He would’ve agreed to a plate of straw right now if that would’ve made her happy. “Be my guest.”
Eighteen
The restaurant Charlotte chose was outside of Riverbend and somewhat of a dive. But their deep-dish pizza could make a girl forget her troubles. The delicious aroma of yeast and garlic was enough to soothe her soul.
The place was pretty empty being a Monday night, but the workers in the kitchen bustled about, probably preparing to-go and delivery orders. The sounds of eighties music filled the space. Faux-wood tables, topped with jars of parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, dotted the open room.
Charlotte and Gunner had settled into one of the cracked red leather booths lining the far wall. A short distance away, an open doorway led to a poolroom. They’d ordered their pizza a while ago and talked about everything from the horses to the grand opening to all the locations where Gunner had lived.
When the cute twentysomething server stopped by to refill their drinks, her gaze lingered on Gunner. But he didn’t seem to notice her appraisal.
“Where’s the one place you’ve always wanted to live?” Charlotte asked once the server left.
“I don’t know if there is any one place. I’m enjoying the mountains for now. Those curvy roads are a lot of fun on my bike.”
Charlotte shook her head. “You and that bike.”
“Have you ridden before?”
“I prefer the four-legged kind, thank you very much.”
“That’s only because you haven’t experienced my bike. I’ll take you out sometime and you’ll see what you’re missing.”
The idea of wrapping her arms around him on that bike was all too appealing. Her face heated and she ducked her head under the guise of sipping from her straw.
Fortunately the server delivered their pizza just then. “Is there anything else I can get you?” she asked Gunner after she’d set down the steaming-hot pie.
“I think we’re all set.” He eyed the thick layer of cheese and golden-brown crust as the server sauntered away. “This looks delicious.”
“I promise it won’t disappoint. I don’t make it over here very often, but when I do, all thoughts of calories fly right out the window.”
Quiet reigned while they went to work on the pizza.
Fifteen minutes later Charlotte tossed her greasy napkin on her plate and leaned back in the booth with a satiated sigh.
“You’re not giving up, are you? There’s one more slice.”
“It’s all yours. I’m stuffed.”
“I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“Same here.” It was hard to believe that less than an hour ago, she’d been sad and disappointed. The good conversation andfood had turned her mood around. But who was she kidding? It wasn’t the pizza—as yummy as it had been.
Gunner just had that effect on her. With Emerson, Charlotte always felt she had to be the big sister. And Brianna was going through so much these days, she was often the sounding board and encourager. She didn’t mind either role. But sometimes it was nice to just relax and not have a designated job in the relationship.
A strange thought since she was actually Gunner’s boss. But he was so self-sufficient on the job it was easy to forget that. She almost never had to give him direction; he just saw what needed to be done and did it.
“I feel so much better,” she said.
“Well, I hate to put an end to your good mood, but I’m afraid it’s time for me to beat you in a game of pool.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”
“It was bound to happen eventually. Might as well just get it over with. Have you played before?”
“A few times. But maybe you could give me some pointers before you clean the floor with me.”
“I’m a fair guy. Happy to level the playing field a bit.”
