“Your character’s still not talking?”
“Oh, that one did, but the new one is stubborn.”
Rawley chuckled, eyes on the curved country road. “So, then what?”
Skylar leaned back, adjusting the hem of her dress. “I dive into another manuscript. Sometimes one I started months ago but abandoned. It clears my mind.”
“Well, if you say so.”
“I love it, though.”
Rawley nodded. “It’s good to have a job you love.”
“I agree.”
They drove the last mile in companionable silence, the sun still shining. Rawley turned off onto the restaurant’s lot, its neon sign humming above a row of parked cars.
“It’s packed,” Skylar murmured.
“It always is.” Rawley scanned the lot until one car pulled out. He slid into the space, and Skylar reached for her door.
He lightly touched her arm. “I’ll get it.”
She nodded. He stepped out and strode around the truck. At her door he opened it wide and held out his hand. She placed hers in his and stepped onto the asphalt. He closed the door, pressed the lock on the fob, then took her hand in his and led her through the lot to the restaurant’s glass entrance.
Inside, warm light and soft classical music greeted them. They approached the hostess stand, polished cherry wood, where a woman in a crisp white blouse and black skirt smiled.
“Welcome to The Hartland. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, ma’am. Under Bowman.”
The hostess glanced at her screen, then returned a bright smile and picked up two menus. She beckoned for them to follow and led them to a cozy corner booth upholstered in burgundy leather. Once Skylar sat, Rawley removed his hat, slid in across from her, then placed his hat on the seat. The hostess smiled, she told them their server would be right with them and asked what drinks they wanted.
“Skylar?” Rawley looked at her.
“Water is fine, thank you.”
Rawley nodded. “I’ll have the same.”
“I’ll be right back with those. Your server will be along shortly.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”
“This is a beautiful restaurant,” Skylar said as she looked around.
“The food is great. I’m glad we got in.”
“I could have made dinner.” She smiled.
“Now you tell me.”
Skylar laughed. “Sorry, but I could do that one evening.”
“I’d like that.”
Skylar picked up the leatherbound menu and glanced over it while Rawley couldn’t keep his eyes off her. The soft restaurant lighting caught the highlights in her hair. She glanced up, did a doubletake, then tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“Why are you staring at me?” A small smile lifted her lips.
