“Wow. Long ways from home to end up here,” he says before taking his own bite. “And to answer your question, yes. I’ve always called Lavender Falls home. Born and raised here.”
I watch as he brings the neck of his beer bottle to his lips and the bob of his Adam’s apple as he swallows. I’m not sure why Ifind this kind of sexy, but I find myself wanting to leave a trail of kisses along the same path.
Feeling like a creep, I take my eyes off him and take my own swig of beer.
“You have three brothers?” I ask. I know his youngest brother is Hayes and that he has a brother named Cade, who I’ve met a few times at the station and in the bakery, but I thought I remember Sarah saying there was a third.
“That’s correct. Three brothers and a sister. I’m the oldest.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you had a sister. How old is she?” I ask.
“Twenty-five. She’s the baby.”
Reaching for another slice at the same time, our hands collide and we pull back, meeting each other’s gaze. I shift on my chair, squeezing my thighs together. His gaze burns through me, and I feel exposed. His eyes travel to my chest before he brings them back up, clearing his throat.
“Actually, if you’re serious about needing the help, I can send her your way. She’s looking for a summer job and has a bit of experience. She worked at a Starbucks when she was in school.”
“Really? That would be fantastic! Please tell her to come by.”
“Sure thing.” He nods. “I’ll send her down tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
We continue to sip and eat while watching the sun go down. We talk and sit in comfortable silence, as if this is something we do every night.
When it starts to get late and the pizza is finished, West stands up. “I should probably leave you be now. Let you get your rest. I have a lot to do tomorrow and should probably get some rest of my own anyways.”
“Of course. Thank you for joining me tonight. And thanks for the pizza,” I tell him, gathering up our things.
“Anytime. Thanks for having me over. We’ll have to do it again sometime."
“That would be lovely.”
After putting away our dishes, I walk West to the door.
He brings his hand up behind his head, scratching his neck, and I can tell he wants to ask something. “So, I’d really like if I could pick you up in the morning.”
I smile at his thoughtfulness. “Oh, that’s not necessary. Really. I’ll be okay. But thank you.”
“What time do you normally head to the bakery?”
“I try to be there by five thirty if I can.”
He gives me a look of concern, watching me for a few beats, and then surprises me by saying, “I’ll be here at five fifteen.”
I blink, unsure of what’s happening right now.
“Bye, Jade.” He smiles while opening the front door.
“Tomorrow. Five fifteen,” I repeat to myself, still trying to work out what’s happening.
“That’s right,” he says. “I’ll be here.”
“Okay.”
West lets out a deep chuckle and begins his descent down my front steps.
“Bye, Sheriff!” I shout as he gets into the car.
