She stood in front of her closet, a towel wrapped around her and crossed her arms. What to wear? This wasn’t dinner at a swanky restaurant, so the new little black dress with the slit up to there was out. Maybe the mid-length flowery skirt with a top would be nice. But then again…
Mia huffed. She didn’t need to drive herself crazy over this. If Caleb didn’t like what she was wearing, that was his problem. She pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and the new taupe-rose long-sleeved silk blouse she’d bought on a whim. After one look in the mirror, she grabbed a pair of black heels.
She checked her reflection again and smiled. Sexy without trying too hard. Comfortable enough to breathe. Perfect. She barely recognized the happy woman looking back at her. Now all she had to do was put her hair into a loose, low ponytail, add a touch of makeup, a spritz of perfume, and she was ready.
Six thirty on the dot, the doorbell rang.
Mia opened the door. And stared. For a moment, she forgot how to speak.
Caleb frowned slightly. “Do I look okay? Because you look fantastic.”
Mia’s pulse skipped a beat. Oh. Oh my. Caleb looked more than okay. He looked like sex on a stick in a blue button-down with the sleeves rolled to his forearms, the shirt fitted just enough to hint at muscle without showing off. The collar was open at the throat, relaxed and confident. Khaki slacks sat low on his hips, and well-worn brown leather shoes completed the outfit.
“Well,” she said, managing a smile. “You clean up nicely.”
He let out a soft huff of a laugh. “You’ve seen me covered with sawdust. This has to be better.”
Mia laughed. She had—and he’d looked sexy then, too. “I didn’t want to say anything. You might get a swelled head.”
“Is that Caleb?” her father called out from inside.
“Come in, say hello to Dad,” Mia said, stepping aside. “Then we can be on our way.”
Her father looked up from his chair, eyes brightening. “Caleb. Good to see you.”
“Good evening, sir,” Caleb said easily.
Her dad nodded toward the new barn. “Barn’s looking good. Roy still working out?”
Mia felt a flicker of unease. Of course, that’s what he would ask. Work always grounded him.
“Yeah. He’s putting in long hours.” Caleb shifted slightly. “He’s been solid. Knows his way around the place.”
Her dad grunted, satisfied. “Good. Farm needs someone steady.” His gaze flicked between them, a twinkle in his eye. “You two headed out?”
Mia grabbed her jacket. “Just drinks.”
“Well.” He smiled at Caleb. “Bring her back in one piece.”
Caleb’s mouth curved. “That’s the plan.”
Mia kissed her dad on the top of his head and turned to leave.
When they got to Caleb’s truck, he helped her into the cab and hopped in the driver’s seat.
“I thought it’d be fun to go to Fat Jack’s Roadhouse. It’s casual, has music, pool if we’re in the mood.”
Mia nodded. “I’ve heard great things about it but never been there.”
“Great.”
They talked about work and the farmers’ market, the party barn and how fast the weeks seemed to be flying by as he followed the road out of town. The Roadhouse parking lot was full but not packed, and Caleb found a spot easily. He jumped out and opened her door, offering a hand to help her down. Drums, electric guitars and voices of patrons filtered into the lot. It sounded like a party, and they weren’t even inside yet. Her nerves settled. This felt easy.
Caleb took her hand and led her inside. Mia stepped into a cavernous room anchored by a long wooden bar. Booths and tables lined the perimeter, and several couples were already dancing in the space near the center, moving easily to the music.The place smelled faintly of beer, fried food and polished wood. Comfortable and familiar, like it’d been there forever.
“I see a booth in the corner.” Caleb took her elbow and guided her through the crowd, dodging a couple of enthusiastic dancers.
She slipped in, and Caleb settled across from her, stretching one arm along the backrest.
