I glanced to the side, realizing how tight I was holding onto the metal. My knuckles were white.
He stuck out his hand. “I’m Buck.”
I uncurled my fist and shook his hand.
“I am going to assume you are Avery.”
“How did you know?”
“Karen and Daniel keep in touch. He raves to her about you.”
I was dumbfounded. I had no idea.
“He didn’t do you justice.”
I looked down, shy from his words.
Buck laughed at my reaction. “I see why Daniel is so taken with you.”
He leaned casually against the truck, crossing his arms, completely relaxed. He was tall and broad, with brown hair graying around the temples, hanging to his collar. He carried himself with a confidence that was at once easy, yet projecting.
I glanced at him, meeting his amused eyes.
“It’s always the same when they see each other. They practically talk over the other one.”
My gaze cut over to Daniel and Karen. Daniel was talking, Karen nodding, her smile wide. She was still touching him. I dug out another mint.
“It doesn’t bother you?”
“One of things I love the most about my wife is her openness. She grabs life and she lives it. Every day she reminds me of how to embrace the joy that is all around us. She is very fond of Daniel—as a friend.” He emphasized the last few words. “She’s thrilled he has found someone; the same way he was glad when we met.”
He pushed off the truck and held out his hand in invitation. “They could be a while. Want to go inside and grab a drink?”
I looked toward Daniel. The way Karen chatted, they were going to be there for a while. I moved away from the truck. Another drink in the cool air of the restaurant seemed a better idea than standing by the truck watching my boyfriend chat with his ex.
As I moved forward, Daniel suddenly stepped back, with his gaze focused on Buck’s outstretched hand. He came toward us, covering the distance in long strides. She followed him, a grin on her face.
He came beside me, his arm going around my waist, tugging me to his side. He extended his free hand. “Buck. Good to see you again.”
Buck shook his hand, his expression one of amusement. “Daniel.”
Karen joined us, stepped in front of me, and flung her arms around me, hugging me hard. “It is so good to meet you, Avery! I’ve heard so much about you!”
“Nice to meet you,” I mumbled, unsure how to react to her enthusiasm.
She released me, standing back. “The two of you are perfect together!” She beamed at Daniel. “You look so happy. So in love!”
He dropped a kiss to my head. “I am.”
My heart sped up. He was in love?
With me?
Buck spoke up. “We were going to go grab a drink and let you two catch up.”
Daniel’s arm tightened. “Thanks for the offer, but we have to get going.”
Karen frowned and sounded disappointed. “Really?”