“Nothing says you have to,” she teased. “You can stay all day if you like.”
“I’m sure that would break a rule or two. I’ve noticed you don’t let the teens hang out during rush hour.”
“You tend to spend more than four teens sharing two drinks and an order of fries, and don’t overstay your welcome.”
“Am I welcome?” he asked, the light in his eyes indicating the question might be more than it appeared.
She thought about his words for half a second. Was he flirting with her? “Yes, you are welcome anytime.” There, a nice neutral response, great if he was only asking if he was welcome in Tammy’s. Even better if he was hinting he might like to spend time with her. She gave him a welcoming smile.
“Honey, would you like to have dinner with me?”
“Yes, Ira, I would.” She thought about declining, really, she did. Lacy was interested in Ira, even if she was too scared to act on it. Honey should turn him down, but after the jolt she felt when their hands connected, there was no way on earth she’d pass up dinner with him. She gave a mental fist pump, suddenly eager to go on a date with this newcomer. “When would you like to go?”
He floundered for a moment, his gaze darting around the room. “Tonight?” He quirked one eyebrow in question. “Six?”
“Make it seven, and you have a deal. I have some work I have to do first.”
“Anything I can help with?”
“Nope. I do a bit of work on the side. Nothing important, but I need to get it done.” She appreciated his offer. “Where shall I meet you?”
“I thought I’d pick you up. You live in one of the brownstones, right? Do you eat Italian? I thought we’d go to Tuscan Gardens, if you don’t mind.”
His nervousness was endearing. “That’s only a short walk from my place and it’s a lovely day. How about I meet you there instead?” She tended to avoid having guys pick her up, a holdover from her college days when she found herself dating guys she barely knew. Life was different in Coyote Creek, but old habits die hard and Ira hadn’t been around long. She almost relented at his deep frown.
“Okay. I’ll meet you there.” It was clear that letting her find her own way wasn’t his first choice, but he agreed anyway and she appreciated it. “See you soon.”
She smiled her warmest smile. “Thanks for agreeing. I’m looking forward to dinner and getting to know you better.”
The grimace fled and his face blossomed into a smile lighting his eyes, turning them from stormy to bright green with darker flecks. So sexy. So handsome. Coyote Creek’s newest bachelor was adorable.
Wait! He was a bachelor, wasn’t he?She better ask tonight, just to be sure.
