“Have a good day, Your Honor,” Rawley said while touching the brim of his hat, then chuckled when his father laughed and shook his head.
“You’re just like your mother,” the judge said as he walked down the hallway.
“I see nothing wrong with that,” Rawley called out.
“I don’t either, son. Have a good day.”
Rawley grinned as the doors slid closed, then the elevator descended one more floor. After the doors opened, he stepped into the lobby, walked to the doors, pushed one open, and stepped out into the frigid air.
Pulling on the door of the diner, he entered and the locals waved or called out to him. He gave them a quick nod, then sat at the counter. After placing his and Dave’s order, he spun around on the stool, put his elbows on the bar behind him and glanced around. He could see a few people in the back booth but only the tops of their hats.
He turned back around when he heard Connie pour him a cup of coffee.
“Thank you, Connie. It’s cold today.”
“Yes, hon, it is. It’ll be Christmas before we know it.”
“I know, and I bet you already have some gifts bought, don’t you?” Rawley cocked an eyebrow.
Connie laughed. “Honey, I’m done.”
“Damn, Connie. I don’t even know where to start.”
She leaned her hip against the counter. “Are you buying Skylar something?”
“Yes, but please don’t ask me what because I have no clue.”
She laughed again. “I’m sure anything you give her; she will love it. Ask someone who knows her well.”
“Yeah, I could do that,” he murmured.
Connie patted his hand. “Poor Rawley. In love and no clue. That’s most men.” She walked off.
Rawley watched her enter the kitchen. Love? He wasn’t in love. Was he? Well, hell. Now what?
****
Skylar and Ryan walked along the sidewalk, stopping to look in windows. Tomorrow was finally Friday, and she was anxious to see Rawley. She just wanted to be with him.
“Where are you?” Ryan said as she elbowed her.
“Just thinking.”
“About Rawley?”
“What else?” She stopped walking and Ryan did too but tilted her head. “I’m so in love with him. I don’t know what to do.”
“Do? What do you mean what to do?”
“Do I tell him—”
“No. Absolutely not. You’ll make him panic if he doesn’t feel the same way.”
“You told Seth first.”
“Because he was so damn frustrating. This is different. You and Rawley are just getting started in your relationship and it’s going well, so just wait a while.” Ryan shrugged. “Personally, I think he is in love with you. He couldn’t take his eyes off you at the cookout.”
“He can turn me on with just a look.” Skylar shook her head. “No man ever did that to me before.”
