“Uh-huh. He let you drive it.” He nodded toward the Bronco.
Completely at a loss as to what it had to do with anything, she changed the subject. “I’m supposed to pick him up for lunch. I’m sure he’d love for you to join us.”
“Three’s a crowd, Miss Fowler. I’ll just see what Miss Eva has, and talk to him when he gets home.”
“My friends call me Sam. Today is her day to deliver meals so she isn’t home. Dee said something about treating me to a fantastic hamburger.”
“Has to be Bub’s Place. Best greasy spoon burger you’ll ever put in your mouth. I’ve missed them.”
“All the more reason to join us.”
“Sure you won’t mind me horning in on your date?”
“It’s not a date. And you’re more than welcome to join us.”
He looked at the Bronco, left brow arched upward. “I’ll give dad a call. If he doesn’t mind, I’ll meet you there.”
A few minutes later, she pulled into Coop’s designated parking spot as he strolled down the sidewalk, cell phone pressed to his ear. His long-legged swagger sent shivers down her spine and heat coiled low in her belly. “Holy mother pearl, woman, get a hold of yourself.”
At her terse comment, Jack poked his head over the top of the seat and looked at her. When he spied Coop, the tail wagging started.
He stuffed the phone in his shirt pocket and got in the passenger seat, his happiness almost tangible. “I like a woman who’s punctual.” He fastened his seat belt and glanced her way. “I’m glad you invited Jason for lunch. He’ll meet us there.”
“You’re letting me drive?”
“Everything’s set for you.”
“Most men I know wouldn’t be happy doing so.”
“I’m not most men.”
Holy cow. That smile should be outlawed as a lethal weapon. After she remembered to breathe, she said, “No. You’re not. Where to?”
Ten minutes later, she parked in front of a rather drab looking building with two small, grease-stained windows on the front.
“Don’t worry, Doc,” said Coop, “you’re not going to get sick eating here.”
“If you say so.”
He was out and beside her door when she opened it. After rolling down both windows, she got out and stood beside Coop.
The dog lumbered over the center console, and sat in the driver’s seat, head out the window for Coop to pet.
“I’ll bring you back a treat if you behave,” he said, then led the way inside.
The pungent aroma of onions, hot grease and burgers cooking filled the air, and made her mouth water. She refused to think what a steady diet of this would do to her arteries. And her waistline.
“Hey, Dad…over here.”
Coop laid his hand in the small of her back, and guided her toward the table where his son waited. Surprised to hear someone calling her name, she looked toward them, stumbling slightly on the uneven floor. Immediately, his arm slid around her waist and pulled her against him.
Jason stood and shook hands with his father, eyes flicking to the arm around her waist. “Bout time you got a girl. And a danged pretty one, too.”
Unsettled from the effect of being pinned to his side, Sam couldn’t come up with a coherent reply and merely smiled as Coop pulled out a chair for her.
“Great to see you, Son. Didn’t expect you until next weekend.”
“Nothing going on, so decided to come home for a few days.”
A look passed between father and son, and she intuitively knew the real reason for the unexpected visit. The murder, the investigation, and concern for his father. It was obvious they shared a special bond, and for a moment, her biological clock ticked a little too loud.
Restrained at first, Sam soon joined in the conversation, answering questions about her life and listening as Coop and Jason caught up on each other. Locals stopped at the table to say hello or inquire about the progress of the investigation.
The number of people who singled her out to greet, as though she were an established part of the community amazed her. Some even asked about Jack.
Everyone appeared to know about Big Mama, and expressed their appreciation to her for acting so quickly to help someone they obviously cared deeply for.
Such acceptance would never happen in the big city, and a warm, fuzzy feeling bloomed inside her.
Toward the end of lunch, the waitress handed Coop the ticket, and set a small carry-out tray on the table beside Sam. “Bub said give this to Jack.”
Surprised by the gesture, it took a moment to process. “How thoughtful of him. Please tell him I said thank you.”
“Bub has a real soft spot for dogs,” she said, “has a whole slew of them.”
As she looked around the crowded eatery, she had a sudden epiphany. Was it possible to fall in love with a whole town in a few days?
It was. She did.
