Chapter Seven
Blake’s hand was on Amanda’s back as he expertly guided her to the front of the restaurant so that he could pay the check. The touch sent shivers up and down Amanda’s spine. She could hardly believe her luck. Blake was so hot, and she was thoroughly enjoying his company. He was being an attentive gentleman when he had every excuse to treat her like nothing more than the easy lay that she was.
The thought reminded her of the check for fifty thousand dollars she’d tucked in her purse. Well, maybe not that easy. There was a line at the register, and Amanda decided to take advantage of the wait to call Aimee and let her know that she was okay, and that the winning bidder hadn’t ended up being a total creep.
“So, is he short, shriveled? Older than dirt? Fill me in, girl!” Aimee was making jokes, but Amanda could hear the tension in her friend’s voice.
“None of the above. Aimee, it is Blake Daniels.”
There was silence for a moment while her friend tried to place a face with the name. “The guy that owns the hardware store?”
“No, the rancher…the one we were ogling at the county fair last week.”
“Shut up. He is seriously hot. Damn. I gave my virginity away for half a bottle of Boone’s Farm and a date to McDonald’s to a guy who wasn’t half that yummy. You get him and fifty thousand? Life isn’t fair. Forget internet dating. I’m about to start an online prostitution ring…you got the money from him yet?”
Amanda couldn’t help laughing. “Yes, I did. Let me know how that goes for you. I have to hang up. He’s just coming out of the restaurant. Don’t wait up.”
“You know I will. I’m going to want details. Bye!”
Amanda turned just as Blake was pushing the door open. She had to admit he was amazingly good looking. His hair was brown, but this late in the summer it had lightened almost to blond, presumably because of hours spent working outdoors on his ranch. His skin was tanned, and there were faint laugh lines at the corners of his eyes when he smiled, like he was doing now. His eyes were a warm brown, and at the moment they sparkled with mirth and bit of lust.
“You, ma’am, are undressing me with your eyes.”
“Oh! I’m sorry.” She flushed.
“Relax. Under the circumstances, I’d say it’s a good thing. What do you say we head down to the river for a little while?”
“Sure. I’d like that.”
“I was hoping you’d agree. I even already have the fishing poles in the truck.”
“Do you now?”
“Of course. I’m pretty sure it’s a requirement. It’s one of those man rules…if you live below the Mason Dixon line and own a truck, there must be either a fishing pole or a shotgun in it at all times. Didn’t you know?”
Amanda rolled her eyes, but she was laughing. “I had no idea. Well then, lead on, you pinnacle of manliness.”
The shadows faded into evening. Blake was sweet and attentive. She’d spent countless hours fishing growing up, and the familiarity of it put her at ease in a way that a fancy restaurant never could have. Considering the dread and nerves that had filled her belly at the start of the evening, this wonderful ending was nothing short of miraculous.
“I never pictured myself ending this evening smelling like a creek with my hands covered in worm guts.” Amanda laughed and wiggled said fingers in Blake’s direction.
“I don’t know why not. They make the best bait…cheap and affective.” His eyes were warm with laughter.
“Ha, ha. You know very well why…thank you. For treating me like I’m a prize to be won instead of a foregone conclusion. It means a lot to me.”
“Oh, Amanda…Never doubt that you’re a prize worthy of a king.”
Her smile was sad, but she just couldn’t bring herself to smile with genuine happiness. “Thanks for saying so…”
Soon darkness overtook the sky and they were forced to pack up so that Blake could bring Amanda home. Blake grabbed Amanda’s hand as they walked back up to the truck, and the sweet gesture warmed her heart. He was so sweet, and such a gentleman. She thought in that moment that she could honestly see herself falling for him, but no.
She couldn’t allow herself to follow that line of thought. That way lay only heartbreak. He wanted her only for sex, bought and paid for. She couldn’t allow herself to forget that and fall for him. She vowed in that moment that she would keep her heart encased in armor, that she wouldn’t let herself care for this sweet, sexy man who looked at her like she was something precious even though to him she was only a brief distraction.