Page 27 of The Lyrics of Love

“Ready,” he said.

“Why are you bringing that with you?” she questioned.

“It’s my back-up plan. You’ll see.”

They went to their cars and she said, “Since I’m parked behind you, why don’t we drive separately? That way, after dinner we can both head home.”

She didn’t want to commit just yet to having to come back to his place or have him at hers. What she was feeling inside was so new and fragile, she didn’t want to push too hard or too fast.

“Then I’ll see you there,” Nash said, opening her door for her and seeing her into the car before moving toward his truck.

As Rylie backed down the long driveway, she saw him place the guitar in the back cab and then get behind the wheel. She had no idea why he would bring his guitar to town. She doubted he would serenade her again after having done so already and knew he wouldn’t want to draw attention to himself in public. She decided to trust him as he had asked and pushed the questions from her mind.

As she drove to the town square, Rylie thought back to their conversation. It had been easy. Comfortable. She had had many first dates where she and a man had danced around each other, exploring and poking as they tried to find out about one another and see if a second date might be warranted. She had felt so at ease with Nash, though, that it felt different from that. More like two new friends discovering things about one another—and liking what they learned. She still didn’t know what this second attempt at a relationship might be like. He still was bruised from his ex and her behavior. Nash had admitted he had never even loved his wife, which threw a big red flag up in her face. She found it hard to believe the country superstar had changed his mind about marriage. He would only be in the Cove a short while.

And yet here she was, on her way to have dinner with him.

Maybe as she stuck her toe back into the dating pool, she didn’t need to leap into the deep end. Instead, perhaps she was meant to have a starter relationship. One she could have with Nash. One which would help her get back in practice as far as dating went, before Nash left and she moved on to someone and something more permanent. The idea of being in bed with Nash Edwards did more than interest her.

She pulled into a parking space across from the diner, one facing the gazebo. Nash eased his truck into the spot next to her. They both got out of their vehicles and as they headed toward Sid’s Diner, he took her hand. Hers felt small as his larger one engulfed it.

“Are you sure you want to make this kind of statement? Walking into the diner holding hands?”

His lopsided grin almost did her in as he said, “It’s exactly the statement I want to make. You’re off the market, Rylie Robinson. At least for now.”

His words stunned her. They hadn’t talked about any kind of commitment to one another during his time in the Cove. Yet Rylie was willing to go where Nash was leading. At least for the time being.

They stepped into the diner, which was about half-full, and Nancy greeted them. Her eagle eyes went first to their joined hands and then back up to their faces. Rylie realized the moment Nancy recognized Nash from the expression on the owner’s face.

“Welcome to Sid’s Diner,” Nancy said brightly. “It’s always good to see you, Rylie. It’s nice to have you visiting the Cove, Mr. Edwards.”

“Call me Nash,” he told her. “Could we get a booth, please?”

“You got it.”

They followed Nancy the length of the diner, to a booth in the back corner next to the kitchen. Rylie heard conversations begin to die down as they passed, people gawking at Nash. Then a heavy buzz blanketed the diner as patrons began discussing the newest customer who had entered.

Handing them both menus, Nancy said, “I’m Nancy Mayfield, Nash. Used to teach until I married Sid and went to work at the diner. Sid’s no longer with us, but I keep things running exactly the way he did.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Nancy,” Nash said, sounding as if he meant it. “I’m a fan of diner food and have been looking forward to eating here since I got to town yesterday. I came here because my drummer is from Salty Point and recommended the area to me. I hope to write a lot of songs while I’m here.”

His gaze went from Nancy to Rylie, causing a delicious warmth to ripple through her.

“I hope you will enjoy your time in the Cove, Nash. Any drinks for you?”

“Iced tea for me,” Rylie said.

“Make it two,” Nash said.

“I’ll be right back with those drinks and take your order then,” Nancy said, moving away from their booth.

Rylie faced the patrons in the diner, while Nash faced her and the door to the kitchen. He asked, “Is every eye in the place on us?”

“It is except for those on their phones, texting others. I’m afraid the diner will fill up rather quickly now. I’m just waiting for the first brave soul to come over and ask for your autograph or a picture with you,” she said worriedly.

“Give me your hand,” he ordered.

She placed it on the table, and he took it. “Maybe if they see I’m with my lady, they’ll leave us alone. I doubt it. But it’s worth a try—and it gives me an excuse to hold your hand.”

---