Her Rocky Mountain Protector by Patricia Thayer

Author:Patricia Thayer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-09-21T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

TWENTY minutes later Grady escorted Gina into the Silver Spoon Restaurant. They walked through the glass-paneled door and were greeted by a surprised Helen Turner. The middle-aged owner was wearing jeans and a white blouse, covered by a starched apron. She also had on a big smile.

“Well, well, isn’t this nice.” She set down two glasses of water as they slid into a booth in front of the window. “Twice in one day.”

Grady spoke up. “We took the pie out to my granddad and realized we hadn’t eaten.”

“How is Joe?” Helen asked. “Did he enjoy the pie?”

“Yes, he did. He told me to tell you it was delicious.”

Helen grinned. “Well if that just doesn’t make my day.” She handed out the menus. “I may have to go see that old man.”

After the woman walked off, Grady leaned forward. “No doubt by tonight the town will be buzzing about us being together.” He looked around the room, seeing glances from the curious patrons. “They’re probably wondering what an old guy like me is doing with someone as pretty as you.”

“You aren’t old, and thank you for saying I’m pretty.”

He leaned back in the booth. “He sure did a job on you, didn’t he?”

Gina didn’t want to talk about her past, or her ex. “It’s not something I’m proud of.”

Grady wanted to set her straight, but Helen reappeared and took their order. After she left he said, “That’s what you have to change, Gina. Your way of thinking that anything that bastard did was your fault.” He leaned closer again, his eyes locked on hers as his voice lowered. “It wasn’t, Gina. You found the courage to take your son and leave him. I’d say you’re a pretty amazing woman.”

Gina’s heart was pounding at Grady’s words. “Thank you.”

“I’m speaking the truth. You’re making a fresh start for yourself and Zack. You’re building a business that seems to be doing well. Soon there’ll be men lining up to spend time with you.”

She quickly shook her head. She couldn’t stop the panic she felt building up inside. “I’m not sure I can get involved with a man again.”

“Why not? You managed to kiss me.”

She didn’t want to rehash her sudden impulsiveness. It had been so unlike her. “You’re different.”

He frowned. “I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”

She shrugged. “I’ve got to know you. I trust you.” And she was attracted to him, she added silently. “Too bad I can’t practice on you.”

* * *

Grady hadn’t been surprised after Gina’s admission that lunch was eaten quickly and the subject had been changed to work. Twenty minutes later Grady drove Gina back to her store. He parked out back and she thanked him, then couldn’t get out of the truck fast enough.

He sat there a few minutes, telling himself what Gina had said at the Silver Spoon was just joking around. He needed to let it go. So why couldn’t he?

Grady climbed out of the driver’s side and walked to the back door of the store.

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