“I’ll call about the house,” he said, before he crossed the small space dividing them and did what he wanted, which was kiss her senseless, this time without interruption.
Luckily, Charlotte and Henry Brown were home and thrilled to have Sam bring over a potential renter. A few minutes later, Nicole had toured the house that was but a few short feet from Sam’s, and she’d fallen in love. In fact, he’d had a difficult time dragging her out of the kitchen to see the rest of the house. Although the appliances weren’t brand-new, they were clean and white, the countertops spacious, the layout perfect for someone who loved to cook. And once she did tour the other rooms, the expression on her face was pure bliss.
“I have to admit, I didn’t think about renting an entire house, but this place is perfect. Quaint and homey . . . and me. The kitchen is perfect.” She spun around, and Sam knew he was looking at his new neighbor.
His sexy new neighbor that he wanted in his bed as soon as possible.
Macy had just finished her shift and was ready to head home. The restaurant was quiet, the evening help had taken over, and she planned to enjoy the first night she’d been free for dinner in what felt like ages because she’d been covering for a sick waitress.
She hung up her apron and grabbed her purse from the back room. She stepped into the main part of the restaurant in time to see a stranger sit down at the counter. Blond hair, cut short and styled well; he wore a navy suit with a red tie, and he looked as tired as she felt. But despite the weariness in his expression, she couldn’t tear her gaze from his handsome face. A face so chiseled and perfect, she would remember if she’d met him before.
Suddenly, her urge to rush out of the restaurant disappeared. She slipped back through the doors and stashed her bag behind the desk. And silly though it might be, she stopped in the employees’ restroom to check the mirror and freshen her makeup a little before heading out front once more.
She intercepted Nell, the waitress who was about to take his order. “I’ve got this,” Macy said.
Nell glanced over Macy’s shoulder and sighed. “Young, hot, and sexy. Of course you’re staying longer.”
Macy grinned. “Don’t sound so put out,” she said to the older woman. “You’ll go home to your husband tonight.”
“Oh honey, my husband didn’t look like that man even when we met. But I do love him, so go. Take your shot with the stranger.” Nell winked at her and retreated to the kitchen.
Macy twirled the drink tray in her hand, drew a deep breath, and walked over to the man. “Hi,” she said, placing fresh silverware in front of him on the counter.
“Good evening.” Startling green eyes settled on hers.
“Hi,” she said again.
An amused smile curled his lips. “Can I get a menu? I’m starving.”
She shook her head out of the cloud she’d been lost in. “Of course.” She handed him a large plastic menu. “I recommend the meat loaf. It’s today’s special.”
He lay the menu down on the counter. “Meat loaf it is.”
His smile lit up something inside her she didn’t recognize. “I’ll just go put in your order. Drink?” she asked.
“Cola’s fine.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“Come back? I have a couple of questions maybe you can answer.”
Macy raised her eyebrow. Intrigued, she nodded. “Be right back.”
She turned the order in to her uncle, the chef, then filled a glass with ice and soda and returned to find the man where she’d left him, staring out the window onto the street.
“Looking for someone?” She placed the glass and a straw in front of him.
“As a matter of fact, I am.” He swiveled back around to face her.
“It’s a small town. Chances are I know whoever you’re searching for.”
He shrugged. “I’m looking for my fiancée.”
Disappointment filled Macy, but she wasn’t surprised a gorgeous man like this had a woman in his life.
He let out a sigh. “Actually she’s my ex-fiancée.”
Macy perked up at that.