“Yes, he is.”
“Okay, Gunner. Why don’t you bring him over to the clinic. I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes.”
Twenty-One
Charlotte smiled her thanks as she stepped up into Kyle’s truck’s passenger side and allowed him to close the door. Relaxed and pleasantly full, she watched him round the front of the truck. The restaurant served authentic Italian food. They’d enjoyed the meal and conversation so much, they’d hung around for tiramisu.
Now it was almost dark and Charlotte was glad she’d taken a chance on Kyle. She hadn’t thought of Gunner one time in the past two and a half hours. Okay, she’d thought of him once when Kyle had leaned forward and the candlelight brightened his dark-brown eyes. The memory of those mesmerizing flecks of amber in Gunner’s eyes might have flashed in her mind for the briefest moment. But she shoved the memory away and focused on their conversation.
On the way home Kyle told her about the birthing of twin foals the spring before. He could spin a good yarn and kept her spellbound all the way to the ranch. It wasn’t till they pulled up to the house that she started to worry. Would he try to kiss her good night? She wasn’t ready for that, and hopefully he could tell.There had been no meaningful touches, moony gazes, or romantic hand-holding between them. Just friendly conversation.
Besides, he’d said earlier he was a patient man. She supposed she’d find out if that was true.
“You must be getting excited about your grand opening,” he said as he walked her to the door.
Charlotte was glad Emerson’s car was in the drive. She’d been going out late a lot. And also, having her here made things less awkward with Kyle. “Hard to believe it’s just a week from tomorrow.”
“I’m sure you’ve got it all in hand.”
“The schedule’s firmed up.The Heraldis doing a write-up in Thursday’s paper, and as long as Saturday’s a slower news day, they’ll be here to cover the event. When the ABC affiliate learned the mayor was coming, they said the same thing.”
“Let’s pray for a slow news day then.”
“Amen.” They reached her door. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”
Kyle turned toward her. “Thank you, but I have an early morning—and I don’t want to wear out my welcome.”
“You could never do such a thing. I had a good time, Kyle. Thank you for supper.”
“It was my pleasure. I’d like to do it again sometime if you’re agreeable.”
“I’d like that.”
He leaned in for a hug.
Charlotte returned the quick squeeze. “Maybe I’ll see you around this week.”
“If not, I’ll definitely see you at your open house.”
They said their goodbyes and Charlotte slipped inside.
From her favorite end of the sofa, Emerson glanced up from her novel. She looked comfortable in a pair of leggings and a teal tee. She’d thawed out a little in the past couple of weeks. Had even lent a hand around the ranch. Probably because Charlotte hadn’t mentioned her biological family anymore. Emerson likely thought she’d decided to let it go permanently, and Charlotte wasn’t willing to risk the truce by broaching the topic again.
“I thought you might have a date tonight.” Charlotte plopped onto the recliner.
“I have to be at the bakery at five.”
“How are things going there?”
“Vivian’s been teaching me how to decorate cakes. It’s a lot more fun than waiting on customers.”
“That sounds right up your alley.”
“I want to learn more about making the pastries too.”
“Feel free to experiment at home.”
“I always do.” Emerson slid her feet to the floor. “I saw the schedule for the grand opening. I can help with the kids’ rides in the morning if you need extra help.”
