Page 22 of Silent Heart

And he was different. He was as different from the local boys as a guy could be. But he also stood out from the lake crowd. There was something intriguing about him. I wanted to peel back his layers and find the man who lurked underneath.

Groaning at my reflection, I launched into a scrambled makeover. The hair would have to stay as it was. I didn’t have time for that. A layer of powder dusted my face. A hint of bronze swept over my eyelids. I darkened my brows and lashes, and lined my eyes. After dabbing on some lip gloss, I liked what I saw.

“He was rude, trying to kick me out,” I muttered, shrugging out of my scrubs and jumping into a soft purple sundress.

But I’m sure he had his reasons.

Whatever spell he’d fallen into last night, he was likely more embarrassed by it than actually pissed off. It was like a dog. He barked, but the reason for it wasn’t true anger. Canines never really grew mad. Scared, uncomfortable, they barked to let you know. That was how I read Kole.

“Which is why I’m making this otherwise ridiculous effort,” I informed my reflection.

Tote bag with work clothes over my shoulder, I bounded downstairs and slid into my cowgirl boots, because strappy sandals would be too dressy for the diner.

“What, no swimming lesson this morning?” Grandma called from the kitchen.

“Nope!” Snatching my keys, I almost made it out the door before she came around the half wall.

“Why are you dressed like that?” my grandmother demanded.

“Meeting a friend for breakfast,” I said sweetly.

“Who?”

“I’m going to Betty’s,” I deflected. “I’ll see if she’s got any chocolate silk pie.”

Granny narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you go spending all your hard-earned money on things like pie. You shouldn’t be going out to breakfast either.”

“I have to have some fun.” I pecked a kiss on her cheek. “I close tonight, so don’t wait up.”

Having successfully avoided the inquisition, I bolted to my little speedster and took off before Grandpa or one of the boys caught me. There was no long-term potential with Kole. Whatever spark of connection we found, I wanted to keep that private and sacred. I knew what my grandparents would think of him. It didn’t matter how likable he was, the moment they found out who he was and where he lived, they would dislike him.

“This is just a friendly, neighborly brunch,” I repeated. The upbeat song on the radio sent my blood pumping. It wasn’t strong enough to hide the wings of anticipation fluttering in my stomach.

Gravel skidded under my wheels as I pulled into the already busy parking lot outside the quaint diner. Betty’s Home Cooking was a beloved spot. A quick scan showed an array of pickups,vans, and other middle-income vehicles. Although older, mine was the sportiest car in the lot.

I frowned. It was exactly seven a.m. Kole should be here. But there was no sleek nor sporty car. Grabbing the strap of my wallet and phone, I hurried inside. The clatter of breakfast eaters greeted me. The scent of rich, greasy meats sizzling on the griddle was second only to the strong and refreshing burst of coffee.

“Hya Har!” Gemma called out. “Long time, no see.”

I threw her a half smile while continuing to search the faces. “I’m meeting someone here, Gemma.”

The waitress gave me a strange look but then a slow smile spread over her face. “A guy? About six and a half feet?”

“Yeah?” I gulped.

Her grin turned wicked. “Try the back room.”

Oh, lanta.Waving my thanks, I wove through the noise. Bars might not be clean, but they didn’t have the same sticky quality that diners always seemed to have. I narrowly avoided stepping in a syrup spill on the cracked and worn floor.

My heart pattered wildly in my chest as I stumbled through the partition.

“Harley.” His powerful bass brushed against my skin like an intoxicating caress.

Holy cow, he did not belong in a place like this. Sitting at a two-top, a black henley shirt, sleeves pulled to his wrists, molded to his body as a second skin. His whole aura pulsed with something different. Dangerous and terrifying. He might as well be an alien from a spaceship, so at odds with everything normal.

I hurried forward, drawn to that strange pull.

“Kole,” I smiled, hyper aware that every pair of eyes was watching even if they weren’t staring at me. “I didn’t see your vehicle out there.”

---