“He should have paid better attention. I doubt he saw you either.” A scowl came over his face. “There’s no personal responsibility left in this world.”
His gruffness surprised her. He’d seemed so easy-going the first time she’d met him. “Accidents happen.”
“At least you’re okay.” His expression softened. “Off work today?”
“Lunch break.”
“Mind if I join you?” He flicked his gaze in the direction of the chamber’s office. “I was on my way to the bed and breakfast, and if things didn’t work out, back to your office for more suggestions.”
Just say no. You don’t know him from Adam. But she couldn’t ignore the sudden giddiness sprouting in her chest. “Sure. I’m on my way to the diner. There aren’t too many places to eat within walking distance of the office, but the food’s always good there.”
“Anything is better than the self-serve convenience store hotdogs I’ve been living on lately.”
“Really?”
He shrugged. “It’s quick and easy. When I’m on the road, I’m not one to sit and eat a meal.”
“Today’s the exception?”
“If it means lunch with a friendly face, then yes.” His jaw tensed then relaxed. “It’s been a rough week.”
“I’ve been told I’m a good listener if you need an ear.” She stepped forward, leading the way to the diner.
“Thanks, but I won’t bore you with my family drama.” He answered with a casualness that made her think it couldn’t be that bad.
“We all have some.”Like a brother in jail for a DUI.
“True, but I’ve recently become the black sheep of the family.”
She took long strides to keep up with him. “How so?”
“I said I wouldn’t bore you.” He patted his rear pants pocket and pursed his lips. “I left my wallet in the truck. Can I meet you at the diner?”
Without asking, she knew exactly where he parked. “I can walk with you. You’re in the vacant lot behind the library, right?”
His brows arched. “How’d you know?”
“There are only two lots right in town that can accommodate eighteen-wheelers, and the other one is on the far end. I didn’t figure you’d park there to come to the chamber of commerce.”
“I guess you would know that.”
She pointed to a path leading to a slight incline. “If we cut through here, it will shave off a few extra steps.”
When they got to his rig, Landon climbed up the galvanized steel steps and swung into the cab like it wasn’t a pickup on steroids. He exited a second later, sliding his wallet into his pocket while he lowered himself to the ground.
“What’s it like, driving a massive vehicle?” She stared at the enormous truck, admiring the metallic black paint job.
“Not much different than any other once you get used to it.” He grinned. “Except it has a lot more power and is a pain to park in tight spots.”
“I’d fail.” She laughed at herself, then explained. “The first vehicle I bought on my own was an SUV, but after I backed into my third mailbox, I accepted that I stink at parking large vehicles and traded it in for a car.”
His forehead crinkled into creases, assuming a doubting expression. “For real?”
She scrunched her face. “Sad but true.”
“Remind me not to get in any vehicle with you behind the wheel.”
“I’m fine as long as it’s a small car.” Breaking into a gait, she gestured for him to follow.” “I blame it on a lack of depth perception.”
