Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
T he Tavern's parking lot was almost full.
“I hope we can snag a table,” she said, studying the vehicles.
He grinned. “I’m optimistic.”
As soon as he was out, he swiftly rounded the hood and opened the car door for her. He had to fight the urge to take her hand. They were friends. He needed to constantly keep that in mind.
As soon as they entered, Dolly Carver smiled at them. She never changed. Always appearing to be in her forties, she emulated her namesake, Dolly Parton, with bleached blond hair.
“Reilly McKeegan, what a sight you are! It's been ages since I last saw you. How goes it?”
“I’m good. I’d ask you that same question, but judging from the crowd, you’re doing great. Maybe a table for two, please?”
Dolly shifted her gaze from him to Lynne. “Lynne, nice to see you.” Her tone was unconvincing. But she retrieved two menus and guided them to a pleasant table by the dance floor.
“Enjoy your meal!” Dolly said with a playful wink.
Reilly nodded and held the chair out for Lynne. She smiled at him. Once comfortably situated, they both laughed.
“Wow, she’s totally into you,” she joked. “Was that a wink I saw?”
"It was, yes. However, its meaning was unlike the wink she gave me years ago."
“Bragger.”
“It's true. I'm irresistible to women over sixty. It’s beyond my control.”
In a hushed tone, she said, “We're being stared at.”
“Good. A little excitement will do them good.” He winked at her, pleased when her cheeks bloomed pink.
“I forbid you from winking at me!” She lowered her gaze to the table, but when she lifted it again, her eyes twinkled. “Plus, I’m immune to your ways.”
He chuckled. “My ways? Do tell.”
Placing the menu in front of her face, she hid from his view.
“I’m Jennifer, your server. We have a few specials…”
Setting down her menu, Lynne looked startled to see Jennifer.
“I didn’t know you worked here, Jennifer,” she said.
“Since I wasn't hired by the new clinic, I resigned from my old position.”
“I was under the impression the clinic had closed,” Lynne commented.
“Just for a few days. It’s open until the new clinic is built. The new partner is bringing in his own people, so not all of us will be needed. I left. I wasn’t about to be humiliated by continuing to work at a place that didn’t want me.” Her eyes held a look of sadness.
“I’m so sorry that happened. You have a wonderful way with animals,” Lynn told her.
“I appreciate that. It makes a big difference. Now, what would you like to eat?”
Lynne sighed as Jennifer departed after taking their orders. “Jennifer was one of the better ones.”
“It’s curious to me that the clinic’s open while you’re without a job.”
After taking a deep breath, Lynne forced a smile. “I'd rather not think about that right now. Honestly, I can't recall the last time I dined out.”
“You’re right. Let’s have fun tonight.” He stared at her.
“No winking!” she warned.
His response was the slowest, creepiest wink she had ever witnessed. It was impossible to stifle her laughter.
“I agree. We’re being watched, probably because they’re jealous of you.”
“Me?”
“Absolutely, you’re with the room’s most attractive, brilliant, and humorous man.” He smiled as though he was proud of himself.
“Phew, I thought you were going to say in the world. I’ll give you humorous.”
Many people were dancing together. It had been a long time since she’d last two-stepped. Would he ask her to dance? Perhaps? Perhaps not. Dancing meant being too close to him.
Immediately after they ate, her wish was granted. Reilly put his napkin on the table before he stood. Approaching her, he offered his hand. “Shall we?”
There was no need for words. With her hand in his, the world felt perfect, if only for a moment. Reilly was a wonderful dancer, and his embrace was comforting. If only… No, she wasn’t going there. It invariably led her to regret and anger. There was no need for either of those tonight.
A couple she didn’t recognize bumped into them and then asked to exchange partners. Pulling her closer, Reilly shook his head.
“I’m not letting anyone ruin my night,” he murmured in her ear.
“My dancing with another man would ruin it?”
He growled softly, his breath warm on her ear. “I also had reservations about his partner. I'm past the age of playing with Barbie dolls.”
Laughter once again erupted. “I haven’t laughed this much since…” Since him, but she refused to admit it out loud.
He kissed her cheek. “It’s been a long day. Ready to go?”
With a nod, she held his hand tightly as he escorted her to the door.
Would he want to kiss her goodnight? It could be nice, but it would lead to trouble. Maybe nice would be very nice and trouble would be far away.
“You look lost in thought,” he commented as he parked the car in front of the barn.
“Like you said, it has been a long day. I did, however, enjoy a pleasant evening.”
Exiting the car, they found themselves standing before the barn.
“Do you need to check the animals?” he asked.
“I did before we left.”
“Oh, well then, goodnight.”
Part of her heart betrayed her by sinking.
“I'll walk you to the door,” he insisted.
They walked the few yards to her door. “Thanks for the great evening, Reilly.” She turned to walk up the few steps to her trailer. Surprise and relief filled her as he caught her hand and tugged her close. Here it was!
Reilly leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Good night,” he said huskily.
She walked into the trailer, turned on a light, and sat down on the couch. She was a fool. Her pounding heart was foolish. Anything they’d once had was a long, long time ago.