Pulling it out, he waited for me to sit before pushing the chair in. I took a quick second to check him out. He was extremely handsome with dark hair that was just a few inches long, a clean-shaven face, and bright blue eyes.
If I looked at him just right, I could almost see a little bit of Ryder in him. From the angular, strong jaw to those expressive eyes?—
I ducked my head, embarrassed that I was comparing him to Ryder. Garret was not him, and it wasn’t fair to think of another man when I was on a date.
“I like this place. Interesting name. Do you know where the owners came up with it?”
“Um…I’m not sure.”
“Boots make sense, but where do you think the beaver came from?” he chuckled. “Maybe they found a beaver hiding in a boot when they bought the place.”
I smiled at the ease I felt sitting here with him. He didn’t seem nervous at all, where I was a complete mess inside.
“Could be,” I laughed.
God, I was screwing this up. These short answers were not going to cut it.
“You know, you lied on your profile.”
I met his eyes in a panic. What had I said? “Um…what?”
“Well, your picture lied. It doesn’t show an accurate representation of how beautiful you are.”
I flushed bright red at his compliment. He was really laying it on thick.
“I think you’re exaggerating just a little.”
“Not nearly enough.”
Lizzy walked over with Willow on her hip, smiling at both of us as she set down two coasters. “What can I get you?”
“Red,” I smiled, taking Willow’s hand in mine, my heart melting when she squeezed my finger.
“What a sweetheart,” Garret smiled at her. “How old is she?”
“She’s just about to turn ten months old.”
“My sister has a little boy about that age. Time goes so fast.”
“It does,” Lizzy smiled at her little girl. “So, what can I get you?”
“I’ll just take whatever you get Ellie.”
“Sure. I’ll be right back.”
Lizzy turned and headed back, but glanced over her shoulder and fanned her face as she mouthedOh my God!
“She’s nice.”
“Yeah, she is.”
“She owns this place?”
I nodded. “With her brother, I think.”
“You’re nervous, aren’t you?” he asked, leaning back in his seat, a slight smirk on his face.
“What gave me away?” I dropped my eyes, blushing even harder. I really hated to be put on the spot like that. Not that I didn’t appreciate that he could read the room. If anything, it made it a little easier on me.
