Page 12 of Small Town Prince Charming

“She’s got perfect hearing.”

“She’s also smarter than you realize.”

He nodded. “It’s true.”

“Come on. It’s two old friends chatting. There’s nothing to hear, and you sure do look like you need a break.” She rubbed his back. “You’re tense.”

“I work two jobs, raise my sister’s kid because my sister couldn’t escape her addictions, barely keep myself straight, and I feel like I’m failing. God. Carol used to say I wasn’t good enough and this all seems to prove it.”

“Whoa.” She stopped him at the bottom of the steps. “Ryan.”

“It’s true. I’m tired. I work for Tom, which is decent money, but I don’t make much at the theatre. I’d quit or donate my time, but I have to take what I can get,” he said. “I’ve got debts my sister ran up, and I’m the only one to pay them back.”

“Okay.” She held his hand. Her skin sizzled, and when she looked into his eyes, she didn’t want to stop. “You’re done for the night, and we’re having coffee. Do you like Lorenzo’s? I’ll put in a to-go order.”

“I haven’t fed her, and I should make her take a bath, but you’re persuasive.” He held onto her wrist and massaged her bare skin. “I’m sorry. I get into these blue moods and sometimes it’s hard to get out of them.”

“I know.” She remembered his sensitive side and how he’d struggled in high school with depression. She’d fallen in love with him back then because of his ability to empathize with people. Did she still love him? Yes.

“Anyway, let’s get that coffee and order something to eat. I expect to help with the bill.” He smiled, although the sparkle didn’t quite light in his eyes. “I owe you big time.”

“I’m being a friend. That’s what friends do.” She’d like to be more than friends, but it wasn’t the time to admit such things. “Are you seeing someone?”

“No. Don’t have time.” He ascended the stairs with her. “I’d love to find someone to be a partner and help me.”

“To love you?”

“Let’s not get silly.” He snorted and held the door at the top of the stairs. “I know better than to try to find love. It’s not practical.”

“You’re selling yourself short.” She nudged him into the apartment. As he walked ahead of her, she admired the shape of his ass. She wondered what he’d be like as he aged a few times over the years. Now she knew, and she liked what she saw. “We should place the order and talk while it’s being delivered. What would Maisey like?”

“She’d love a hamburger. I don’t order out hardly at all, and she loves hamburgers.” Ryan hesitated in the doorway. “I’d love to remove my boots, but I can’t guarantee it won’t be...”

“Stinky?” She shrugged. “Keep them on. I don’t mind.” She slid her phone from her pocket. “Maisey? I’m ordering food from Lorenzo’s. Your dad said you’d like a hamburger. Yes? No?”

“Yes, with fries!” She danced around the living room. “Thank you.”

“And you?” She strode past him and headed into the kitchen. “I’m going to start the coffee. Want to see the menu?”

“You’re too good to be true.” He stood beside her at the counter. “I’ll have a hamburger, too.”

“No onions.” She held up her hand. “I do remember that.” She tapped through the site on her phone, placing the order and paying before she started the coffee. “Done. And I’m human. Nothing special but let me get the remote for Maisey.” She left him in the kitchen for a moment, then returned. “She picked Dance Girls.”

“She loves that show.” Ryan crossed his ankles and rested his hands on the counter. “Could watch it all day, if I’d let her.”

She’d never seen the show, but she trusted Maisey, and if Ryan wasn’t objecting, then it must be fine. She swept her gaze over Ryan and bit back a whimper. He looked so perfect in her kitchen and so sexy. She’d always been a sucker for rugged men, and he fit the bill.

He smiled and said nothing.

Shit. She should make that coffee, not stare at him.

“Want some help?” he asked.

“You need a break.” She grabbed the can of coffee grounds. “I only have the scoop kind, and my coffee pot is ancient.”

“That’s okay. You need a hand, and I’m giving one.” She missed that about her hometown. In Blakes Creek, everyone helped their fellow citizens. There was a sense of familiarity, too. She hated the frantic movements of the big city. Nothing ever seemed to slow down. Blakes Creek moved at a slower pace. She’d grown tired of the big city energy and now she knew she hadn’t missed much but leaving.

Plus, Ryan was still in Blakes Creek. Her heart squeezed. She’d never gotten over him and never forgotten the thrill of being in his arms. His kisses were electric.

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