“What are you doing?” Bess asked in a loud whisper.
“I’m going to ask.” I turned toward the gal behind the counter. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.” She leaned forward and offered an eager smile, the same one I’d seen too many times to count.
“What’s the most romantic city in the world?”
Her eyes sparkled with interest. She probably thought I was hitting on her. “Um, I’ve never been there, but I’d probably have to say Paris.”
“Really? What about New York? Standing at the top of the Empire State Building and looking out across the city?”
“Well, anywhere would be romantic if I was there with you.” Her voice came out low and husky.
I backed up, doing my best to make it clear I wasn’t interested. “Uh, thanks.”
Her brow furrowed like she couldn’t believe I hadn’t taken the bait.
“What did she say?” Bess still had her arms crossed when I returned to the table.
“You got one, okay?”
Her lips split into a stunning smile. “I told you so. Someday I’m going to go there and then I’ll be able to see it for myself. In the spring or early summer when all the flowers are in bloom.”
“I’m not ready to admit defeat. How about we make a bet?” I wanted to see her again. It sounded like a fucking cliche, but she was like a breath of fresh air sweeping into town. I wasn’t sure what I was most attracted to, her girl-next-door appeal or the fact she wasn’t a jaded old soul like me.
“I’m not sure. What do you have in mind?” She drained the last of her sugary sweet drink.
“I’ll ask a hundred people. If the majority say Paris, then I’ll buy you dinner and take you to the most romantic place in Maplewood.”
“And if you ask the wrong people and I don’t win?”
“Then you buy me dinner and take me somewhere you think is romantic.” Either way, I’d get what I wanted… more time to spend with Bess.
“Like a date?”
I shrugged. “Call it whatever you want. Could just be a friendly wager between new friends.”
“Friends.” She nodded. “I guess that makes you my first friend in town.”
I had no intention of letting myself get relegated to the friend zone, but if that’s where I had to start, so be it. “Okay then, friend. You need to get some work done, and I’ve got a few more errands to run. Should I come back in a couple of hours to grab your tire and take you back to your bike?”
“Oh, um, that’s okay. My dad said he’d come pick me up. I can’t wait to hear the results of your survey though. How long do you think it’s going to take for you to ask a hundred people?” She arched her brows, clearly comfortable enough to tease me.
“Not as long as you think. Here, put your number in my phone so I can let you know the results.” I slid my phone across the table and waited for her to add her info to my contacts.
“There you go.”
Our fingers brushed as she passed it back to me. My hand actually tingled. There was something between us, and I was determined to figure out what it was.
“I’ll text you my progress to keep you in the loop.” I tucked my phone in my pocket and held out my hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Bess. I’m looking forward to dinner.”
Her hand slid into mine. “Nice meeting you too. I can’t wait to find out where you’ll be taking me.”
I laughed, a deep chuckle that came straight from my belly. It had been a while since I’d engaged in this kind of banter, and I was enjoying myself more than I expected.
“I’d better take advantage of that Wi-Fi.” She pulled her hand away and bit down on her bottom lip again. I wondered if she would make that face when she was about to come. I was probably a long way away from finding out, but it felt like I needed to make it my life’s mission.
“Until next time.” I turned to go, already missing her warm smile. I’d planned on fitting in a nice long ride before heading to the clubhouse, but I was out of time. Spending the morning with Bess had been worth it though.
