Page 53 of One-of-a-Kind Bride

“I mean, we’re adults now. We’ve both been through loss and a lot of time has passed. So I thought maybe we could try to be friends again.”

“Friends?” Oh, man, he was pulling the friend card.

The hope swelling inside her chest just deflated. What had she wanted him to say? She didn’t know exactly, but she’d never stopped being his friend.

“I think we are, Coop. At least on my end.”

He pulled back a second. “On your end? You never answered my letters. You never picked up the phone when I called.”

“I know. I’m sorry about that. Truly, but it was hard enough leaving and I thought you’d be better off not hearing from me.”

“So you did it for my sake?”

“I did.”

He shot her a skeptical look just as the waiter came by to deliver the menus and take their drink order. Coop ordered a bottle of cabernet and then picked up the menu.

She did the same. “What do you recommend?” she asked to break the silence. Apparently, Coop still had issues with their breakup.

“It’s farm to table so everything is fresh and delicious.”

The menu was extensive and everything looked mouth-watering. Her stomach growled and she quickly gazed at Coop. If he heard, he didn’t react about it. She was fully expecting him to tease her. Funny, but she never minded his teasing. It was part of who they once were.

“The spinach salad sounds yummy.”

“So is the Dragonfly special,” he said. “It’s the chef’s own creation. Chicken fried steak, carrot souffle, topped with a vegetable medley and any choice of potato.”

“That sounds delish too.”

Coop closed his menu. “Done.”

She liked his decisiveness. He certainly knew how to impress a girl. He seemed at ease in this situation, while her heart was pounding hard. Because it was easy for her too. Being with him made it seem like no time had passed at all, and that sort of freaked her out.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, sensing her mood.

“Nothing really. Just wondering if this is what it would’ve been like if we hadn’t broken up. If we dated as adults. It all seems so…”

“Natural?”

She bobbed her head. “Yes.”

Music coming from a three-piece band began playing from the other side of the garden. The tunes were mellow and soft, lending an atmosphere for romance. This entire evening was surreal, and she could get lost in it, if she weren’t careful. The truth was, she hadn’t been on a date this nice in years, but she’d be fooling herself to think that was all it was. It wasn’t lack of a social life drawing her to Coop.

A woman in a white chef’s coat came over to the table. “How are you, Coop?”

Coop rose and greeted the woman. “Delilah, it’s good to see you.” He gave her a hug and then turned to Taylor. “Delilah Corbyn, I’d like you to meet Taylor Preston. Delilah’s the chef and owner of the Dragonfly.”

“Nice to meet you,” Taylor said.

“Same to you. I hope you find everything to your liking here at Dragonfly. After your meal, I’ll send over a special dessert for you both.”

“That’d be real nice. Thank you,” he said.

“Do you have any questions about the menu? Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Not at all. We’re both having your special. You know how much I like it.”

“Good choice. Well, I’d better get back to the kitchen. Enjoy your meal.”

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