After we’re greeted, seated, and handed menus, I nod to the booth. “I have to ask, do youneverdate? Because if looks could kill, I’d be worm bait.”
“Don’t mind them. That’s the single mom brigade.”
I raise a brow.
“You know, women with kids looking for a meal ticket.” He laughs. “If they’re looking at me, they are most definitely barking up the wrong tree.”
I huff my displeasure in defense of single moms everywhere. “Not all single moms are looking for a meal ticket.”
He looks guilty. “Ah, Jeez, I didn’t mean you, Kenna.” He flicks his hand in their direction. “Those three are known for some unscrupulous attempts to land men. The blonde got pregnant on purpose. Two times. With two different guys. Both of whom now pay child support, which I’m fairly sure goes to paying for manicures and waxing more than to paying for her kids.”
My eyes narrow. “How would you know it goes to waxing?”
His full-on belly laugh hits me square in the chest. “Why, Kenna, I do believe you have a teeny tiny jealousy streak.”
I roll my eyes, yet say nothing. Because he’s absolutely right. When I think of him with any of the women in the corner, or that lady from the carpool line, or… anyone… I want to scream and punch something.
The waitress comes by. We each order a drink, but I can tell Carter isn’t pleased when I order one of the cheapest entrées on the menu. He adds on an extra order of French fries and a loaded chocolate brownie for dessert.
I’ll let him win that one, but he’s not getting away from my still unanswered question. “You didn’t answer me, you know.”
He looks genuinely confused. “Sorry. What was the question?”
“Do you ever date? It only seems fair given that you know far too much about my dating history.”
Drinks get placed in front of us. Carter sits back and takes a long, slow sip of his beer.
I shake my head. “It’s okay. Forget I asked.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just not very interesting. Between Christian and the shop, there’s not a whole lot of time for extracurricular activities. It’s not that Ineverdate. I do on occasion. It just hasn’t been a priority for me.”
“Are you telling me you haven’t had a serious girlfriend since Denise?”
His eyebrows shoot up. “I’m impressed you remembered her name.”
I don’t tell him I remember it all. Every word he’s ever said to me. They’ve settled in my mind and heart like precious gems. Because somehow, his words seem more genuine than those of any other man I’ve met.
I shrug like it’s no big deal.
“Nope. No girlfriends.”
“But there have been girls that you’ve… you know…” My cheeks flame.
He chuckles. “Kenna, are you asking how many women I’ve slept with?”
“God no. I would never. I was just wondering, um…” I avert my eyes then take a drink. “I was wondering how long it had been for you before we, uh…”
He playfully kicks my foot under the table. “A while. It had been a while. Maybe not as long as your eighteen months, but definitely longer than the average bear.”
My phone buzzes with a text, and dread grips me. Is it Cyrus? I don’t want to look, but I have to. What if it’s about Amelia?
As it turns out, itisabout Amelia. But not in the way I was fearing. A huge smile crosses my face when I tap on Allie’s text and a picture of Christian, Bug, Amelia, and the twins under a blanket fort appears. I heart the photo then show it to Carter.
He takes my phone from me. My heartbeat spikes. Is he going through my texts? I try to swipe it back, but he plays keep away as he types into it.
He holds it out. “There.”
I look at the screen. He added himself to my contacts. I glance up and smile.
