Maurie rubbed the too-dark lip gloss from her lips. She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard. She was still reeling from the fact that she’d kissed Grant and that he’d kissed her back. Maurie gazed at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Nothing had changed about her, yet she felt different inside. A hope was growing, one that was foreign. Perhaps it was because Grant had always been the best memory of her past, and now they’d crossed that line of friends to ... what?
She didn’t know. But the thought of Grant, the way he looked at her, and the way he’d kissed her, made her stomach twinge. And now she was getting ready for her dinner date with Grant. He’d gone home to shower and change, and she felt as if she’d been floating ever since.
Maurie touched her neck, remembering her adventure in the kitchen with Grant. Heat stole along her skin. She hadn’t told Taffy about the kiss, or kisses, at least not yet.
Taffy had made no secret of Maurie liking Grant, but when it came down to it, it had only been a couple of months since Maurie’s breakup with Brandon. Was she on the rebound? What did Grant truly think about her? Would he break her heart? Hearts weren’t breakable if they were carefully guarded, right?
A knock sounded at the front door as Maurie examined her collection of lip glosses.
Taffy passed the bathroom. “I’ll get the door.”
Maurie picked up a pale-pink gloss and applied it. There, that looked better. She stepped back from the mirror and surveyed her appearance. Her long, black sweater over dark-gray leggings wasn’t too casual or too dressy. She was also wearing her black ankle boots with two-inch heels. Grant was tall enough that she’d still be shorter than him. She’d chosen her pearl earrings and pearl-drop necklace, inherited from her foster mom.
Taffy’s laughter streamed from the front room, and Maurie took a couple of deep breaths. Would their meeting be awkward? Friendly?
She couldn’t stall forever. So she exited the bathroom and turned the corner to the living room. Maurie slowed her steps, stunned.
She’d seen Grant only in work clothing so far, which had been pleasing enough. But now that he was dressed up, Maurie wondered how this guy had stayed single for so long after his divorce. He’d shaved, and he wore dark slacks with a black leather jacket over a pale-blue, button-down shirt that was open at the collar. The blue of his shirt made his eyes a deeper blue. His brown hair looked slightly damp, and as she neared him, his cologne became distinct.
“Hi,” he said in a low voice, his gaze soaking her in, from her hair waving about her shoulders, down the length of her body.
When their gazes met again, she only saw appreciation in his, and her pulse thrummed to life. “Hi,” she said.
“All righty then,” Taffy said, her voice laced with laughter. “It looks like you two are ready to go. Have a great time. And don’t worry about me here alone. There’s a new series I want to binge-watch on Netflix.”
Maurie turned to Taffy. “Do you want me to bring you something back?”
“Ah, no.” Taffy winked. “I’m not so fond of leftovers. This will give me a chance to eat some of the contraband food I snuck into your house.”
“Funny.” Maurie hugged her friend. “We won’t be too late.”
“I’m still not planning on staying up,” Taffy said.
Maurie was really glad she hadn’t told Taffy about the kiss. Otherwise, her friend would probably be teasing her more. As it was, Taffy practically pushed Maurie and Grant out the door. Maurie stopped on the porch when she saw the crossover SUV parked in the driveway.
“No truck?” she asked.
“I wasn’t going to bring my work truck on a date.” Grant slipped his hand into hers, a question in his gaze.
A thrill ran through her at his touch. The affectionate gesture told her so much: that he remembered their kiss as well and that he was definitely interested in her. She smiled at him, and he linked their fingers, then led her down the steps and along the icy walkway to the driveway.
“I’m not complaining,” she said.
He chuckled and opened the passenger door. She climbed in, finding the interior warm. She leaned against the seat and released a sigh as he walked around the front.
When he climbed in, she asked, “Any FaceTiming with Trent tonight?”
“Yeah, actually,” Grant said as he started the engine. He backed out of the driveway. “Trent’s been sending me selfies like crazy too. I might have created a monster.”
After he straightened out the wheel of the car, he handed her his phone. “Here, look at the texts he sent.”
She took the phone and opened the discussion labeled “Trent” and laughed when she saw the pictures of the different expressions of a little boy who looked like a mini-me of Grant. “Wow, he looks so much like you.”
“That’s what everyone says,” he said. “The good news is that it means I’m his real father.”
“What do you mean?” she asked with a sinking heart.
Grant turned the next corner, heading toward Main Street. “Joy believed in sharing her love with more than her husband.”
“That’s rough.” Maurie felt awful for him, and she was having a hard time imagining a woman who wouldn’t find satisfaction with one man, especially a man like Grant. “How long were you married?”
“About a year.” Grant blew out a breath. “Most of it was pretty miserable. But Joy was pregnant, and I tried to stick it out for the kid. I had a hard time believing the child was mine, until he was born, that is.”
Maurie heard the pain and frustration in his voice when he talked about Joy, but love when he spoke about Trent.
“Well, your son’s adorable,” Maurie said, scrolling through the last of the pictures. Trent looked like a happy, healthy boy. When she finished with the pictures, she set the phone in the middle console. “What does he like to do?”
“He’s pretty much obsessed with all reptiles and dinosaurs,” Grant said, his tone warm. “I can’t even pronounce half of the dinosaur names he knows. His brain is like a sponge.”
“Kids are remarkable,” Maurie said.
Grant nodded. “Despite all the crap that’s gone on with Joy, I wouldn’t trade my son for anything.”
They fell into silence for few minutes, but it was a comfortable silence. Maurie admired his profile. In it she saw determination and resilience. And, most of all, loyalty.
Grant slowed the truck at a stop light. “Maybe someday you’ll meet Trent.”
A thrill ran through Maurie at the suggestion because it was clear Trent held most of Grant’s heart. “I’d love that.”
He flashed her a smile, his blue eyes holding hers for a few seconds before he refocused on driving. “We’ll have to arrange it then.”
His answer made her heart flutter. She wasn’t sure when spring break was, when he said he’d have his son for a visit. But if Grant and she were still friends—still dating—that sounded perfectly fine to her.
“Where are we going?” she asked as he turned onto the canyon road that led to the ski resorts and mountain slopes.
“The lodge restaurant has a great menu. Have you been there before?”
She laughed. “No.”
Grant glanced at her. “Never?”
“Hardly,” Maurie said. “I pretty much ate out of cans and boxes growing up. My mom wasn’t much of a cook. It wasn’t until I moved into foster care that my eyes were opened to the heaven that good food can bring.”
“Good food is heaven,” he said with a smile as he pulled off a turn in the road. “I don’t know if the food will be as great as your foster mom’s, but it’s the best Pine Valley has to offer.” He continued to drive toward a large lodge blazing with lights. He slowed as he drove through the parking lot.
“Sounds great to me.”
Grant pulled into a parking space, but instead of shutting off the ignition, he asked in a quiet voice, “Was it hard? Leaving Pine Valley and everything you knew?”
It was a complicated question with an even more complicated answer. Maurie had been over this a few times with her therapist when Maurie realized she’d been grieving losing her childhood, her mother, and everything she’d been used to—no matter how dysfunctional it had been.
“Yes, it was hard,” Maurie said, her own voice quiet. “But I learned to make the best of my future.”
Grant gazed at her, and Maurie wished she could know what was going through his mind. “It wasn’t like I could be more miserable than I already was.” She took a deep breath. “Honestly, the only thing I missed was you.”
One of Grant’s brows arched. And then the edges of his mouth lifted in a mischievous quirk.
“Don’t let it go to your head, okay?” she clarified.
Grant was smiling now.
She puffed out a breath. “I mean, yeah, I did have a crush on you, but the things you did around our yard also gave me a sense of comfort.”
“It wasn’t my good looks?” He waggled his brows.
Maurie laughed. “That might have been part of it.”
Grant reached across the space that divided them and grasped her hand. “I hated that you had to leave.”
His words made her legs feel like water.
“Thanks,” she whispered, and he squeezed her hand. “You were always watching out for me. And even though we barely spoke to each other, you saw me for who I was.”
“I asked around to find out where you’d gone,” Grant said. “But no one would tell me anything.”
Maurie stared at him. He’d looked for her? “Child Protective Services is like that.”
“There were a lot of rumors,” Grant said. “And I guess I worried—”
“You didn’t need to worry,” she said. “After a few weeks in foster care, I realized how messed up my life had been, and I felt lucky to have escaped when I did.”
“Truly?” His gaze was intense.
“Yes, truly.” She was surprised at his intensity, as if he somehow felt responsible for her happiness.
“So...” he said, amusement replacing the intensity. “You had a pretty big crush on me, huh?”
“I think I already made that clear.”
“Hmm.” He leaned toward her. “I think I had a crush on you too.”
Her pulse fluttered at his words, then soared as he lifted his free hand and ran his thumb along her jaw. Grant kissed her slowly, as if he was savoring each second.
Maurie couldn’t help but melt against him. She slid her hands around his neck, the warmth of his skin sending goose bumps skittering along her own arms, and kissed him back. Maybe they could stay in his SUV and keep kissing instead of going into a public restaurant. But her growling stomach betrayed her.
Grant drew away with a chuckle. “Hungry?”
“Don’t stop,” she whispered, not releasing him.
He pressed his mouth against hers, but briefly this time. “I’m glad you came home, Maurie Ledbetter.”
“Me too, Grant Shelton.” Perhaps she wouldn’t have chosen the events that had separated her from Grant, but she was grateful to be here. Now.
“We’re going to be late for our reservation,” Grant murmured, his fingers tracing her jaw again, then moving down her neck.
“Okay, okay,” she said. She felt like she was going to ignite if he kept touching her like this. She playfully shoved him away.
Grant grinned, then popped open his door and climbed out.
While he walked around the SUV to open her door, Maurie marveled at what he’d told her. To think that all those years ago, Grant had noticed her, had cared about her, had worried about her. It was amazing to comprehend.
When Grant opened her door, she climbed out and linked her fingers with his. Their touching was becoming more and more natural. She decided she could get used to being with Grant really fast.
They walked to the lodge, which looked like a winter wonderland from the outside. The Christmas decorations had been transformed into valentines. Pine trees on display at the entrance had been wrapped in gauze plus silver and pink hearts.
It reminded her that Valentine’s Day would be coming up in a couple of weeks, right around her planned opening of her store. She’d have to capitalize on that with her promotions.
Grant opened the lodge door, and Maurie stepped inside the beautiful building. Even the rustic wood pillars looked elegant. And the smell of the restaurant area was divine—some sort of baked cinnamon.
Grant led her by the hand toward the hostess stand.
A dark-haired woman smiled at their approach. Her nametag identified her as Alicia.
“Grant?” Alicia said.
“Oh, hi,” Grant said, his tone friendly. “You work here now?”
“Keeping busy.” She gave him an exaggerated wink.
Maurie wasn’t sure how to take the gesture. With Taffy, it would have been all in fun. But Maurie didn’t know Alicia.
Alicia leaned forward on the podium and clasped her hands together as if she had all the time in the world. “How’s business going for you?”
“Keeping busy too,” Grant said. “And trying to fit in time with Trent.”
Alicia smiled. “He’s such a sweetheart.”
Maurie’s stomach churned. This beautiful, sophisticated woman knew Grant well enough for him to discuss his son with her.
Grant laughed. “He can be. I wish I could spend more time with him.”
“Of course you do,” Alicia practically cooed. She glanced at Maurie and gave her the briefest of smiles. “Two of you?”
“Yes, there should be a reservation,” he said.
“Right. There you are.” Alicia looked up, a bright smile on her face. “Gwen will take care of you.”
As if the waitress named Gwen had been listening in, she suddenly appeared.
Maurie studied the waitress. Long, blonde hair. Flawless makeup. Beauty must be a requirement to work at this restaurant.
“Hi, Grant,” Gwen said.
Maurie tried not to scoff. It seemed that Grant knew plenty of women in Pine Valley. And why shouldn’t he? He’d lived here his whole life. Of course, now Maurie was wondering how many of these women he’d dated ... before he married Joy, that was, since he’d said he hadn’t dated much since his divorce.
Gwen led them to a booth, and Maurie slid into one side, and Grant took the other. Maurie tried not to let the waitress’s familiar banter with Grant bother her.
“Looks like it’s busy tonight,” Grant said smoothly, as if the woman’s megawatt smile had no effect on him.
“Yeah, Fridays are usually like that.” Gwen smiled and glanced at Maurie. “What drinks can I start you with?”
Maybe Maurie was being overly sensitive, because Gwen was equally friendly with her. “I’ll have water with lemon, no ice,” Maurie said.
Grant’s brows lifted just a bit.
After he ordered, Gwen left their table with her smile still in place.
Maurie leaned forward. “You’ve got a lot of lady friends here. Were you in high school together?”
Grant’s blue eyes met hers. “Alicia left Pine Valley soon after she graduated. I’m not sure about Gwen; I don’t think she’s been in Pine Valley long.”
Maurie nodded, feeling a pebble in her throat.
“Maurie,” Grant said, amusement in his tone. “None of them is as interesting as you.”
Warmth traveled up her neck, and she looked down at her hands. “I’m not fishing for a compliment.”
“I know you’re not.” His voice was low. “But know that I’m on a date with you, not any other woman.”
She met his gaze, and the warmth continued into her cheeks. She was acting like a jealous ... girlfriend. She had no claim on Grant. They’d shared a couple of kisses, and this was their first date. “Have you dated either of them?”
Grant’s gaze didn’t waver. “No.”
And Maurie believed him, but she still had questions. She couldn’t very well drill Grant on his former love life right now though.
“Maurie...” Grant was still watching her.
She swallowed. “I haven’t been on a date in a while. So I’m probably messing stuff up. I don’t need to know your dating history.”
Grant didn’t seem annoyed, but he’d have every right to be. “I don’t know Alicia too well, but Gwen’s just flirty. With me, with everyone, from what I’ve seen.”
Maurie nodded.
“What about you?” he asked. “Are there any men in your Pine Valley past?”
She laughed. “You know there aren’t ... except, well, you.”
Grant grinned. “Good to hear. I don’t want to have to get into a fight in a restaurant.”
“Ha. Ha.” Maurie smirked.
“Believe me, one of the cruxes of being single and in a small town—everyone knows you’re available.” He paused. “So, uh, after tonight, there might be rumors going around.”
“About us?”
Grant shrugged, but he was smiling again. And that smile was making all her parts feel melty again.