I felt like I was floating on a cloud.

Although I knew it wasn’t actually a date, it sure felt like one. No, there were no flowers, or moments of subtle touching, but the restaurant was amazing … magical … and the conversation was wonderful.

I couldn’t think of a time when Dillon and I had ever sat down together, just the two of us, and had an honest-to-goodness conversation. I loved it, and was having the best time, so when Dillon asked if I wanted to stop in the hotel bar for a drink after dinner, my answer was a resounding yes.

Dillon put his hand on my lower back again, guiding me inside, but rather than going to the bar, he led us to a booth away from the few patrons in the place.

I tried not to swoon at the ghost of that hand but I couldn’t seem to help myself. Dillon treating me like a woman, a lady, rather than an annoying friend of his sisters was enough to break down all of my defenses and leave me in a puddle at his feet.

I found myself in a place that I’d only ever dreamed of, and I wanted to make the most of it. I just hoped I didn’t say or do anything to break this magic bubble we seemed to be coasting in tonight.

“This good?” he asked, gesturing to the booth.

I nodded and slid in, then watched him settle into the seat across from me.

The waiter came over and Dillon asked, “Do you want to stick with the Pinot?”

“Yes, please,” I replied, then smiled at the waiter as Dillon ordered our drinks.

“So, about Houston,” he began, but I waved him off.

I didn’t want to get into Travis, or why I’d left, so I decided a subject change was in order. Why ruin this perfectly wonderful evening with tales of my crappy ex. No, I wanted this night to remain easygoing and drama free.

“Enough about me,” I began, smiling to ease my obvious dodge. “Why don’t you tell me about what’s been up with you? How was Cherry Springs while I was away? Are you happy to have all your cousins back in one place?”

Dillon tilted his head slightly at my deflection, but allowed it and replied, “Well, I’m sure you heard most of the business stuff from Jazzy. Once my dad decided to retire, Jasmine and I took over, splitting the workload down the middle. Naturally, she gravitated more toward being the face of the company, while I felt more comfortable behind the desk and in meetings, so everything fell into place. Now, we are looking at expanding, getting Lewis Sporting Goods to be a competitor in the market nationally.”

“Yes, Jasmine’s told me a bit about it. She’s really excited about the expansion.”

The waiter brought our drinks, and after thanking him, Dillon continued, “As for what was up while you were gone… not a whole lot.” Dillon chuckled and settled back against the seat cushion, drink in hand. He looked so handsome with that smile on his face, the low lights of the bar hitting his auburn hair and making it shine, and the little lines crinkling at the corner of his eyes.

Sigh. I took a mental snapshot and tried not to look like I was drooling.

“A lot of work, going to camp every summer to help Gabe out, and spending time with the family. That’s about it.”

I couldn’t believe I was about to ask what I was about to ask, but I opened my mouth and did it anyway, “Has there been anyone special in your life? You know, a serious relationship?”

If Dillon thought I was a freak for asking, or overstepping in anyway, he didn’t let on.

He just shook his head and said, “No, no one special. It’s not that I’ve been closed off to it, I’ve just been so busy and focused on work, I haven’t put in the time with anyone to form something real. But, I have to admit, seeing Gabe with Zoey, and Reardon with Chloe, I’ve started to think that maybe I need to make the time ...,” he sighed, then shrugged and added, “Maybe I haven’t met her yet.”

Or maybe you met her when you were nine, I thought, but said, “She’s out there.”

“Yeah, you think so?” Dillon asked with a wry grin. “Just waiting for a workaholic like me to come along?”

“Oh, please,” I said with a quick laugh. “You’re so much more than a workaholic.”

Dillon cocked an eyebrow, and I was on my third glass of wine of the night, so I continued, “You’re hardworking, funny, loyal to a fault, and, if I’m being honest, you’re pretty hot.”

Dillon shifted forward, placed his elbows on the table, and grinned sexily.

“You think I’m pretty hot?”

I gave an exaggerated eye roll, so as not to totally sound like a teenaged girl with a crush on my best friend’s brother.

“Duh,” I mocked. “You fill out a suit very well, you have crazy bright green eyes, and your hair is always perfect.”

“Gingers aren’t for everyone,” he countered, still grinning.

“Hello, have you seen Outlander? Gingers are totally in right now,” I informed him.

“What else?”

“You’re fishing for more compliments?” I asked, then let it all fly out. “Fine. You’re a good man, and a great brother. You’re always the first to volunteer when someone needs help, case in point, me. You’re adorable with Evie. And you always smell good.”

“I smell good?” Dillon asked, full on laughing now.

“Yeah, which is much better than the alternative,” I joked, then sobered and said seriously, “You’re the total package Dillon, and when you find the woman you’re ready to settle down with, she’s going to be one lucky gal.”