Page 21 of Make You Stay

Her reply hits like a fist as I struggle to maintain a neutral countenance. “Already?”

Chloe laughs, waving her hand. “Yeah. This guy asked me out in the grocery store, of all places. Cornered me by the cantaloupes.”

“What’s his name? I might know him.”

“Zeke Williams.”

“Huh.” That’s the only response I can manage for the next few moments as I marinate on the fact that Chloe is going on a date tonight.

I hate it. Hateeverythingabout the fact that Chloe is going out with Zeke Williams.

“Do you know him?”

I nod, forcing a smile, although it feels like my face will crack. “I do. Can’t say we’re friends, but we know each other. Be careful, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you for listening. Tell the girls hello, and you’d better save me a plate of barbecue.”

“No guarantee since you’re too busy tonight.”

She delivers a soft punch in my arm before retreating upstairs, no doubt to get gussied up for a date with another man.

I clean up my mess and leave Chloe’s house five minutes later, a deep sigh flowing past my lips as I contemplate marching straight to her bedroom and demand she cancels her date and spends time with me.

Do I know Zeke? I know him, alright.

Zeke is a tool, although the women of this town swarm around him like ants at a picnic. An egotistical oaf who resembles a male model. Not a hint of a lumberjack to be found.

Tugging on my beard, I cross into my yard, meeting Enid’s knowing smile. “Why don’t you invite Chloe over for dinner?”

“She has a date.” The words fly from my mouth, clipped and short.

“Which you don’t like at all.”

“Not my business.”

“Doesn’t matter. You still don’t like it. You know, you should show Chloe what a catch you are. You’re actually ridiculously handsome when you’re not channeling ZZ Top.” Enid flicks the end of my beard, her lips pursed in disgust.

“Women love beards.” I know this for a fact. Women are crazy about beards, right?

“Does Chloe love it, though?” She smirks because we both know that answer. “You’re a gorgeous guy. Show it off. This fur on your face doesnothingfor you.”

“What does it matter if I have a beard or not? She doesn’t date men with young kids, and I don’t date women without kids. You know my rule.”

“Your rule is ridiculous.”

“But her rule is okay?”

“Chloe got badly burned. That’s the only reason she avoids dating men with young children. She doesn’t want to endure that heartache again.”

I’m reading too much into this, giving this idea way more life than I should. Still, the fact that Chloe is keeping her distance simply to protect her heart does something to me. It might sound crazy, but it gives me hope.

“Are you staying for dinner?” Time to regain the upper hand in this conversation.

Enid shakes her head, giving my beard one last flick. “No. Shave the beard. See what happens.”

* * *

Chloe is missing out.

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