“I’ve heard there’s a lot about this town you need to learn to love. I like it here.”
She bit her lip, trying to control the whimper. One date was all she’d agreed to. Would he expect a second, or a third?
“You’re nervous,” he said.
“I’m fine. What about your daughter? Is she the reason you’re staying?” Autumn had visited the library a few times, and they’d been talking. The young woman was charming, sweet, and had a spark inside her that made Prue smile whenever they were near.
Ricky laughed. “I don’t have a daughter.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I just assumed with Autumn being at the library, and with you both having the same last name.”
“I don’t have a daughter. She’s a ward of sorts. You have nothing to worry about. No scary ex coming out of my closet.”
No, you’ve probably killed all your exes.
Crap! I could be next.
“So you are nervous?” he asked.
“I’ve never been on a date before. This is all very new to me.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Well, that’s the truth.”
He took her hand, and she couldn’t help but tense up.
“Then I better show you how good it can be to enjoy a date with me.”
She forced a smile to her lips, and in the back of her mind she made a note to remind any MC that asked her for a favor to warn them that she’s an awful actress.
****
Willy had bypassed the guards, and no one recognized him. He was in his swimming trunks and doing laps in the pool, waiting for Autumn to come for a swim.
The pool was crowded, but it also had all the locals there. He’d already checked the sign in desk, and he imagined her guards had as well, so instead of putting down Willy, he’d put his real name, Bradley Watters.
He didn’t like his real name, and rarely used it anymore.
The moment she entered the pool, he made his way to one of the far corners to simply watch her.
Autumn was graceful as fuck as she walked to the side of the pool. She didn’t jump in like a lot of kids did. She used the steps to climb in, and once she was in the water, she moved toward a lane and began to do laps.
It had been years since he’d gone to any pool, or taken the time to lounge. This felt really … luxurious. After ten minutes of swimming lengths, he moved toward her as she held onto the edge of the pool and stretched out completely.
“You sure know how to swim,” he said, and cringed at his obvious lack of lines. She wasn’t like any woman he’d ever known, and the mystery of her was driving him crazy.
She turned toward him, and he finally saw that her eyes were the deepest blue. For a few seconds, he didn’t know what to say or what to do as she wiped the water from her face.
“Hi,” she said, holding her hand out.
Willy took her hand and gave it a shake. “You’re the new girl in town.” This made her giggle. “Sorry. I’ve lived here all my life, and I can spot the new girl from anywhere.”
“I’m Autumn,” she said. “And we have met before. I’ve seen you a lot around town. You’re always driving one of those big bikes and wearing that leather jacket.”
“You got me. I’m part of the MC in town.”
She nodded, but he saw she withdrew a little. “You’ve not told me your name.”