“We’ll see about that.”
Reaching the main street, Caleb dodged several snowmobiles and a couple of winter bikes before finding an empty parking spot.
She grabbed the door handle, and Caleb stopped her. “At least let me escort you.”
He hopped out and ran around to the other side. Opening the door, he reached out to steady her as she stepped onto the slippery sidewalk. “Thank you.”
“I can’t have you slipping and falling on my watch.” Caleb leaned in. “Have I mentioned that not only do you look beautiful but you smell nice?”
Harlow placed her hands on her hips. “Caleb Jackson…are you flirting with me?”
“I’m trying my best. For the record, you’re not making it easy.” Taking her arm, he escorted her along the sidewalk and into the lobby. The hostess gave them a passing glance and then did a double take. She hurried toward them. “Good evening.”
“Hello.” Caleb greeted her. “We didn’t make a reservation but were hoping you had a quiet table for two.”
“Let me see what’s available.” She returned to the podium and picked up her marker. “We have a table in the back overlooking the water.”
“Perfect.” Keeping a light hand on Harlow’s arm, the couple followed the woman down the center aisle.
Harlow noticed several heads turn and whispered voices echoing as they strolled past. She kept her eyes straight ahead, not looking to the right or left.
“Our special this evening is filet mignon and stuffed lobster with potatoes au gratin and petite peas.”
Caleb pulled out Harlow’s chair and waited for her to be seated before taking the one next to her.
“You’re sitting close to me,” she whispered under her breath after the hostess left.
“It makes it easier for us to talk.”
“It makes us look like we’re a couple.”
“I don’t have a problem with others believing this is the case.” Caleb’s eyes twinkled mischievously as he reached for his glass of water and took a sip. “You’re the prettiest woman in here. Every man should be jealous.”
“You could end up on the front pages of the national gossip magazines by morning.”
“Really?” Caleb turned his head from side to side. “Which side is my best? I want to make sure I turn so they get my best side.”
“This isn’t funny,” she hissed. “I’m not kidding.”
“And I couldn’t care less. Look, we’re friends. I have a right to have dinner with a friend.” He made googly eyes at Harlow. “It’s not like we’re making out at the table.”
Harlow could feel her face turn fire-engine red. “Fine. You think it’s funny now, but wait until your face is plastered all over the front page of a rag magazine or even a legit one.”
“I’ll take my chances.” He sobered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound flippant. I gotta admit, it must be infuriating to have lies published about you.”
“You have no idea,” she muttered.
“All I want is a nice dinner with you, to catch up.”
“Ditto.” Harlow sucked in a breath and began talking about something else. Soon, they were reminiscing about old times, and it was like being transported to her younger years when she didn’t have deadlines and headlines to deal with.
“So what’s a day like in the life of the famous Harlow Wynn?” he teased.
“It’s not that glamorous.” She gave him a brief rundown. Instead of appearing bored out of his mind, he seemed interested…interested in what her life was like.
“I’ve been meaning to ask—where’s your bodyguard, Vic?”
“He got an offer for a sweet gig. I told him to go for it seeing how I don’t need him right now.” Harlow rattled off the name of a well-known rock band who were touring and looking to beef up their security.
