He blinked. “How did you know?”
“You have that look.”
“What look?”
She finished a slice of pizza before answering. “That look, the one that’s always studying everyone. Looking for angles or lighting or whatever it is you see through a lens.”
He liked the fact she knew his expressions enough to peg him, because yeah, he’d been thinking what a great black and white shot this setting would have made. But as he stared at her, he thought how amazing she’d look silhouetted against the moon.
“Dex?” She took a healthy swig of beer. “You still with me or are you zoning out again?”
“Now how could I zone out when I’m sitting with the prettiest girl in Bend?”
She rolled her eyes. “Does that line ever work on anyone?”
“First time using it. What do you think?”
“Don’t quit your day job.”
He laughed. “I won’t, trust me. I had such a great day yesterday.” She choked on her beer. “Thought I wouldn’t mention it, huh?”
She shrugged. “Not like what we did is a big secret or anything.” She paused. “What did Anson think?”
“I don’t kiss and tell.” He held a hand over his heart, pretending she’d broken it. “How dare you think I would?”
She laughed. “Save it, Dex. We both know you’re proud of how you wrecked me the other day.”
“I did, didn’t I?” His grin widened. “What did Riley and Ann think of my performance?”
She frowned. “We’re not a bunch of magpies, you know. We don’t share everything.” He raised a brow and she snapped, “We don’t.”
“Look, I don’t mind.” He put a touch of hurt into his next words. “I’m not ashamed of what we did.”
“I’m not either. But I… You’re screwing with me, aren’t you?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He laughed at her and drank his beer. “You’re so fun to tease.”
Her cheeks darkened. “Shut up and eat your pizza.”
He razzed her some more as they ate, but when he started to ask about her day, she looked past him, mouth agape. He turned to look behind him.
“Dad?” Maya said. “What are you doing here?”
Roy Werner stood with a petite blonde on his arm. “Hello, honey. And who’s this?” His eyes narrowed. “Dexter Black? Wow, did you get big. I heard you were back in town.”
“Hey, Mr. Werner. Great to see you again.” Dex stood and shook Roy’s hand.
“Roy, please. Oh, and this is Bev. Bev, meet Dexter and my daughter, Maya. We decided to take in the great weather and the food.”
“Hello.” Bev smiled. “Nice to meet you both.”
Dex greeted her warmly, but Maya seemed a little standoffish, though neither her father nor Bev seemed to notice.
“We don’t want to bother—” her father started to say.
“Why don’t you join us?” Maya invited.
“I’m fine with that,” said Bev, “unless we’re interrupting?”
