I blurt out, “Why?” Shaking my head, I can’t believe I said that out loud. “Why? If all that is true, why me?”
He reaches for me then and doesn’t stop himself this time. He holds my hand, rubbing his thumb softly against my skin. “Please don’t tell me this was all one-sided.”
I just stare at him, wanting him to continue.
He wraps his hand around mine and almost pleads with me. “I’ve never been like this with anyone.When I first looked at you this morning, you were smiling into your camera, looking at a photo you’d just taken. I’d never seen a woman as beautiful as you. I sat and watched you all day, hoping and praying that you would agree to dinner with me.”
The server comes hesitantly to the table. “Dinner is served.”
He sets a plate in front of me. “Filet mignon, medium with green beans, and our famous cheesy potatoes.”
I stare at my plate as the server sets down Miller’s plate and repeats the same meal. I can feel my cheeks heat. “I can’t believe that I ordered a steak. I thought you were messing with me, and I wanted to get a good meal out of this before I walked out of here.”
He surprises me by laughing. “Well, enjoy your steak, but I’m hoping that you will at least be open to a second date.”
I have my fork and my knife in my hand, and I let my wrists rest on the table. “Second date?”
He nods. “Yes, a second date. I don’t think you get it, Lindsey. I want to get to know you. I want to know everything there is to knowabout you.”
I’m still not understanding. “But why?”
He chuckles, pressing a hand to his chest. “I have to admit, you’re great for my ego.” He leans closer. “Because I want you, Lindsey. And even though this is our first date, I already know I want you to be mine.”
My eyes go wide, and I’m staring at this man with a designer button-up shirt and a necklace that is probably worth more than my truck. After getting to know him, there’s no doubt he could have any woman he wanted. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to believe that I’m the one that is on his radar. We are complete opposites. Yeah, this steak is probably the best I’ve ever eaten, but I’m also just as happy eating a burger from Red’s Diner.
I lean toward him. “Okay, I’ll agree to a second date, but we don’t need anything fancy. You. Me. Maybe Red’s Diner. A walk in the park.” I shrug. “I don’t need all this fancy stuff.”
He smiles so wide his whole face lights up. “Honey, I don’t care what we do. I just want to spend time with you.” He points at my food. “Eat.”
We spend the rest of the time eating and laughing, and every now and then I’m asking myself if this isfor real. I’m skeptical, and I’m waiting to find something, anything, that makes me realize that Miller Brody is too good to be true.
CHAPTER 4
MILLER
After insisting I drive Lindsey home since she’d been drinking, I’m pulling into her apartment complex. Mike is following in my car to pick me up, but he parks down the lot, giving me space and time. I’m sure he knows this is a rare occurrence and is willing to give me some space.
I get out of her truck, walk around, and help her out. She’s smiling and I grab her hand as I look at her. “I know we talked about our second date going to Red’s Diner, but I have an event tomorrow night I can’t get out of. Go with me. It’s a fundraiser at the community center in Whiskey Run.”
She’s already shaking her head. “I can’t.”
I just look at her pleadingly, and she laughs. “Ireally can’t. I have a night shoot tomorrow in downtown Jasper.”
I want to beg and plead with her, but I can also respect that she has work. “Downtown Jasper at night? Sounds dangerous.”
She laughs. “It’s not, not really. I’ll be fine.”
Mike approaches us. “Can I carry her stuff up?”
“That would be great. Thank you, Mike.”
“But—” Lindsey starts.
Reluctantly, I let go of her hand. I grab the bag that has her camera and another bag in the back seat. Mike grabs the lights in the bed of the truck, and when we’re both standing here with our hands full, Lindsey gives up. “Follow me.”
Mike and I follow her to the apartment building, up the two flights of stairs, and she stops at apartment 3C. As she’s unlocking her door, the door across from hers opens, and a man comes out full-on smiling. It drops when he sees Mike and me standing here. “Lindsey, you okay?”
She smiles, but I’m happy to see that it’s not the same smile she gives me. It’s morerestrained. “Yeah, hey, Walter. This is Miller and Mike. They’re helping me get my equipment in.”
