“Ahem.”
They jerked apart and saw Ruby standing there, hands on her hips, face boasting a huge smile. “Y’all need a room, or you gonna order something?”
Heat rushed to Sky’s face, and she couldn’t meet her boss’s teasing gaze.
Max looked at Ruby. “No offense, Miss Ruby, but I promised her dinner at the steakhouse. I’m just a little late on following through.”
“I can’t go like this,” said Sky as she motioned to the jeans and sweater she had donned after her bath. “I don’t even have makeup on.”
He tucked a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, then lightly touched her cheek with his knuckle. “You look beautiful to me.”
Deep and sensual, his voice sent a surge of awareness through her, and her heart did a little flip.
“No worry,” said Ruby. “You look just fine.” She turned toward the booth where Bill appeared to be holding court. “I reckon they can fend for themselves. Let me know if y’all need something.” She walked back to the kitchen without a backward glance.
About that time, Bill jumped up and walked over to them. “Hey, Anna said she was going to stay at that motel off forty-three.” He shook his head. “Bad idea. Lot of shi-uh, stuff goes on out there. Not a good place for a woman alone.”
“What about the one out by the interstate?” asked Sky.
“Full up.”
She looked at Max. He shook his head. “Logan’s sleeping on my couch. And no way in hell can she be there, too.”
“Well,” offered Bill, “you could bunk at my place. Then she could stay there.”
“I don’t know,” said Max. “They aren’t really speaking right now.”
“She can stay at my place.” Even Sky was surprised by the offer, but she quickly covered it up. “Maddie has twin beds in her room, and she’s spending the night at Bonnie’s.”
“Sky,” said Max, “You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to.” Liar, liar, pants on fire.
“Good,” said Bill as he clapped his hands together. “I’ll let her know.”
When he was gone, Max looked at Sky. “That’s really nice of you, considering all the crap you’ve had to deal with because of them.”
Face flaming, she ducked her head. Dammit. What was I thinking? I just invited HER to spend the night when it’s HIM I want. I’m such a sucker.
He placed a finger under her chin and tilted her face up. His voice held an odd yet gentle tone. “You have a kind and loving heart. One that gives without question.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “It’s one of the things I love about you.”
Max pulled Sky tight against him, enjoying these few moments of alone time on her couch. “I had a great time tonight,” he said softly.
“Me, too,” said Sky as she snuggled against him, one hand resting on his thigh.
“I can’t remember the last time I drove around looking at Christmas lights,” said Max. “That was nice, too.”
“Maddie will be upset she missed it. She’s already asking when we can put the tree up.”
“Maybe we could take her one day next week?”
“Okay.”
The evening may have started out rocky, but it would end pleasant enough, all things considered. The steak was good, the company better. Afterwards, they skipped the dance and drove around admiring all the Christmas lights. No destination in mind, they simply appreciated being together, talking about whatever came up. In a typical East Texas weather move, temps were in the upper fifties, so being out at night wasn’t bad. Next week would be a different story, though, so they enjoyed it while they could.
“You know,” she said wistfully, “I haven’t been on a real date since before we moved here.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
“Are the men in this town blind?” Immediately, his mind conjured up the image of Billy Ray sitting across from her, obviously liking her company. “Except for Bill, of course.”
“Jealous, Mr. Logan?”
“Damn straight.” He tightened his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
She twisted around and brushed her lips across his cheek, then looked into his eyes. “Don’t be. He knows my heart is taken.”
He took a deep breath. “So is mine.”
A comfortable silence followed as they enjoyed the normalcy of just being together.
Max glanced at his watch. “Any idea what time Anna will come back? I haven’t heard Logan’s truck yet.”
Sky shifted beside him. “Ready to go home so soon?”