“I couldn’t. You earned that fair and square.”
“Will you at least go out with us?” Chuck asked.
Lance chimed in, “On a real date?”
God, she wanted to say yes. They were kind, wonderful men. Handsome and charming. What woman wouldn’t want to go out with them? But she couldn’t.
“I’m sorry, guys.” She had to remain detached. I’ve stayed too long in Wilde. Was telling the sheriff about her past a mistake? She wasn’t sure. This town had become home to her, and she didn’t want to leave. Not yet. Sure it would be amazing to spend time with Lance and Chuck, but she couldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to them. “I just can’t say yes.” She headed into the kitchen, leaving them behind.
Chapter Three
“What just happened?” Lance stared at the swinging door that Danielle had just left through. She’d turned their offer down, and that didn’t sit well with him. Not one damn bit.
“I haven’t got a clue.” Chuck shook his head. “Maybe she could see through our BS. She’s clearly the kind of woman who doesn’t take crap from anyone.” He lifted his apron and pointed to the tea stain on his shirt. “Case in point.”
“I’m not ready to give up, buddy.” Just because he and Chuck had lost the battle didn’t mean they had to lose the war. “I want a date with this girl. Let’s go with the old tried and true, send-the-flower bit.”
“Good idea. I wonder if this town has a florist.”
“We’ll have to ask Michael.”
Chuck looked around. “Where is he, anyway?”
“He left about halfway through the rush.” Norma’s Diner had been so much more fun than all the posh parties he and Chuck had attended in the last several years. “That was a blast, wasn’t it?”
“More fun than I’ve had in a very long time, and I know that gorgeous brunette had a lot to do with it.”
He agreed wholeheartedly. “Danielle made it fun. She is so sassy and beautiful. Just our type.”
“You can say that again.”
“She’s the whole package.” Being billionaire bachelors, he and Chuck were used to women throwing themselves at them. But not Danielle. She was worth the chase, and God, he liked the chase. “Long, dark hair. Green eyes. Curves to die for. And so very sweet. I would give anything to hear her laugh again.”
“Me, too. It’s contagious.”
Carlotta came in carrying a tray with their meal. The aroma and sizzle of the steaks made his stomach growl. He was hungry. She sat the plates in front of them.
“Here are some hot rolls for you, gentlemen. Save room for dessert.”
Lance looked back at the swinging door. “Is Danielle okay?”
The woman’s gaze landed on him. “Your aura is quite impressive, young man. You have a caring heart. I can see dat. Yes, she is fine, but I dink she needs time alone for now. I have a message for you.” She handed him a piece of paper. “I hope it is good news.”
Obviously, Danielle hadn’t shared its contents with her.
He opened it up, expecting the worst. Thankfully, it wasn’t. Danielle wasn’t blowing them off completely. It was only a message from Michael, stating his driver would be just outside to take them back to his place once they were ready to leave the diner.
He handed the note to Chuck. “Everything is fine.”
“Dat’s good to hear,” Carlotta said.
Chuck read the message. “Yes, it is.”
“Now, about your new jobs. Be here at ten tomorrow morning. All I’m going to have you do is fill out some paperwork.” She handed him an envelope filled with cash. “Dis is your tip money. No argument. Danielle told me you vould try to refuse, but you earned it. You both look tired, so sleep in. Dat’s it. Understand?”
He smiled. “Carlotta, we—”
Chuck held up his hand. “Wait a second, Lance. I think this is a great opportunity for us.”