He frowned, looking way too good after no sleep. Wearing a blue shirt and faded jeans, he looked fit and sexy driving histruck. He’d left the cowboy hat at home but wore boots and hadn’t had time to shave. The shadow along his jaw was a dark stubble now. Definitely masculine. “If you don’t want me to pick you up, you can walk down to my bar. It’s only a block, but I’m happy to come get you.”
She frowned. “I, ah, wasn’t assuming anything.”
He parked at the curb in front of Kurt’s Koffees, twisted the key, and shut off the engine. Then he turned to fully look at her. “I’m in for these three weeks, darlin’. All the way. You?”
She wasn’t sure she’d survive it. But yeah, she had felt a little insecure and was trying to shore up her defenses in case last night was a one-off. “Yeah. I mean, I am.” She released her seatbelt. “Although we need to sleep.”
“Speak for yourself.” He bent over and kissed her. Right there on the main street of the town, obviously not caring who saw. Of course, she wasn’t staying for long.
Tingles wound through her entire body. “I’ll finish my meeting and head down to your bar afterward, okay? Maybe I could take you to lunch.”
He released her. “I’d love to get lunch, and it’s on me.”
“Aren’t we old-fashioned?” she murmured.
“Yeah. Stay where you are.” He jumped out of the truck and walked around the front to open her door. “Good girl.”
She slapped his chest. “Don’t say that.”
“Why not?” His eyes twinkled.
Because it made her insides go all squishy, and that wasn’t cool. “I’m an independent woman,” she said, smiling.
“Huh. We’ll see about that.” He grasped her at the waist and drew her out, lifting her over the puddle by the curb. “Do you want me to stop by Mrs. Shiller’s and get your things, or do you want to pack them?”
Her knees wobbled and she set her stance to keep from falling over. “Huh?”
“You’re staying with me, right?” His dark brows drew down. “I thought we just decided that.”
She swallowed over a lump in her throat. Would she be able to leave him after staying there for three weeks? It’d be tough. But missing out on three weeks with him? That’d suck. “I’ll pack up later, if you’re sure you want a houseguest.”
“I truly do.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead.
“Hello there, young ones,” Mrs. Hudson said, walking out of the coffee shop. “Aren’t you the cutest couple?”
Bianca wanted to sink into the sidewalk and simply disappear.
Adam smiled. “I think so. It’s nice of you to notice, Mrs. H.”
Mrs. Hudson was all wrapped up in a thick purple coat with matching mittens. “This is lovely. I’ll change your RSVP to my wedding from one person to you having a guest. That’s wonderful. Is the chicken okay for you, Bianca? Or would you rather have the steak?”
Bianca’s mouth opened but no words came out.
“She’d like the steak,” Adam said.
“Perfect.” Mrs. Hudson patted her gray hair and turned, heading down the street.
Bianca watched her go. “When’s the wedding?” She didn’t want to mess up the town’s vibe during a wedding.
“September,” Adam said dryly.
Bianca turned to better face him. “I won’t be here then.”
He shrugged. “It’s okay. Believe me, not arguing with her is the better way to go.”
An odd and very unwelcome jealousy rippled through Bianca. Maybe he’d just have another date by the fall. She wasn’t even going to be here during the summer. “I’ll see you at the bar in a couple of hours.” She turned and headed into Kurt’s Koffees, not looking back.
The warm scent of espresso and toasted pastries instantly surrounded her. The place buzzed with the low murmur of morning conversations and the soft grind of beans behind the counter. Sunlight streamed through the wide front windows, turning the wooden tables a warm honey color and lighting up the chalkboard menu hanging above the register.