Page 45 of Pick Yourself Up
Gray nodded. “I hope we’re not going to meet any gunslingers.”
She laughed and a gorgeous redhead waved from behind the bar. “Have a seat wherever you like.”
They chose a side table where they’d have a view of the room. Several other tables were full, but neither she nor Gray knew anyone.
The woman appeared with water glasses and a water bowl. “I’m Branna. Am I right in guessing you’re Amber, Gray, and Boomer?”
Gray laughed. “Small-town gossip moves at the speed of light.”
She grinned as she set down the bowl and squatted beside Boomer. “Sean tells me it’s speedier than military gossip. And that takes some beating. Hi, Boomer. I’m Branna and I’m a friend.”
She held out her hand for the dog to sniff while Amber repeated the word friend. It took all of two seconds for Brann and Boomer to become lifelong buddies. “I’ve told Sean to bring in Jabba when he comes. Our mutt enjoys meeting new dogs.”
The list of beer available from the Phail Brewery made her laugh. Along with Marcus’ Straight Arrow Stout, there were Scooby’s Sweet Porter, Slick and Smooth dark lager, Falcon Blonde Ale, the Pilsner Of Oz, and Epic Phail Pale Ale.
Yes, she’d definitely have to make quirky a part of her inn.
The sun set on their drive back to the farm. Intimacy filled the truck while Boomer snoozed in the back seat. Gray had her wait in the truck for him to open her door again. It felt silly and wonderfully romantic at the same time.
They strolled hand in hand, through the starlight and into the orchard where they roamed in silence, enjoying the peace of the night.
She’d never had a first date like this one. One where her heart was already falling for the man. A date where they’d laughed and had fun. New people, new experiences.
When they locked up the farmhouse behind them and arrived at her bedroom door, she wondered if she should invite him in. Finish the first date with an amazing round of sex.
With her siblings just down the hall? Not ideal for their first time.
But doable.
At her door, Gray cupped her face in his hands. “Thanks for an amazing first date, Amber.”
His lips grazed hers softly, gently.
Then harder, more demanding.
When they broke off, her heart galloped as wildly as her libido.
Gray rested his forehead on hers. “Good night. I’m looking forward to date two.”
And then he opened her door, kissed her lightly again, and disappeared into his own room across the hall.
His door closed softly, and she heard him thump his head against the door.
Smiling, she closed her own door behind her and Boomer. She ruffled his fur and hugged him. “That was a perfect date. I’m falling for him, Boomer. Hard and fast.”
Which had her mind roaming back to sex.
Not tonight.
But soon.
Chapter 12
Fired Up
A few days later, Amber was glad the awkward feelings from telling her family about the attack had mostly disappeared. Everyone watched her carefully, and being the focus of attention was difficult, even when it was well intentioned.
She knew her family loved her, knew they wanted to help her and support her. Lawson and Burke alternated daily calls. Knox and Jolie hovered and even offered to take her turn for cooking duty. She shooed them both away.
