Page 7 of All Inn Thyme
“I would love that, but I can’t afford you, Pres.”
“Who said anything about paying me?”
I tilt my head at him. “You can’t help everyone for free. You have a business to run.”
“It’s called pro-bono. And I have plenty of work lined up with paying clients, too. There’s a need for my law practice up here.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“So let me help you.”
“With the gardening? Sure,” I tease as I hold up the catalogue.
“If that’s what you need.” He shrugs.
I laugh. “When is the last time you got your hands dirty?” I ask, looking at his white sweater, crisp jeans, and buttery brown leather shoes.
He cocks his head for a minute, I guess thinking things through. “Never,” he finally admits, laughing. “But I thought I’d throw the offer out there.”
I take a bite of cake and mull it over. There’s no denying it would be nice to finally and legitimately put everything behind me, especially with how stressful it is being on the run.
“What would that look like?”
“Whatever you want it to. We can figure out how to file for divorce, file charges, whatever you want. Legally, this is a shit show, Mel. You know that. We have to do the right thing and make sure you and Kase are protected at all costs.”
“You promise you’ll keep us safe?”
“Between all of us here, we’ll always do what’s best foryou, Mel. You’re my friend.” He smiles sadly.
Preston is a total catch. He’s tall, with short, dark hair and whiskey-colored eyes. He’s like the good-looking, boy-next-door type of guy. When he smiles, he has dimples so deep you could swim in them. On paper, he’s the perfect man and more. Some lady will be very lucky to have him.
But then I think about the way Ty makes my belly flip flop every time I see him and having him in very close proximity tonight reminded me of that feeling.
I try to shake away these thoughts, needing to focus on what’s in front of me.
“We’re all going to McGuiness Tavern tomorrow night. Want to come?”
I take another bite of my cake and look at him as he’s waiting for my answer. “I don’t know.”
“That new guy you were sitting with, Ty? He’s coming…”
Well, crap on a cracker. That makes it easier. “Yeah, I guess I can do that. I haven’t been out in a while.”
“They’re playing matchmaker again,” he warns. “They said there’s a barista from the coffee shop they want me to meet, and you’re on the books for Ty.”
I laugh. “You know that’s what they do. You’re a catch, Preston. You deserve to find a nice lady.”
He tilts his head at me and gives a half smile. “And you deserve to find a man who treats you the right way.”
I sigh. “I don’t know, Pres. I’m still legally married, and I’m just so tired from all that. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to put myself out there again.”
“All in time, Mellie,” he muses, looking at my catalogue, open to a page with bright photos of thyme on it. “Like thyme, the herb, all in thyme.”
I chuckle. “You’re a dork. But we can be each other’s wingmen, like Goose and Maverick. I’ll help you find your new lady.”
His brows come together, but he grins. “I’mnotGoose. I’m Maverick.”
“Fine, I’ll be your Goose.” I shrug my shoulders and take a sip of my tea.
