Mountain Secrets (Rosemary Mountain Romantic Suspense Book 2) by Nicole Gardner

Author:Nicole Gardner [Gardner, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hawthorn Hill Books
Published: 2024-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Willa

“Separate cars, or would you like to ride with me?” Cole asked, brushing his hand lightly against my back as he held the door open for me.

I laughed. “I’ll never turn down an opportunity to ride in your car.”

“Perfect. My car it is.” He flashed me a grin and I began to wonder why I had thought he was always so serious.

“Do you have a preference on dessert?” I asked, sliding into his passenger seat. Once again, I had to fight back a groan of pleasure as I sank into the leather. Oh, how I loved to dream of owning a car like this again someday. It wasn’t realistic. Even if I managed to save up enough for one, there was no point. I’d just have to leave it behind at some point, like everything else in my life.

But it sure was fun to dream.

Cole got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “No preference at all,” he said. “I’m here mostly for the company.”

I flushed at the compliment. “There’s an old-fashioned soda shop in the town square. They have the best ice cream and milk shakes. Might be fun.”

“Ice cream it is,” he said, putting the car into reverse.

The drive to the town square was way too short, but we made the most of it, chatting about music preferences and favorite movies—light conversation for us, considering our history, but it made it all the more fun. It was one more little slice of normal, and I cherished every one of them.

When we parked, he came around to my side and took my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. I bit my lip to keep from smiling. It was just dessert. But he made it seem like a real date, and I was loving every minute of it.

“You look beautiful,” he said, glancing over at me as we walked to the door of the little shop.

I laughed. “I’m in sweats.”

“So what? You’re beautiful all the time.” He let go of my hand to reach for the door, opening it for me.

“Thanks,” I said, flushing again.

He let the door fall closed behind us, then took my hand back in his. “So, what’s good here?” he asked, studying the menu.

But the question sent a wave of anxiety through me. Somehow, he must have felt it, because he turned toward me, his face serious.

“What is it, Willa?” he asked, squeezing my hand.

“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head. “Um. Everything’s good here, so I’ve heard.”

“Willa.” His voice was quiet. “What’s happening? Talk to me.”

I took a deep breath in, glancing at the kid behind the register.

Cole looked over at him and frowned, then tugged me toward a booth in the very back. When I was tucked safely in, he asked, “Is it the kid? Is he a problem?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head, offering an embarrassed smile before covering my face with my hands. “No, it’s not him. I just… Oh gosh. I’m sorry. Cole, I have a lot of baggage from the past.

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