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“I should have worn flats. My feet will be screaming by the time we get inside.” She chuckled.
“Want me to carry you?” he joked, raising an eyebrow at her.
Abbie looked at him with amusement as she stepped onto the running board. “Do you think I wouldn’t let you?”
Creed laughed. “Piggyback ride?”
She motioned for him to turn around. Was she serious? He was curious to see how far she’d go. Turning his back to her, he waited, then laughed when she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He hooked his arms under her legs.
“Let’s go, cowboy. I’m starving,” she teased.
Creed shook his head but obliged, carrying her through the busy parking lot. He couldn’t help but smile at her giggles and the reactions from people they passed by. Some laughed along with them while others gave them strange looks.
At the steps of the restaurant, he turned so she could step down and then faced her to see her adjusting her skirt.
“I bet some people got an eyeful since I had to hike up my skirt,” she said, laughing.
“My loss,” he replied playfully, taking her hand. “Let’s go, I’m hungry too.”
They entered the restaurant, walked to the podium, and waited for the hostess to help them. She smiled when she saw them and asked if they had reservations.
“Yes, for McBride,” Creed told her.
“Alright. Please follow me.” She picked up two menus then led them to a booth. She set the menus on the table. “Your server will be right with you. What would you like to drink?”
“Abbie?”
“I’ll have a white Chardonnay, please.”
“Beer for me. Whatever’s on tap.”
“I’ll be right back with those.”
“Thank you,” Abbie said as she removed her coat, then slid onto the bench.
Creed took his hat and coat off, placed them on the bench, then slid onto the seat. He raked his fingers through his hair and glanced around.
“Do you know what you’re getting?” Abbie asked as she looked over the menu.
“The ribeye. I’m starving for a good steak.”
Abbie glanced up from the menu and flashed him a warm smile, causing his heart to flutter in his chest. It had been a long time since he had been interested in another woman, but something about Abbie intrigued him.
“I think I’ll have the blackened trout,” she declared before setting her menu down.
Their drinks arrived shortly after the hostess took their orders, and Creed found himself studying Abbie as they waited for their food. She was undoubtedly beautiful, and he wanted to know more about her.
“So, why aren’t you married?” he couldn’t help but ask.
“I used to be. We got divorced,” she replied nonchalantly.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s alright. It’s been two years.”
“Can I ask what happened, or is it too painful?”
“Jeremy asked for a divorce because he wanted to marry the woman, he cheated on me with. It was a devastating blow, but ultimately, I knew it was for the best. Their relationship wasn’t just a fling; it had been going on for a while.” She let out a sigh. “The only satisfaction I get is knowing that it won’t last. Jeremy is in for a rude awakening. I know the woman, and she will never be faithful; it’s just not who she is. But Jeremy can’t see it yet. He will eventually,” Abbie said with a hint of bitterness in her tone.
