Page 23 of Searching for Love

“Have you ever had a bad breakup?” she asked when he was done cleaning.

“Not really.” He stood across from her and cut himself a slice of pie, then set a much smaller second piece on her plate. “Terra poured a container of milk on my head when she found out I’d talked to her arch nemesis during recess in third grade. By junior high, however, we were friends again,” he said between bites. “You?”

She shook her head. “I’m not enemies with any of them.”

“Me either. Then again, I haven’t seen any of my exes in years. Most of my classmates with a brain moved out of state shortly after graduation.”

“You stuck around,” she pointed out.

“I had to.”

“Your mom?” she asked.

He nodded. “Why did you?”

She didn’t have to. She wanted to. She loved Pride. Loved everyone in it.

Would Lucas understand that? Would he think she was strange?

She’d already confided in him that she loved the town. Loved her jobs. Loved the people.

“It’s home,” she answered casually. At least she hoped it sounded casual.

“In the short time I’ve spent living here, I can see the charm of sticking around.” He finished his pie and took their plates and rinsed them off.

He leaned back on the countertop when he was done. “So, be honest with me.”

“About?” She rested her chin in her hands as she leaned on the counter.

“Do you think your brother and Hannah are going to want the beef or the chicken tinga?”

“Both,” she chuckled.

He crossed his arms over his chest before nodding. “Well, I’m just thankful I get to do this all over again in two days.”

“I can help,” she offered. “Now that I’ve watched you work, I can at least lend a hand.”

He smiled. “I’d like that. When we get closer to opening day, I’m going to have to interview and train a few other kitchen staff.” He took a deep breath and then, to her surprise, he started gathering his things.

She wanted to ask him to stay a little longer but knew that if they were going to keep things professional, it would be better for him to leave.

“Thanks for letting me run a few dishes by you first,” he said as they walked towards the front door.

“Thanks for the wonderful meal,” she countered. “After tonight’s sampling, I can guarantee you’ll be in business a very long time in Pride.”

His smile practically doubled. “Thanks.” He held open the door, his arms full of the bags he’d brought with him, which were now empty. “Let me just clear the air on one thing.” His eyes searched hers. “I want to kiss you right now. But…”

She didn’t know what caused her to rush up on her toes and quickly cover his mouth with hers. Maybe it was because his hands were full and she knew that she’d be in control and able to keep herself in check just as long as he didn’t touch her.

“There,” she said as she took a step away from him. Just the simple quick contact with his lips had her swaying slightly. “Thank you for dinner.” Before he could respond, she shut the door.