Page 39 of Gary

“I will send out your steaks and the buttered potatoes. Nice to meet you dear.” She hurried off to tend to a patron who was calling for her attention.

He watched as she picked up the bottle and studied the dark brown brew.

“It’s not going to jump out and bite you.” He teased.

“I am just not into beer.”

“You are going to like this one. Home brewed and excellent. Try it.’ He urged.

He laughed as she lifted the bottle and carefully cleaned the rim with her napkin.

“Getting rid of any residues.”

“Of course.” His eyes twinkled. He waited until she took a careful sip.

“Well?”

“It’s tart.”

“And?”

She took another sip. “And surprisingly good.”

“Told you.” Picking up his bottle, he guzzled. “Who started the book club?”

“I did. It was an idea I had ever since I started the place and when several ladies hinted that they wanted somewhere to meet, I immediately implemented it.”

“How successful is it?” He loved watched her talk and admired the way her dark brown eyes would light up when she did.

She took another sip of the beer. “Very. It started out as one day a week, but after popular demands, we pushed it to two. With Thanksgiving coming up in a little over a week, we are planning a thankful theme.

We collect boxes and baskets of full meals for needy families. We hold competitions – reading and poetry. The winner gets to read their work before the patrons.”

He stared at her in admiration.

“I had no idea that a coffee shop offers all that.”

She lowered her head to her bottle abashedly, feeling the glow of warmth at his look of pride.

“We are in competition with the larger brands and have to come up with innovative ideas to stay in business.”

Their meals arrived right then and forestalled further conversation for the time being. Her first taste of the sizzling steak had him grinning. Her eyes went wide and then closed in ecstasy. Then he noticed her lips and desire hot and steamy slammed into him with a force that had him gasping for breath.

Dropping his gaze to his own meal, he battled with his desire until he had it under control. They spoke about inconsequential things to keep things light while enjoying the meal.

The offer of dessert, chocolate cake with vanilla topping, was declined.

He promised Lucy that they would be back and hugged the woman warmly before making his way out, his hand under Sadie’s elbow.

He opened her door and ushered in before taking his seat behind the wheel. He sat there for a minute staring out at the darkened trees, the lights from the moon, filtering through the leaves.

“I have to ask you something.”

“Go on.”

Taking a deep breath, he settled back and turned his head towards her.

“I am dying to make love to you.”