Talk? Haven’t we already talked our ears off? Justin was different from his brother, Alex, who was just as charming but not as much of a conversationalist. “What do you want to discuss, cowboy?”
“You,” he stated flatly, his unblinking eyes locking in on her like lasers. “Tell me what you like to do, Shelby. What’s something fun we can enjoy together? You like horses?”
“One question at a time, please.” She’d love to tell him that kissing him had been on her mind since he’d walked up to her but knew it would be best to keep that to herself. At least for now. “I like my job, for one.”
“What do you do there?” he asked.
“I’m the executive assistant to the president of the company—Austin Wilde.” She’d had a crush on him a while back but it had turned into more of a friendship between boss and employee after a short time. Now that Austin was with her friend Jessie, that was a good thing.
“Wilde?” Justin’s eyes widened. “I’ve run into him before. I know a little about his family. What about your family, Shelby?”
She knew where this was heading. Dive in with both feet. If he runs away, so be it. “I have two dads and one mom, if that is what you’re asking.”
“Straight to the point, darlin’.” He reached across the table and touched her on the cheek. She didn’t try to move her face away, enjoying the feel of his fingertips on her skin. “You’re a handful, aren’t you? Are you close to your parents?”
“I love them very much. They are very happy, too. I’m one of two girls. Carol is a year younger than me. We have two older brothers, Bane and Adam. Both are serving in the Marines right now.” She looked into his eyes. “What about your brothers, Alex and Brandon? Tell me about them.”
He nodded and brushed the hair out of her eyes. “They’re great guys. My best friends. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know them after our hundredth date.”
She laughed. “Pretty sure of yourself, cowboy, aren’t you? Besides, I already have met your brother Alex. Several times, in fact.” Not enough and not the way she wanted, but still, she did know him better than she knew Justin. Or at least better until now.
Justin smiled. “So I’m guessing you have figured out
that Alex is normally more friend material, Shelby. Has he even asked you on a date yet?”
“No,” she hated to admit.
“Are you figuring out that I’m more boyfriend material?”
She felt the tingles heat up inside her. “I’m not sure what kind of material you are or aren’t yet.”
“But you’re still here, so that tells me you are curious to find out. Right?”
How was he getting inside her head so easily? If she answered him, she’d just give him more ammo. “Perhaps I should get back to the ceremony.”
“Not so fast.” Justin got up out of the booth. “Since our meal is done, I want to sit next to you. Slide over for me, Shelby.”
Her sassy side wanted to refuse, but her submissive side won the battle. So, she scooted over as Justin had told her to. The sexy cowboy moved in beside her close, ever so close.
Shamelessly, Justin put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in tight. “Now, this is better, isn’t it, darlin’?”
She shook her head in denial, but the truth? It was better. She liked being held by him. Liked it a lot. Could this be the start of my dream? Wishful thinking.
Trying to get her mind on something else, she said, “Elko, your dad has done a terrific job as the acting sheriff. I bet if he wants to run for the office in the next election that he’ll win by a landslide.”
“I’m surprised how your town has taken to him, especially since he’s from Elko.”
“They have.”
“See. There’s hope for us, too.” Justin winked. “Pop is happy here. I think Connie is the main reason. He was so sad after my mom’s death. When Connie came along he got his old spark back.”
“When did you lose your mom?” she asked, wanting to know more about him and his upbringing.
“Twelve years ago. Cancer.” His tone softened from its earlier lightness.
She regretted bringing up the subject. “We can talk about something else, Justin.”
He shook his head. “I want to tell you about her. Mom was the heart of our family. All four of us lost our sparks. Me and my brothers were still in high school. We pulled together and got through the worst of the grief. It never goes away fully, but it does get better.”