Page 20 of Finding You

“My dad was like that too,” she told him. “Sometimes I get lazy, but considering this isn’t my kitchen, I figured I’d better behave myself.” And with a wink, she stepped away to check on the chicken.

“How about some wine?” he asked. “It’s not something I drink very often, but I have a bottle here that I think would go great with dinner.”

“That sounds heavenly! I can’t remember the last time I sat down to a nice meal with a glass of wine while feeling this relaxed.”

Together they moved around the kitchen–Devin pouring the wine and then draining the pasta while MacKenzie took the tray of food from the oven. She made their plates and then he placed them on the table. When they were both seated, he picked up his glass and smiled at her.

“Here’s to a great day. At least…I hope you think it was a great day. You accomplished a lot.”

MacKenzie had to agree. Picking up her glass, she tapped it on his and grinned. “It was. Thank you.”

After taking a sip of wine, they each dug into their meal.

“Holy crap, MacKenzie! This is amazing!” he gushed. “I’ve bought that jarred sauce like a hundred times and it’s never tasted like this!”

“Well…I’ve learned how to jazz things up,” she explained. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it? I think I’m in love!”

She felt her face heat up and focused on her plate. Gently, she cleared her throat. “So, um…do you think you’ll be able to start on the Mustang tomorrow?”

He nodded. “I’m still waiting on the parts, but I’m going to get it prepped so as soon as they do come in, I can get going right away.” He took another bite of his dinner before adding, “And I promise you, I’m not moving it from that bay until it’s done. Even if I can’t work on it, I want you to know that it’s my top priority.”

It didn’t seem possible for her to feel more relaxed than she already was, but that admission from him certainly made her feel like the last weight was off her shoulders. “You have no idea how much that means to me, Devin. Thanks.”

They ate in companionable silence for several minutes before Devin spoke again. “I think now might be a good time to prepare you for tomorrow.”

“What do you mean? Does something wild usually happen on Tuesdays?” she asked with amusement.

“No, but…” Pausing, he let out a long breath. “Okay, you know how you didn’t want to go grocery shopping with me because you felt like everyone was watching you?”

“Yeah…”

“Let’s just say I have a feeling we’re going to see an increase in calls and walk-ins over the next few days because everyone’s going to want to know who the new girl is and why she’s working and staying with me.”

Nodding, she replied, “Ah…got it. They’re not going to stay on their side of the glass, is that what you’re saying?”

That made him chuckle. “Oh, they’ll stay on their side of the glass, but they’ll be lined up waiting to see you and talk to you, so…”

Just the thought of being the center of attention like this made her a bit uncomfortable. Growing up and moving around so much always made her the new kid in school and–therefore–the center of attention.

And she never liked it.

However…she’d gotten used to it and knew she really wasn’t all that exciting and people would quickly grow bored with her. Besides, she was only going to be here for a week. How bad could it be? She could certainly put up with a few nosey people for a week.

Pfft…easy peasy…

“Look, I’m not going to say that I’m looking forward to it, but it’s certainly not going to break me,” she reasoned with a shrug. “I’m sure once the first few come in and realize there’s nothing particularly newsworthy about me, they’ll move on. And with the big reunion this weekend and this whole festival thing coming up, you know there’s so much more to get excited about here.”

All he did was smile and nod before taking another bite of his dinner, and for some reason, she felt like he didn’t agree with her.

Her gaze narrowed. “I have a feeling you’re trying hard not to say something.”

He took another sip of wine before responding. “All I’m saying is that you should be prepared, that’s all. I can’t say for sure how many people are going to come in–or call–but…”

“I’m not going to need you to stand guard with me at the desk again,” she countered mildly. “I’ve been the new girl at a dozen different schools, and the same with jobs. I greatly doubt there’s anything the people of Sweetbriar Ridge are going to do to traumatize me.”

“Then I guess we don’t have a problem,” he said with a grin, his dimples on full display.

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