“You don’t owe me dinner.”
“Yes, I do.”
“I can’t let you buy my meal,” Caleb protested.
“Why not?”
“Because that’s not how dates work. The gentleman pays for the meal,” he patiently explained.
Harlow crossed her arms, mustering up her best indignant pose. “Caleb Jackson, this is not a date. It’s a thank-you dinner.”
“Call it what you want. You’re in my truck, all dolled up and looking hot if I might add. We’re having dinner together. Sounds like a date to me.”
“I never would have agreed to go on a date.”
“Why not?”
“Because the ink is barely dry on my divorce papers.”
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your ex has already moved on.”
“So you heard Robert and Cheyenne were hanging out?” Harlow asked.
“Yeah. One of my buddies was in the bar at the time and sent me a picture,” Caleb said.
“I’m sorry if he wrecked your relationship with her.”
“I believe I may have mentioned this before, but we weren’t in a relationship. We spent some time together. Cheyenne isn’t my type.”
The words slipped out of Harlow’s mouth before she could stop them. “Who is your type?”
“You.”
“I didn’t mean to say that.”
“I did. I meant to say you. I’m glad you asked, because now we’ve cleared the air.”
“I’m not interested in a relationship,” Harlow insisted.
“The good news is I’m in no hurry.” Caleb changed the subject. “I heard your backup offer for Lighthouse Lane was accepted.”
She whistled loudly. “News travels fast.”
“It’s a small island with only a few hundred full-timers. You’re a mega movie star. Of course, news is going to spread like wildfire.”
“Which means everyone will know we’re having dinner together,” she pointed out.
“And those at Wendovers on the Water will find out the fastest. There is a chance, albeit slim, we’ll run into your ex and Cheyenne.”
“I hope not.”
“We can go somewhere else. They have the best seafood on the island, although they’re a little on the pricey side.”
“Price doesn’t matter,” Harlow said. “A quality meal is worth every penny, not to mention calorie.”
Caleb coasted to the stop sign, waiting for a pair of pedestrians to cross the street. “You’re not buying dinner.”
“I am.”
