Page 17 of Forever my Love

ChapterSix

Walking into the restaurant beside Hailey gave him warm fuzzy feelings. It felt good. Right. A-freaking-mazing.

He knew he was pushing her limits when he reached over and took her hand. He felt her slightly jerk her hand, but seconds later her fingers relaxed in his.

They were seated at a table by the fireplace. They ordered sodas and quietly looked over the menus.

“This is…” she started but then stopped and shook her head, disappearing behind the menu.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She continued to hide her face.

“Hailey.” He nudged the menu down. “Talk to me.” He could tell that she was embarrassed by whatever she was about to say. “Whatever it is, I promise I won’t laugh.”

She set her menu down and took a deep breath. “A lot of people come here for dates, right?”

He frowned as he nodded. “I suppose they do. But I had somewhere else in mind for our first date.” He leaned on the table slightly. “When is your next day off?”

She tilted her head slightly as she thought. He couldn’t help but smile at her look of concentration.

“A little over a week, I think. I’ll have to check the schedule,” she finally answered. “I’m actually going to be working a few double shifts.”

He nodded and leaned back. “When you know for sure, let me know. I’ll arrange everything.”

She smiled and then went back to looking at the menu. “I don’t know why I’m looking at this.” She set it aside. “I always get the same thing.”

“Me too.” He chuckled. “Burger?”

She nodded. “Why are they so good here?”

“The truffle fries are amazing too.” He felt his stomach growl.

“Aren’t boxers supposed to be on some sort of strict diet?” she asked, taking a sip of her drink.

“Some are, not me.” He shrugged. “Since I work out regularly, my metabolism is pretty regulated.”

“I have to limit my pizza and pasta intake,” she said with a chuckle. “I suppose I need to work out more often.”

“We’ve been hitting it pretty hard the last couple nights. I’d say you’ve earned the burger and fries.”

“Even if I haven’t, I’m still getting them.” She laughed, and he couldn’t stop himself from matching her smile.

Her smile and laughter were addictive.

The more they chatted, the more he lost himself in her. He kept his questions away from her past even as she dug further into his. He didn’t mind. He had nothing to hide.

His life growing up in the small town was no secret. Everyone who lived in Pride knew everything about him and his family.

Hell, he doubted he could sneeze without someone knowing about it.

Even just sitting at the restaurant with Hailey, he knew that word was spreading about them being together. Not that he minded. Everyone he knew had asked him when he was going to ask her out.

He couldn’t even have a crush on someone without the townspeople knowing.

If it bothered him, he would have moved out of town long ago. In a way, everyone around him helped to hold him accountable.

When he needed help, there was always someone a phone call away.