Page 25 of More Than a Helping Hand

I tap the restaurant’s address into my phone, then pull away from the curb. I messed up by telling Paisley about the choking incident, and now Parker knows. At some point tonight, I’ll need to warn Anderson.

As I drive, I argue with myself. I should have said no to dinner. But the tiny part of me that comes alive when Anderson flirts shot down the idea of turning down his invitation. It’s not just that he’s tall and good-looking. He feels safe. Or maybe I just want him to be safe.

Thanks to construction, traffic was horrible, and I’m ten minutes late for dinner. And when I pull into the parking lot, Anderson is pacing outside the restaurant.

As soon as I shut off my engine, he opens my door. “I worried that you’d changed your mind.”

“I’m sorry for being late. They have a lane closed.”

“Yeah. They do. I should’ve warned you about that.” He holds out his hand. “I’m really glad you came.”

I let him help me out of the car. “Did you say anything to Parker about the choking incident?”

“I had to tell him something because I couldn’t breathe without my discomfort being obvious. But I left your name out of it. Just said that my date saved my life.”

“Well, I messed up. Because I told Paisley that I had to give my date the Heimlich, and she announced it at our family meal today. So Parker knows.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.” He drags a hand through his hair. “He didn’t seem upset about it, did he?”

“Not at all.” I glance down at my hand still in his and tug it free. “And I’m hoping this doesn’t make things awkward for you.”

“It’ll be fine. I think.” He winks as we start walking. “I know this place doesn’t look like much, but the food is really good.”

“Perfect. Because I’m hungry. I got busy and didn’t eat lunch, then ended up waiting because it was too close to dinner.”

“You shouldn’t skip meals. It’s not good for you.”

I remember the woman in the gas station bathroom and laugh. “Telling me what to do will not win you any points.”

Chuckling, he pulls open the door. “And the whole reason I’m here is to earn points with you.”

“Bailey had a great time on Thursday. Thanks for letting her hang out at the ranch.”

“She’s an awesome kid. And she helped out. I enjoyed having her.” He stops just inside the door. “I know you have family here, but if you ever need help, call me. Like when you move.” He nods toward the parking lot. “I have a truck.”

A woman walks out of the kitchen. “Have a seat anywhere. I’ll be right with you.”

I follow him to a table. “I signed a lease yesterday. Brand-new apartment complex.”

“The one down the street from the donut shop?” Acting the part of a complete gentleman, he pulls out my chair before taking a seat.

“That’s the one. I get the keys the Friday after the Fourth. So I might take you up on your offer to help me move.” If he helps me move, he’ll meet my parents. And I can already tell they’ll love him, which is different than my past two relationships.

“I’d love to.” He sets his menu aside. “Will you go out with me again?”

“We haven’t finished this date. How do you know you won’t change your mind?”

He scratches at his beard. “I’ve wondered how it would feel to kiss you five times since you stepped out of the car. I’ve thought about putting my arm around you three times. And I was sad when you let go of my hand. So unless you are going to tell me that you were joking about where the apartment is and you’re actually moving to Timbuktu, I won’t be changing my mind about another date.”

“But moving would be a deal breaker?” We’re skating close to the important stuff I’ve deemed off-limits.

Brow knitted, he takes a moment before answering. “Right now, yes. I need to be close to San Antonio.”

“If you’re divorced and have a kid, please tell me.” I feel hypocritical saying that.

He leans across the table and enunciates every word. “I am not currently, nor was I ever married. And I have no children. But I want to stay close to my sister.”

“Good to know.”

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