Ren brings the check, diplomatically putting it on the table between us. When I reach for it, Kenna swipes it away.
I try to get it back. “Oh, no you don’t.”
“Oh, yes,” she asserts. “I said I’m paying.”
I pull out my wallet. “It’s really not necessary.”
“Carter, I’m paying.”
I get the feeling Kenna, whose last name I don’t even know, is not someone to argue with. I hold up my hands in surrender. “Fine. But just tell me one thing.”
She cocks a brow.
“What’s your last name?”
She hesitates, digging in her purse and coming out with two twenties then tucking them under the slot on the check holder. Her striking green eyes look into mine as if she’s trying to figure out if I’m truly the guy I’ve been showing her I am over the past three hours.
Ren appears and Kenna tells her to keep the change, making for one hell of a tip. The total was only thirty-one dollars.
After helping Amelia put away all the crayons into the box, I slide her arms into her coat sleeves. When I look back at Kenna, she simply shakes her head and says, “Bennett. My last name is Bennett.”
I hold out a hand, extending my arm across the table. “Well, it’s been an absolute pleasure to share a meal with you, Kenna Bennett.”
She smiles as she puts her hand in mine. Then our eyes meet once again as our palms touch.
Yeah, she feels it too.
Damn, her hand is soft. And petite, just like she is. And really, really warm.
I don’t want to pull away, but as our physical connection morphs into some sort of suspended-animation handshake, the awkwardness becomes too much and I let go of her hand.
I slide out of the booth. “Come on, pumpkin. Let’s go.”
I get Kenna’s coat out from underneath mine and hold it up for her. She turns and lets me help her into it. I put my own coat on, and we exit through the back entrance, eyes following us as much as they did when we arrived. Oh, man… let the rumor mill begin. Nothing stays private in this town, especially when I’m seen taking a woman who is not my sister to lunch.
It’s not that I’m never seen with women. I’ve been known to, on occasion, go out with them. After all, guys do have needs. AndI’ve been single for a long, long stretch. But on those rare nights, I usually go to the city, find a bar, strike up a conversation with a nice-looking woman, hit it off, then agree on a no-strings night at a moderately-priced hotel where I’d leave her to enjoy the free breakfast while I’d be home by midnight to relieve whoever was staying with Christian—usually one of my siblings.
Looking at Kenna as we walk to the car, the itch is strong. Stronger than it’s ever been. Is it just because it’s been a while since I’ve gone to the city? Would I feel this way aboutanyattractive woman whose car I just towed and spent three incredible hours with?
Or is it her.
Kenna.
Kenna Bennett.
I get my answer when she looks up at me with those sparkling green eyes as she settles into the passenger seat.
Damn, I hope she says yes.
Chapter Six
Kenna
He said the school isn’t far, but far is relative when you don’t know the area. I look around as we leave the business area and enter a more residential one. We go down a street with modest homes, some with actual white picket fences, and it makes my heart hurt a little. Will I ever be able to settle down in one place and buy Amelia the house she deserves to grow up in?
My eye catches on the handicap placard hanging from his rearview mirror, a reminder that he’s the father of a disabled child. I contemplate what that must be like for him, single and raising a special needs kid. How strong he must be to do it all alone. It’s hard enough raising a perfectly healthy kid. I can’t imagine what he’s had to do.
We all have our burdens, though. Some of them are just more visible than others. Sinking into a bit of depression as I reflect on my current situation, I startle when Amelia squeals, “A snowman! Mommy, look, it’s Frosty.”
