“It will!” I promise them as they all get back to work.
We’re silent as we finish repairing the section of fence and then it’s time for me to go get cleaned up. I’m supposed to be leaving for my date with Monty in twenty minutes.
“See you guys later.”
“Have fun on your date!” Kai calls, and I don’t need to turn around to know that he used air quotes around the word date.
I take the fastest shower known to man and tug on a white button up and a dark pair of jeans. I need to dress casual so that I don’t tip her off but as I head downstairs, I wonder if I blew it.
As soon as she sees me, she frowns at my outfit.
“Ready to go?” I ask before she can say anything.
“Uh, yeah.”
We head out to my truck and take off toward town. I made a reservation for six thirty and we arrive right on time.
“The Capital Grille?” Monty asks with a frown.
“Yep.”
“Is this a date?” she asks, turning to me with an accusing glare.
“What? No, why would you even say that?” I ask, trying to look innocent. The look in her eyes lets me know I’m not fooling her.
“Because we’re at the nicest place in town and you're dressed like that.”
“This old thing?”
“Oh my god,” she groans.
“It will be fun,” I promise her as she turns to glare at me. “Aren’t you hungry?”
“Fine, but I swear I’m never going out to eat with you again.”
“Not even to Bella Italia?”
She hesitates, making me grin as I hop out of the truck. I offer her my hand to help her out and tingles spread down my arm as her hand slides into mine.
“Reservation for Ford,” I tell the hostess, and Monty elbows me and mouthsreservation.
I just give her a sheepish smile as we’re led over to our table.
“I’m ordering the most expensive meal that they have,” she whispers to me as I pull out her chair.
“Good,” I murmur into the shell of her ear. “You deserve the very best.”
Monty’s breath catches in her throat as she looks over her shoulder at me. Piercing blue eyes overwhelm me, picking me apart with each passing second. A wave of doubt rushes through her, and I get a clearer picture of what’s been going on inside her head.
She doesn’t believe me. She doesn’t see how utterly perfect she is, and can’t comprehend my care. It won’t be easy, but I’ll change her mind. It’s my new life mission to make my woman feel loved and taken care of.
I take my seat across from her and give her my most charming grin. It’s too early in our date to get all serious, so I go for lighter topics we can all agree on.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her. She gives me a dry look.
“Thanks.”
“Now you say something nice about me.”