“And I’ll let them know Monday if I’m accepting the position,” she tells me before glancing to her friend.
“She will,” Allison states proudly, looking at her friend. “You’ll be a huge asset. You have great bedside manner, are personable, and are easy to work with.”
“Good bedside manner, huh? Did you know I’m looking for a personal nurse?” Of course, I waggle my eyebrows.
She rolls her beautiful brown eyes. “Charming.”
“Thank you,” I boast, earning a laugh from both ladies. “So, when you take this job, you’ll be working here? Moving here? Both?”
Oaklee doesn’t reply for a few seconds, as if gauging how much of her personal life she wants to give out. Honestly, I’d rather her be a bit private and selective than giving all her information to a virtual stranger. “I would be relocating,” is all she says.
“Great! I’m an expert on Cooper Town, and I make a great tour guide.”
She smirks a little, taking a small drink. “I have Allison, who is also an expert on Cooper Town.”
“Yes, but I’m way better looking,” I reply with a cheeky grin. Turning to Allison, I add, “No offense.”
She barks out a laugh. “None taken, actually. You know, Cade, I’ve never seen a man work so hard for a phone number in my life.”
I feign shock. “I haven’t even asked for her phone number, Allison.”
“Yet.”
Flashing a charming grin, I agree, “Yet.” Returning my gaze to Oaklee, I say, “So what do you say? Phone number?”
She turns to her friend and asks, “Didn’t I tell him I was seeing someone already?”
Allison nods. “You did.”
“Huh, I thought so,” Oaklee states.
Leaning forward, I place my elbows on the table and hold her eyes. “I get it. All I’m gonna say is, when that guy singles you up, I better be your first call.”
The corner of her mouth curls up. “I think that’s another country song.”
I huff out a deep breath. “Damn country artists, always stealing my lines.”
She leans back into her chair, taking me in. I can practically see her wheels spinning. I’m sure she thinks I’m just another drunk guy in a bar, hitting on her, and while part of that may be accurate, I’m not drunk. I’m just a man who finds her incredibly attractive and would love the opportunity to get to know her better.
But I’m also not one to poach another man’s woman. If she’s in a relationship, then I’m out. However, I’ll be waiting, biding my time, because something tells me that guy has no idea what kind of a gem he truly has. If he did, he would have traveled to town with her and would be here, if anything to keep the assholes like me from hitting on his girl.
Standing up, I give her my full attention. “The best part of my night has been meeting you, lovely Oaklee.” I reach for her hand and bring it to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. “I’ll see you around.”
“Have a good evening,” she replies, her smile both playful and full of shock by everything that’s transpired. I’m sure it’s not every day she has some guy basically throw himself at her.
I walk to the bar and hold up my finger to Collin, indicating I’d like another beer. Leaning my elbow against the bar, I turn my attention back to the table I just walked away from and smile when I see two brown eyes.
She watched me walk away.
In those eyes, I see it.
Interest.
She may have a boyfriend, and it may not happen right now, but Oaklee Last Name Unknown will be mine.
I know it.
CHAPTER
