Page 78 of Tattered and Torn

“I don’t mean that part. I mean you and Gabrielle, up there by yourselves. How’d it go?”

I fail at keeping a straight face. “It was amazing. She’s amazing. I think she enjoyed it. I know I did.”

Smiling, Nora nods. “Good. Like I said, you deserve someone special, boss.”

After we finish with the horses and gear, I run up to my cabin to clean up. Looks like we’re goin’ out on an official date this evening. I should look my best.

After I step out of the shower, I wipe the condensation off the bathroom mirror and stare hard at my reflection. If Gabrielle’s willing to go out with me—be seen in public with me—then the least I can do is show up for her. Show up all the way—all in. No hiding. No cowardice. No insecurities.

I dress in my nicest pair of jeans, my best brown leather boots, and a white dress shirt with mother-of-pearl snaps. I strap on my watch, then towel-dry and comb my hair.

No hat this evening. No hiding.

I walk over to the lodge and enter through the main doors and cross the lobby. “Hey, Kevin.”

Kevin’s working the guest counter. He does a double-take when he sees me. “Wow, Burke. I almost didn’t recognize you without your hat.” His gaze lands on my scarred face, then he quickly looks away, down the hall. “If you’re looking for Gabrielle, she’s in the restaurant.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

The restaurant is nearly half full this evening. I recognize a lot of folks from town, so I guess word is getting out. Tammy’s standing at the podium. I catch sight of Gabrielle walking through the dining room carrying a water pitcher, stopping from table to table to refill people’s glasses. When she spots me, she stops in her tracks, her eyes widening.

She changes direction and comes right to me, beaming. “Your hat.”

Nervously, I brush my hair. “I thought I’d leave it at home this evening.” I also left my glove.

When she looks at me, I see so much emotion in those beautiful eyes. She knows what a big deal this is for me, to go out without my hat. I’m exposing myself to curious gazes. I’m risking a lot.

She skims my outfit, then reaches up and brushes my hair. “You look very handsome, John.”

I catch her hand. “You look beautiful.” That’s an understatement. Her hair is up in some kind of loose bun, with a couple of ringlets hanging free. She’s wearing those gold hoop earrings again and lip gloss from the looks of it. She’s wearing a cream-colored dress that displays a hint of cleavage, a gold heart locket around her neck, and sandals on her feet. “Peaches and cream.”

She smiles. “Thank you.” And then to my absolute shock, she leans closer and kisses me on the mouth, right out in public. It’s a light kiss, but it’s intentional, and her lips linger a moment against mine.

My heart slams into my ribs.

“I saved us a table,” she says, taking my left hand and leading me across the room to a quiet corner table. “Have a seat. I’ll join you in a moment.”

She fills the two glasses at our table with ice water, then walks back to the podium to have a word with Tammy.

Tammy nods, puts out the PLEASE SEAT YOURSELF sign, and takes over Gabrielle’s server duties.

Gabrielle returns to our table. “How about some chili and cornbread? Nelle made it from scratch since I didn’t have time to prepare anything for this evening.”

“That sounds fantastic,” I say. The evenings are getting cooler as fall approaches, so chili is perfect.

She heads to the kitchen and returns a few moments later with our food. Then she takes a seat opposite me at the two-person table. “Thank you,” she says, holding her hand out.

I take her hand and squeeze it gently.

“You did that for me,” she says.

I know she’s referring to my hat. “I figured I might as well get used to it. If you’re brave enough to be seen with me, then I should at least be brave enough to show myself.”

“I’m not being brave.” She squeezes my hand. “I’m honored to be out with you.”

I see nothing but sincerity in her gaze. I hear nothing but sincerity in her voice. My throat tightens, and I’m at a loss for words. I swallow hard. “Thanks.”

She smiles. “Dig in. I think you’ll like it.”

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