Suddenly afraid to give him the chance to break her heart, she nearly told him she’d changed her mind, that it would be better for Avery if she stayed home. But Ashleigh didn’t give her the chance. Gently, she drew Avery away from the door with the promise that she would do her nails and that Avery could fix her Aunt Ashy’s hair.
“Does that sound like fun?” Ashleigh asked.
Avery nodded, tear tracks still streaking her face.
“Okay. Tell Mommy goodbye. She’ll be back later.”
Melanie looked at Avery’s sweet little face.
“Bye, Mommy.”
Melanie knelt in front of her and pulled her into a hug. “Bye, sweetie. I’ll come kiss you good night when I get home. Be good for Aunt Ashy.”
Avery smiled, her earlier upset seemingly forgotten. “Aunt Ashy’s going to paint my nails.”
Glad that Avery had gotten over her unhappiness so easily, Melanie stood and turned to Gage.
It occurred to Gage that Melanie had never actually introduced him to Avery. Was that on purpose, or an oversight? Deciding not to worry about it, he was just glad Ashleigh had stepped in to avert what had seemed to be a crisis in the making.
“Looks like I’m ready to go now,” Melanie said with a smile.
“Okay.” He smiled in return as he stepped back to let her exit. Then he walked with her towards his car.
“Does it still…smell…in there?” she asked, her mouth stretched into a grimace as he reached for the passenger door.
“Not really.”
That wasn’t strictly true, and it still bugged him whenever a whiff of vomit reached his nose. But hey, it had gotten him this date, so there was that. And eventually he’d take the car in to get detailed.
Melanie would see for herself soon enough, and when he opened the passenger door for her, she slid inside and inhaled. Glad that the new car smell was still there, although she also smelled the faint odor of the cleaner she’d used, she relaxed.
Gage got behind the wheel.
“I have to admit,” she said. “I miss driving this bad boy.”
Gage laughed. “Maybe I’ll let you drive it later. For old time’s sake.”
“That would be fun.”
He grinned at her, then he turned on the car and pulled away from the curb.
When he looked at her, his gray eyes grabbed her attention like they had before, but this time she felt a new tug. A tug she hadn’t felt since Kyle. A tug that scared her. A tug that said her attraction to him was growing.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked, trying to distract herself from the feelings that made her heart race with fear.
“First to dinner.” He glanced at her, a secret smile on his face. “Then a surprise.”
Normally, she liked surprises. But already feeling out of her comfort zone in her attraction to him, she worried what this surprise would be. “A surprise? Like what?”
He laughed. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
She couldn’t argue with that, but he must have seen the apprehension on her face, because he added. “Trust me. You’ll like it.”
She didn’t know Gage well enough to know if she could trust him. But Ashleigh knew him and she trusted him, so she relied on Ashleigh’s trust. “Okay.”
At the restaurant—a local place called The Glasshouse—he opened her door and helped her out. Pleased that he was a gentleman, she thanked him, then walked with him inside the restaurant.
“Reservation for Gage Bennett,” he told the hostess, who seated them at a table a few moments later.
The sound of low conversation and utensils clinking against dinnerware met her ears. “I don’t remember this place,” she said as she looked around at the elegant setting—cream tablecloths, pretty dinnerware, crystal goblets. “How long has it been in Emerald Falls?”
“Just a couple of years.” He glanced around at the mostly full tables before looking at her again. “It’s pretty popular though.”
Those eyes again. Kyle had amazing sea-green eyes, but Gage’s gray ones had an effect on her all their own. Tearing her gaze from him, she focused on the menu. They ordered a short time later.
“Last night’s game was kind of painful,” Gage said with a half-smile. “Maybe I should have warned you that that’s how our games often go. Before you decided to join us, I mean.”
Softly laughing, Melanie shook her head. “Maybe I should have warned you that I really am out of practice.”
“You did all right.” That secret smile again. “Anyway, I’m sure you’ll get your groove back as time goes on.”
She certainly hoped so. “How are the other teams in the league?”
He chuckled. “You’re wondering if we’ll ever win.”
Nodding, she smiled. She loved that they were on the same team, that they both loved to play softball.
“We won a few last year, but we lost a few too.” He shrugged. “It’s all for fun anyway, right?”
“Well, yeah. But I do like to win.”
Gage liked this side of her, the one that showed she had drive. He had drive too. If he didn’t, there’s no way his bakery would be doing as well as it was. He worked hard and he appreciated that Melanie did too. Another thing that attracted him to her.
Which meant he had another reason to work hard to impress her.
The server set their food in front of them—a thick steak with a fully loaded potato for him, and chicken Alfredo with fresh vegetables on the side for her. As they ate, Gage tried to learn more about her. “What made you decide to come back to Emerald Falls?”
It wasn’t an unreasonable question, but Melanie wasn’t about to tell him her sad tale. “I was ready for a change of scenery, so when Ashleigh suggested I move in with her, it seemed like a good solution.”
“Well, I’m glad you did.”
“Oh yeah? Why’s that?” Not that she was fishing for compliments, but she was curious why he’d said that.
A red hue swept over his face.
You’re not the nerdy kid in high school anymore, he reminded himself. Tell her what you’re thinking.
Melanie seemed genuinely curious to hear his answer. Trying to be subtle, Gage drew in a breath, then said, “Can I be honest with you, Melanie?”
Her head tilted as her eyebrows pulled together. “Yes.”
This was only their first date, and he’d only secured the date because she felt bad about her daughter throwing up in his back seat. Did he really want to say what was on his mind?
Then again, he hadn’t gotten to this point in his life by being timid. Yes, he’d been the shy and dorky kid in high school, but he’d worked hard to get past that. Now was not the time to revert to that old persona. No, he needed to go after what he wanted. Still, he didn’t want to scare her away.
His eyes met hers, and his attraction to her was as strong as ever. Gorgeous, smart, a loving mother—where was Avery’s father, anyway? So many things about her that drew him in.
“Do you remember me from high school?” he finally asked.
Slowly nodding, a smile playing around the corners of her mouth, she said, “Yes.”
What did she remember? From her reaction it was hard to tell, although he could only assume she remembered the kid he’d outgrown.
Choosing not to worry about her memories of him, he said, “I remember you too. I, uh, I thought you were beautiful back then.” You were Melanie Hopkins. The girl of my dreams.
Her smile grew. “Back then?”
He liked this little flirtation they seemed to be starting. Even though he’d dramatically improved his looks over the last few years, he didn’t have a lot of experience with flirting. He’d been too busy building his business.
“Not just back then,” he said with a grin. “Some things only improve with age.”
Her lips curved into a teasing smile. “Ah yes. Some people improve too.” One of her eyebrows arched, and she gave him a meaningful look, like she was talking about him.
After a brief smile, she shifted in her chair and cleared her throat. Did his compliment make her uncomfortable? Why?
“What’s wrong, Melanie?”
“Nothing,” she quickly said, but he could tell there was something going on.
Chapter 13
Melanie adjusted the napkin on her lap, then picked up her glass of water and took a sip. She liked what Gage had said, but it also made her uncomfortable. If he was ready to start showering her with compliments, what would be next? And where would it end?
With her getting her heart broken, most likely.
Wanting to take the focus off of her, she said, “The food here is delicious.”
Gage nodded. “I agree. I’ve eaten here a few times and I’ve always liked it.”
They chatted about their jobs and other safe topics, and after Gage paid the check, he grinned and said, “Time for our surprise activity.”
“What is it?” she asked as they walked to his car.
“You’ll see pretty soon.”
Curious, she smiled. “Fine. I guess I can wait.”
Twenty minutes later they pulled into a parking lot and Melanie saw signs for miniature golfing, go-karts, and rock wall climbing. Excited to do something fun, when Gage opened her door and held out his hand, she took it, her gaze going to his.
Grinning, he helped her out, and once she was standing, he kept a hold of her hand. His hand felt different from Kyle’s—where Kyle’s was rough from all the construction he did, Gage’s was smoother while still being strong and completely masculine. But different was good. Anyway, this was just a fun date, nothing to get worked up over. The walls around her heart were impenetrable, so she could allow herself to have fun.
“Which activity are we going to do?” she asked as they entered the building.
He chuckled. “Whatever you want. But first we’re hitting the batting cages.”
Embarrassment swept over her. Did he think she needed the practice because she’d struck out twice the night before? “Uh, okay.”
He stopped and turned to her. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”
“Well, yeah.”
His lips curved into a smile. “I swear it’s not an indictment on your performance last night.”
“Are you sure? Because I did pretty bad.”
His gray eyes held her gaze, and with his hand enveloping hers, Melanie felt a tiny spark ignite between them. The thought of having feelings for Gage made her want to yank her hand from his, but she held it steady. No reason to freak out about this.
“I’m sure,” he said. “I just thought it would be fun to hit some balls.”
If he was telling the truth, then yeah, it would be fun and not something to be self-conscious about. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
Nodding, he smiled, then they walked up to the counter and rented a batting cage for thirty minutes.
Gage loved the feel of Melanie’s hand in his. And he was glad she didn’t think he’d only brought her here because she’d had a rough performance at the game the night before. The clerk gave them a bat and a helmet, and they went to their assigned cage.
“Here we are,” he said. He opened the door for her and she went inside. “I’ll stand out here and watch.”
She laughed. “Probably a good idea.” She swung the bat a few times to warm up, and when the first ball shot out, she hit it easily.
“There you go,” Gage said.
She turned to him with a quick smile, then focused back on the balls flying towards her, hitting almost every one.
After a while she suggested he take a turn, so they traded places.
After swinging the bat and hitting the ball so many times, Melanie’s confidence in her skill was starting to be restored. Now it was Gage’s turn, and as he held the bat over his right shoulder, she admired his athletic body, especially his well-formed biceps. Feeling a burst of heat—something she’d suppressed since Kyle had dumped her—she turned away from him.
She didn’t want to feel that attraction to him. She wasn’t ready.
The sound of his bat crushing the ball drew her gaze and she watched as he hit the ball again and again.
“Nice,” she called out.
When their time at the cage was over, they turned in the bat and helmet, then Gage said, “How are you at miniature golfing?”
“I’m okay.”
“Just okay? Really?”
She laughed. “Yes, really. What about you?”
He brushed his knuckles on his shirt like he was shining them. “I’m pretty good.”
“Hmm. I’ll believe that when I see it.” Did she really want to extend this evening? Wasn’t that taking a risk? Yeah, it was. But she wasn’t quite ready to bring this to an end. Besides, she worked hard all day, and with her sweet Avery to take care of in the evenings, she didn’t get much time off. She deserved to have a little fun.
“All right,” he said. “I’ll show you then.”
He rented the equipment, then took her by the hand. The feel of his hand holding hers sent desire coursing through her, but she shoved it down.
“Looks like the first hole is over there,” he said as he led them to the start of the course. No one was there, so they were free to start whenever they were ready. “Ladies first.”
Ready for the challenge, Melanie set her ball down and lined up her club, then gave the ball a whack. It shot down the green, passing the hole and bouncing off of the wall at the end. It stopped at least eight inches from the hole.
“Not bad,” Gage said.
Arching an eyebrow, she said, “Let’s see you do better.”
“All right.” He set his ball down, and when he struck the ball, it sailed down the green and rolled neatly into the hole.
“No way,” Melanie said.
Gage laughed. “Told you I was awesome.”
She couldn’t disagree, and she wasn’t thinking about his golf game. In the time she’d spent with him that evening, she’d really enjoyed herself and she’d been relaxed almost the whole time. The only time she’d felt anxious was when she thought there could be a chance he could break through the walls around her heart. But she wouldn’t let that happen. She couldn’t.
“What’s your secret?” she asked.
He grinned. “No secret. I’m just talented.”
“Uh-huh.” Softly laughing, she shook her head. Melanie walked down the green, and after two taps against the ball, it finally went in the hole.
Gage took out the card and wrote down their scores, then he looked at Melanie with a smirk. “I can be competitive too.”
She laughed. “Game on.”
Chapter 14
Over the next few holes, Gage continued to golf under-par while Melanie’s score increased along with her frustration.
Ready to learn some pointers, she asked, “What am I doing wrong?”
Gage’s lips curved into a confident smile. “It’s all in the flick of the wrist.”
“Show me.”
“Okay.” Gage lined up his shot and swung above the ball to demonstrate. “Like this. See?” Then he hit the ball and it sailed smoothly across the bridge, stopping within a few inches of the hole.
“I don’t see that you’re doing anything different from what I was doing.”
“Okay,” he said as he gestured with his head. “Come here.”
Softly sighing—Melanie wanted to excel at everything she did—she walked over to the starting point.
“Set your ball down,” he said, so she did. “Now, swing at the ball without actually hitting it.”
“Okay.” Glancing behind her to make sure no one was waiting for this hole, she focused on her task. She swung her club just above the ball, then glanced at him. “Should I hit it now?”
His gaze was focused on her wrists. “Not yet.”
“Then what? What shoul
d I do?” Her frustration was growing.
Gage hesitated, then he seemed to come to a decision and stepped right behind her. “Here. Let me show you.” His arms went around her, then he placed his hands over hers.
Stunned by his sudden move, Melanie held very still, then her attention shifted to the feel of his body pressing against hers. Strong and so very masculine, the warmth of him wrapped around her, followed by the subtle scent of his cologne. His mouth was right next to her ear.
Heat, desire, and resistance swirled together inside her.
“Your grip on the club’s a little too tight,” he murmured.
That’s because you’re standing so close to me. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since a man’s been so close to me?
Until that moment she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the way that felt. She forced herself to relax her grip on the club. “Is that better?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
Gage loved the way it felt to be so close to Melanie. The tender skin of her neck was millimeters from his lips, and he was so tempted to blaze a trail of kisses along her jawline. But he held back. This was their first date. A date she’d agreed to under duress. He’d already taken advantage of her request for his help by wrapping his arms around her. That was the most he was willing to do right now.
“Yes,” he said next to her ear. “That’s better. You need to relax.” Which was something he was having a hard time doing. The floral scent of her hair filled his nostrils and he closed his eyes as he gathered himself.
“Now what?” she asked.
He imagined what would happen if she turned while in the circle of his arms. Would he kiss her? What would it feel like to have those luscious lips against his?
Chance Encounter: Gage and Melanie (An Emerald Falls Romance, Book Three) (Companion to the Over You series) Page 7