“Good thing we’re not here an hour later, or we’d have to wait forever to get a table once the conference lets out for the evening.” He parked on the side, then went to open her door.
“What were this afternoon’s topics at the convention?” She walked closely beside him.
“Getting the younger generation interested and involved in preserving Route 66’s history.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t go.”
He accidentally kicked a pebble, and it flew several feet. “I had a meeting this morning to attend. Plus, I’m involved with the chamber of commerce and gave them some ideas to present.”
“I should have known.” Her grin returned, and she looked at peace.
Holding the door opened, he gestured for her to enter. “Ladies first.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes widened as she took in the surroundings.
He’d reacted similarly the first time he’d gone there. Stuffed animals—not of the toy variety—hung on the wall, along with dollar bills signed by famous people who’d eaten there over the years. Combined with the wooden tables, the restaurant presented a rustic atmosphere that fit the charm of Seligman.
After they’d been sat at a table, he picked up the menu and perused it, though he generally ordered one of two things—the elk burger or buffalo burger on a pretzel bun.
Across the table, Cassidy chuckled. “This menu is awesome. I love the names.Treads and Bread.No Luck Buck. These are great.”
Her unabashed amusement and laughing eyes reached into him and gripped his heart. When she let down her guard, she was even more beautiful. “Some people think it's kitschy, but it goes well with the brand.”
“And here you let me think you didn’t understand marketing.” She winked, letting him know she was teasing.
“I know the basics, just didn’t stop to think about it for me.” He shrugged, embarrassed at his lack of prep work.
“You’re doing a great job. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” She turned her gaze back to the menu. “What do you suggest?”
Pointing to an item on the menu, he told her, “The elk burger on a pretzel bun is my favorite.”
“I’ve never had elk. What does it taste like?”
“A lot like beef, but with a hint of sweetness. That’s why I like it with the pretzel bun.”
The waitress came to the table, dropping off the drinks they’d ordered when they first sat.
He drank a sip of his iced tea in a mason jar, then ordered his usual.
“I’ll have the same.” After the waitress had left, Cassidy grinned at him. “I’m feeling adventurous tonight.”
An hour and a half later, he wondered how adventurous she still felt. Standing outside her door, with the street light shining on them, a boldness came over him.
Feelings he hadn’t experienced in a long time surfaced. He hadn’t been romantically interested in anyone since he’d left Nevada. Go figure, his initiation would be a woman who was leaving in a day or two, but that gave him all the more reason to make the most of their time together.
Did she feel the same? The hazy look in her eyes said she did. He gently brushed a hand over her hair, testing out a touch. When she didn’t move away and leaned her head forward, he took that as her acceptance. He moved his hand to cradle her cheek and lowered his head.
Brushed his lips over hers with the slightest pressure. Lingered for several seconds before breaking away.
She looked up at him with a lazy smile. “That was nice.”
“It was.” Longing for contact, but hesitant to kiss her again, he placed his hands on her upper arms.
“Do you have plans tomorrow?” Uncertainty shook her voice.
“Nothing that can’t be changed. Why?”
Crossing her arms, her fingers brushed against his hands. “When we broke down, we were headed toward Camp Margo, a camp I spent my summers at as a child. I’d like to still go, but the others are really into the convention. I know they’d still go if I asked, but I was wondering if…”
