Drew interrupted Nolan’s longing as he followed Sally with his eyes. “I’m gonna head out. Leave you to it.” He threw a couple of bills onto the counter and stood, leaving more than half the food on his plate.
“Finish your meal, boy.” As much as he’d love to sit and talk with Sally alone, having Drew there as a buffer would help.What was the matter with him?He hadn’t been so twisted up and tongue tied over a woman since he was in junior high school angling for his first kiss.
“I’m done.” Clapping him on the shoulder, Drew left before Nolan had a chance to ask him to stay.
Sally came back from the ladies’ room and walked past him to where she’d been sitting with Sandy. He couldn’t help but look at her. The way she moved was so sensual he knew he wasn’t the only man in there admiring her. He forced his gaze away since he didn’t want to perve on her.What did he want, though? The chance to make amends for offending her. Maybe get to know her a little bit, be her friend. She’d just moved here, no doubt she could use a friend. He swore to himself under his breath. There he was, about to friend-zone himself like a total moron.
Forcing his attention back to his meal, he began to eat, determined to leave the ball in her court and try to act as if her choice as to whether to sit with him didn’t affect him in the least. He’d eaten half his burger and drank all his coffee when the intoxicating scent of her perfume surrounded him. Glancing over, he saw she’d slipped onto the stool next to him, bringing her own cup of coffee and a plate of cherry pie with her.
“Is it still okay for me to sit with you?” she asked, sounding shy and a little tentative.
“Of course it is. I asked you to, didn’t I?” Wiping his fingers on a napkin, he reached across, offering his right hand to her. “Can we start over? I’m Nolan Green, I run the garage in town. Pleased to meet you and welcome to Green Springs.”
Smiling, she took his hand, shaking it with surprising firmness. “I’m Sally Jones-Patrick. I just moved here. Nice to meet you, too.”
“Cherry pie, huh? It’s my favorite.” He nodded to her plate and resumed eating his dinner.
“It’s delicious, almost as good as my mama’s was.”
“Sh! Don’t say that too loudly. I wouldn’t want you to be run outta town; you just got here.”
Laughing, she forked a bite of pie, and ate it with genuine delight. Returning her grin with one of his own, he grasped for something to say. Determined to keep their conversation going, he asked, “How do you like Green Springs so far?”
“I love it here. Sandy, my father, is wonderful. It feels like Christmas morning around here all the time. Everyone is so friendly. Mostly,” she snarked, raising an eyebrow in his direction.
Wincing, Nolan responded. “I deserve that. I hope you believe me when I say how sincerely sorry I am for offending you.”
“I believe you, Nolan.” She patted his hand softly with hers. “I’ve heard much worse in my life, said with real hate and bigotry. You’re forgiven, so please don’t beat yourself up about it.”
“People who talk to you like that need their asses kicked. If anyone here treats you badly or says something hateful, you come see me and I’ll set them straight.”
“Violence isn’t the answer to hate, but I appreciate the sentiment. I think you’d have to get in line behind Sandy, though. He’s very protective of me, but, so far, everyone in Green Springs has been very welcoming.” Chuckling softly, she looked over her shoulder at Sandy, who had turned to chat with the folks in the booth next to his.
“So, what are your plans now that you live here?”
“I think I’m going to open up a boutique, similar to the one I had in Chicago. Green Springs doesn’t have any stores just for the ladies, so I think there’s a market for it here.”
“That’s a great idea. I’m sure the women wish they didn’t have to drive to Tupelo for a new dress or outfit. With you runnin’ the place and your charm, I’m sure you’ll do very well.” He met her eyes, startled anew by the brilliant blue. Everything about her appealed to him. She was gorgeous, but also appeared smart and driven. He found he was attracted to her mind as much as her beauty.
“That’s sweet of you to say.” She finished her pie, pushed the plate away, and picked up her cup, cradling it in both hands.
“Not sweet, just the truth. Smart and beautiful, you’re the whole package, Sally.”
Her eyes flashed, locking onto his. “You trying to flirt with me again, Nolan?”
“And if I was?” His nerves were back, making his palms sweat slightly. He kept his eyes on hers, though, refusing to be coy.
“I’d say I appreciate the attention, but I just moved here and I’m not looking to date or anything like that.” Her voice was flat, final.
“All right. Then I’d have to say I don’t date either. Or anything like that. Not for a very long time. I’d also say there’s no harm in two adults flirtin’ a bit here and there, gettin’ to know one another with no expectations other than friendship.” He typically slipped into his country accent when he got nervous.
“Is that so?” Her tone remained cool.
He felt like he’d stepped in it again, but he wasn’t sure how. “I hope you forgive my bluntness, Sally. I’m just a simple, uncomplicated man, and I don’t know how to play any games. Not tryin’ to learn, either. You’re interesting. Yes, I think you’re a knockout, but there’s more than that. I like talkin’ to you. If that’s all you can offer me, well, then, I’m happy with that.”
Sighing, she turned fully toward him before speaking. “Nolan, I just, I’m not sure what to say. I just moved here. I have to focus on starting a new business and getting to know my family. I’m sorry.”
His heart clenched with her rejection.Damn. That was cold. “I understand.” He stood, pulling out his wallet and leaving some money on the counter. He knew his face reflected how he felt, like he’d been kicked in the balls. It didn’t make much sense for her rejection to sting so much, but there it was. “See you ’round, Miz Jones-Patrick.” The use of her surname was stiff and formal, but it was all he could manage around the lump in his throat.
