Page 32 of Perfect Together
He shook his head and pinned her with a steady, certain,determinedglare. “I’m not going anywhere without you. There’s too much at stake.”
***
The morning crowdkept Macy busy after her friends left, but not so busy that she didn’t notice that Tyler remained behind for a while, obviously thinking over what had transpired between him and Nicole. Nicole, she’d noticed, had looked for Sam when she left, and had been disappointed to find him already gone.
What a tangled mess, Macy thought. Something the likes of which Serendipity hadn’t seen since... well, since Jenna left Sam at the altar for Brett, his best friend. Sam had had a rough time then. He’d been so humiliated and embarrassed, and everyone in town had gossiped about it for months. She shook her head, glad Sam was on the winning side of things this time around.
The rest of the day passed quickly, but Macy was embarrassed to admit she’d thought of Tyler Stanton more than a few times. He wasn’t her usual type, too buttoned up for Serendipity, but that didn’t seem to matter when he was so darn sexy. She sighed, wondering how many boundaries she’d be crossing by flirting with him. Just a little. Nicole was happily involved with Sam—or wanted to be—so what could it hurt?
She was pondering that very question around five o’clock, knowing she could leave soon to head home and change before the seven o’clock softball game.
Tonight, the cops were playing the firefighters.Hotdidn’t begin to describe the field, she thought with a wry grin. Too bad she’d known all these guys since they were boys, dated a few, and was interested in none. She lifted her gaze at the same momenthestrode into the restaurant.
“Hello, Ms. Donovan.”
“Macy,” she reminded him. “And we’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
He shook his head, obviously unsure what to make of her. Which was fine. Many had that initial reaction. She said what she thought, joked even if only she understood, and tried to enjoy life.
“I’d like a seat. Counter or a table is fine,” he said.
“Take your pick.” She gestured to the line of empty booths.
He chose the first table closest to the hostess stand, and she eyed him with pure female appreciation as he took the few steps to sit down. He was wearing the same khaki pants as earlier, and she took in his very fine ass that accented his lean form.
She handed him the menu.
“I have a feeling I won’t be needing one after a while,” he muttered to himself.
She raised an eyebrow at that. “Planning on sticking around?” she asked, unable to stop the hope rising in her at the possibility.
“Looks like it. I think Nicole’s testing the waters, and I want to be here when she realizes everything she’s left behind.”
What did it say about her that Macy was pleased? Pathetic, that was what she was. Dimples or no, the man was stuck on another woman.
“What if she’s not just testing?” Macy asked.
He set his jaw. “She is.”
Macy raised her eyebrows. “Are you always so sure of yourself?”
He met her gaze, suddenly looking at her, really studying her as if seeing her for the first time, and she shivered beneath his steady stare.
“Are you always so blunt?” he asked.
“Yes, and you didn’t answer me.”
“Yes, I’m always that sure. If I want something, I get it.” And he obviously wanted Nicole.
But Macy had been the bystander to many people falling in love over the past few years, and when that particular emotion hit, it hit hard. It also started with dynamic chemistry, and she’d seen explosive heat between Sam and Nicole. Tyler didn’t have a chance, but then... why did he want one? Why pursue a woman who’d made her lack of interest and intentions not to be with him so clear?
Macy liked a good puzzle, and Tyler was that. Especially since he didn’t look all that hurt by his ex-fiancée’s obvious feelings for Sam.
“So what is there to do in town?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Depends on the night.”
“Okay, how about... say tonight?” An amused smile lifted his mouth, making him even more handsome.