Page 30 of All Wrong
Too bad that, deep down, she sometimes longed for a taste of feral ferocity.
“I’m glad you made it,” he said as he reclaimed his seat.
She returned his smile. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”
“I wouldn’t have blamed you if something had come up.”
“Why is that?”
“Not everyone appreciates a setup,” he said, his smile turning wry. “Your sister can be … persistent.”
Corinne laughed at his honesty. “Are you saying that you’re just here to get Lacie off your back?”
“Not at all. I’m saying I understand ifyouare.”
His candor was refreshing, as was his humility. His voice, smooth and easy to listen to. He wasnothing like the aggressive jock she’d braced herself for.
And she saw no hint of a cunning wolf beneath the collared polo and clean-shaven jaw.
“Fair enough. But we’re both here, and I’m hungry, so let’s see how it goes.”
“Fair enough,” he echoed.
He picked up a menu and scanned the choices.
“Have you eaten here before?” she asked.
“Can’t say I have.”
“This is one of my favorite places, although I’m guessing Lacie already told you that.”
His smile told her she’d guessed correctly. “That depends. Do I lose credibility points if I confirm?”
Corinne laughed. “No. Knowing my sister, she inundated you with tips and tricks and insider knowledge, completely unsolicited.”
Just as Lacie had been plying her with information about him. Texas born and raised, though he had left his home state after his divorce ten years earlier and had lived in various parts of the US since. Good with kids, but none of his own. Community service–oriented and generous with his time.
As he continued to check out the menu, she said, “Let me guess. You’re more of ameat and potatoeskind of guy.”
“When it comes to dinner, I do like something substantial,” he agreed. “But for lunch? This’ll do just fine.”
They placed their orders, which came quickly. They talked about topical, introductory,getting to know each otherstuff. Where he’d come from, why he’d chosen to come to Pine Ridge. He asked about her, how long she’d worked at the bank, what she did for fun. Corinne was surprised when she looked at her watch and realized her lunch hour was almost over.
“I’m sorry, but I have to get back to work.”
She reached for her purse, but Brett stopped her.
“Please. Allow me.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I enjoyed this. I haven’t had a chance to meet many people.”
He seemed sincere, and nothing about his words or expression or body language was smarmy or suggestive.
“I guess summer’s as hard on the teachers as it is on the students when it comes to that.”
“It can be, especially when you’re the new guy.”
