“I never put the cap back on the toothpaste,” he admitted glumly. “I hate cooking. I burn everything.”
Faith laughed. “Okay, enough. You’re busting my good guy image of you. My heart can’t take any more of your sad confessions.”
“So is it just you and Holly?” he asked with interest.
Faith leaned back against the bench. People were walking back and forth and enjoying all the activities. She nodded yes. “I haven’t seen my dad since I was about five. My mom had a drinking problem, so we moved around a lot. Red Hook was the first stable home I had. When Holly graduated high school, mom left for Austin. She craved the ‘big city life,’ but we decided to stay here. I love this town. It is safe and most people are kind.”
“I’m sorry you had a rough childhood though. You turned out great,” he replied. “I see your sister at the bar and she seems very outgoing and bubbly. You are quieter.”
She smiled at him and agreed with his opinion of Holly. “Holly is very social and I am a homebody. I prefer quiet evenings to partying all night. Holly wants to be a nurse. She’ll be wonderful at it. I always just wanted to be my own boss. I love the coffee shop.”
He nodded. “I like you, Faith. I have always wanted to talk to you, but you make me nervous.”
That shocked her. “What? Why?”
“You’re bright and sexy. I stutter and my mind goes blank when you smile at me.” He was being so honest, and it made her cheeks heat up and her heart beat faster. Don’t forget he is not boyfriend material. He likes variety. He likes easy. Plus you always fall for the wrong men.
“That is silly, Adam. I am an average woman. You’re the handsome, popular-with-the-ladies playboy. My sister warned me about you.”
He chuckled. “All lies.”
Faith stood up. She didn’t want to think of him with other women. She changed the subject.
She pointed to a basketball game. “Bet I can beat you. I used to play basketball in high school.”
He stood up and held out his hand to her. She put her hand in his and stood up. He caressed her cheek gently with his knuckles. “You’re on, sweetheart. But if I win, I want a real date with you.”
She grinned, her heart beating so fast. “Okay, but what if I win?”
“What do you want?” he asked.
She could think of all kinds of things, but it was too soon to be that forward with him. “A real date with you.”
He laughed. “You’re on, but I’m going to win.”
She shrugged. Win or lose, she still got her date with Adam Blake. All caution disappeared at the sight of his sappy smile. He won by one point and it was hard to pretend she wasn’t happy with the outcome. He walked her to her car and she was reluctant to say good-bye. Logic told her to not get her hopes up with this man, but her heart ignored the warning. She had never felt so excited at the thought of a date.
“How about next Sunday? I am off that day.” He played with a strand of her hair and she felt her stomach do a somersault. Would he lean down and kiss her? She wanted him to.
“Perfect. I’m closed Sundays and Mondays,” she said softly.
He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. It tickled and she smiled up at him.
“I can’t wait to spend more time with you.”
Faith couldn’t prevent the happy smile that crossed her face. She got in her car and drove home in a happy cloud of anticipation.
Chapter 4
Adam picked her up Sunday evening. She usually did housework, but going out with Adam was much more exciting. He told her to dress casually, so she wore her favorite jeans that fit her well. She paired it with brown suede boots and a brown sweater with a V-neckline. It showed some cleavage, but not too much. She left her hair loose and added gold earrings. Holly warned her to be careful and she promised she would. She could handle one date with Adam Blake.
“You look beautiful, Faith.” He looked her over and she could tell he liked what he saw. It made her feel more confident.
He opened the door for his big black truck and helped her in. He had a dark navy blue T-shirt and a pair of dark jeans that looked new. She hoped drool wasn’t dripping out of her mouth. “You, too.”
“I thought we could grab dinner and maybe see a movie in Morehead,” he explained, starting his truck up. “It’s too cold and too long of a ride for the bike.”
“Sounds good. I haven’t been out on a date in a while. The shop keeps me pretty busy,” she admitted. “I’m not even sure what is playing at the cinema these days.”