I had just enough time after the sale to run it home, freshen up, and head back to the church for the dinner afterward. I couldn’t miss it, not when Connor was there waiting for me. It would be our first time in public together without my father lording over us or forced separation due to his parole status.
Tonight, we were just two people at a community function. Maybe we wouldn’t be holding hands or kissing in front of everyone, but it was a good first step. And one I’d been looking forward to for too long.
I pushed through the church doors, feeling that little buzz of excitement in my chest. The community hall was already filled with the sounds of conversation and laughter, the smell of home-cooked food hanging in the air. Several tables had been pushed together in long rows, covered with mismatched tablecloths and centerpieces made from wildflowers in mason jars.
My eyes scanned the room immediately, searching for Connor. I spotted him in the corner, looking uncomfortable as Mrs. Henderson talked his ear off about something. He was nodding politely, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his eyes kept darting around the room. Then he saw me, and something in his expression softened.
I made my way through the crowd, stopping to say hello to a few people I knew. Cole and Jesse weren’t there since they’d gone back to the ranch to finish up some work. But Evelyn waved at me from where she was setting out desserts.
“Ryder!” Mrs. Henderson exclaimed when I approached. “I was just telling your friend here about my arthritis. The poor dear’s been so patient listening to an old woman ramble.”
“I’m sure he’s been a perfect gentleman,” I said, flashing Connor a quick grin. “Mind if I steal him for dinner, Mrs. Henderson? I promised I’d introduce him to some of the Nelson Ranch folks.”
She patted Connor’s arm. “Of course, dear. Such a nice young man. Hard to believe what they say about these parolees.”
I watched Connor’s jaw tighten slightly, but his smile never faltered. As soon as we were out of earshot, he let out a long breath.
“Thank you for the rescue,” he muttered. “I was about ten seconds away from hearing about her bunion surgery.”
“My pleasure,” I laughed, leading him toward the buffet line. “I see you made it.”
“Larry drove us in,” Connor explained, grabbing a plate. “Your father stayed home, thankfully. Said something about church dinners being for ‘simple folk.’ But he didn’t seem to upset about not having to feed us tonight.”
“That sounds like him,” I snorted. “Well, his loss is our gain.”
We filled our plates with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and rolls that I was pretty sure Evelyn hadbaked. The food smelled amazing, and I realized I was starving after a long day at the sale.
“Where should we sit?” Connor asked, his voice careful and neutral. To anyone watching, we were just two acquaintances making casual conversation.
I nodded toward a table near the back. “There’s space over there. Not too crowded.”
We made our way to the table and sat across from each other. A few other people were already seated. There was a couple of elderly men playing checkers while they ate, and a woman with two small children who were more interested in pushing food around their plates than eating it.
“So,” I said, keeping my voice casual, “what did you think of the rummage sale?”
“There was… uh…” he paused for a moment before lowering his voice. “A lot of junk, honestly.”
I grinned at his hushed confession. “I won’t tell anyone you said that, but yeah, most of it was crap. Though I did score an awesome lava lamp.”
“A lava lamp?” Connor raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Really?”
“Don’t judge. It’s retro. Nostalgia is in right now.” I took a bite of chicken, savoring the crispy skin. “Besides, I need something to make my new place feel like home.”
Under the table, I let my knee brush against his. It was a small touch, innocent enough that anyone watching wouldn’t think twice, but the contact sent a jolt of electricity up my spine. Connor’s eyes darkened slightly, and he shifted in his seat.
“Speaking of your new place,” he said, his voice dropping even lower, “how’s it coming along?”
“It’s small but decent. Jesse and Cole fixed up one of the old ranch hand cabins near the main house for me.” I stabbed at my mashed potatoes, trying to act casual while my foot found hisunder the table. “Nothing fancy, but it’s mine. And private. But temporary until… well, you know…”
Connor’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, and I watched the movement with undisguised interest. “That sounds really nice.”
I slid my foot up his calf, watching his expression carefully. His poker face was impressive, but I caught the slight flare of his nostrils, the way his fingers tightened around his fork.
“It is nice,” I murmured, taking a sip of my sweet tea. “Got a big queen bed all to myself. Sure gets lonely sometimes…”
“Ryder,” he warned quietly, but there was heat behind his eyes that made my stomach flip.
“What?” I asked innocently, sliding my foot higher up his leg. “I’m just making conversation.”
