my eyes to Lance, who seemed just as cool as a cucumber would be.

“Uh…” I was unsure of what was happening, but I could feel the tension or possibly anger radiating from this poor woman.

“I’ll have a glass of pinot noir, whatever is most recommended.” Lance handed her the menu without giving her a glance and kept his gaze firmly planted on mine.

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