Page 27 of Love on the Line

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Anne wiped a palm down her skirt, and Wyatt took a step back. He’d almost kissed her and she’d wanted him to, right until she’d let her brain engage with thoughts of him leaving town. Of course, he’d noticed and backed off. He had to be wondering what he’d gotten himself into.

She picked up the broken flowers from the counter and fiddled with the stems. “Umm…thanks.”

“For what?”

“For these.” Cop out. She grabbed a small glass, filled it with water, and put the short, broken flowers in it. Her back to him, she sighed. “And for…you know…not pushing. I mean any other guy would—”

“Hey, look at me.”

When she turned and faced him, he said in a low tone, “I’m not like any other guy. Let me prove it to you.”

She swallowed. His gorgeous green eyes, shining with emotion and honesty, broke down a piece of her defensive wall. She couldn’t argue. She’d never met anyone like him. But he might be gone in a few short months.

“I’m starving. You ready to go?” Wyatt asked.

He’d been up front with her about the USC job, and she’d still agreed to go out, so she needed to shake off the negativity. She nodded. “Sure, where we headed?”

“Brady’s.” He helped her into her coat.

“Never been there, but I’ve passed it,” she said as they walked down the stairwell to the parking lot.

“Where do you live, anyway?” Anne asked as they drove.

“The Oakville apartment complex near the high school. At least for now.” He shrugged. “It took a while to sell my mother’s house, and I don’t want to build or buy until I know about the USC job. So, I’m renting month-to-month.”

“That makes sense.” Although she’d expected someone famous like him to have one of those huge mansions in the country. For all his notoriety, he sure acted and lived down-to-earth. She glanced at him. “What’s this Brady’s place like?”

“It’s a small pub like Corner Bar. I’m friends with the band that’s playing there tonight. The guitar player, Pete, went to Syracuse with me, and we used to jam together. Not that I had a lot of time. Football kept me busy.”

“Really?” Anne tipped her head. “What did you play?”

“Guitar. I’ve played with them a couple of times, but they’re serious about music, and I’m not that good. It’s a second job for them, playing gigs. I don’t have time with teaching and coaching.”

“That’s for sure.” The work didn’t end when the kids left for the day.

He stopped for a light and flicked on the turn signal. “This is their first time at Brady’s. They’re pretty pumped. If they do well, the owner will book them again, and he pays more than most bars.”

Wyatt pulled into the parking lot. “Wow, this is a big crowd for here.”

“Valentine’s Day. Every place is probably packed.” Anne zipped her coat as they crossed the lot. “You must be happy to be off the crutches.”

“Oh, yeah.” He slung an arm around her as they walked. “Cold?”

“A little.” And she’d use that excuse to tuck herself against his hard, muscular chest.

They entered the building, and the scent of fried food hit her. The hostess’s face lit up when she spotted Wyatt. “Pete said you were coming. I saved a table for you.”

“Hey, thanks a lot. I know you don’t take reservations,” Wyatt said.

“Only for special customers.” She winked at him and grabbed two menus. “Follow me.”

Anne would have to get used to Wyatt knowing everyone and calm the green beast that reared its head every time another woman flirted with him.

He took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. And just like that, the beast disappeared. He was with her.

Unlike the diner, the bar was splashed with cupids and decorations, but not overdone. They ordered a couple of beers and some burgers.

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