didn’t you, by the way? Tell my dad I was crazy, I mean.”
That was a very good question and one he didn’t really have an answer for. “Chalk it up to curiosity about what you were up to.”
She nodded, then looked down and toyed with her cocktail napkin. “The thing is...” Her gaze lifted, meeting his. “Dad wants proof that we’re actually dating.”
“You mean like photographs with a time and date stamp? Movie-ticket stubs? Eyewitness accounts?”
“If only.” She sighed. “He wants to go out to dinner. A double date. You and me. Dad and Loretta—Mayor Goodson.” She held up a hand to stop any protest and went on quickly. “Just think about it. I swear this isn’t a scheme to snag a wealthy husband, but I can see where you might think that.”
Normally that’s exactly what he would think, followed quickly by the thought that it was a wasted effort. He would never get married again. Once was enough, and he’d learned he wasn’t a very good husband. The best thing to come out of the relationship was his son, but he wasn’t a very good father, either.
“I appreciate you hearing me out, Burke.” She finished the wine in her glass. “I love my father very much and would do anything to see that he’s happy.”
“He’s lucky to have a daughter like you.”
Frustration tightened her delicate features. “If he was really lucky, he’d have a daughter who was settled and he wouldn’t have to worry about her. I think I’m a big disappointment to him.”
“I sincerely doubt that. And take it from me—settling down with the wrong person is a bigger problem than being alone.”
“Sounds like the voice of experience talking.” She studied him for a moment, then said, “But you don’t have to tell me about it. That’s personal, and on a need-to-know basis. I don’t need to know.”
“There’s not much to tell and if you really wanted the information it would be easy to do an online search.” He tapped his fingers on the bar. “Most people go into marriage believing it’s the right thing and I’m no exception. It wasn’t right. Things didn’t work and we got a divorce. Completely amicable and civilized. Including dealing with the custody of our son.”
“You have a child.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.” His fingers tightened on his beer bottle.
When he didn’t say more, she nodded. “You know, I have this ridiculous urge to say I’m sorry. But it sounds like you’re okay with everything.”
“I am.” Except for the fact that his son would always carry the scar of coming from a broken home and a mother who showed no interest in him.
“Anyway, think it over. My cell number is on the card I gave you.” She picked up her small purse from the bar and slid the strap onto her shoulder. “Give me a call and let me know if you’re in for round two of this covert operation.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes. I’ve taken up enough of your time.”
No, she hadn’t taken up nearly enough, he thought. “But you dropped off my car. How are you going to get home?”
“I’ll call Dad. Thanks for listening, Burke.” She slid to the edge of the bar chair, getting ready to go.
“Wait.” He put his hand over hers to stop her. “I have a question.”
“Okay. Shoot.” Her gaze lowered to where he was touching her, but she didn’t pull away.
“I can’t help thinking that every unattached guy in town would want to go out with you. Wouldn’t you be better off with one of them?”
“I had one of them.” Her eyes darkened for a moment before she smiled, an expression with just the barest hint of bitterness. “It didn’t work out. Ancient history.” She slid off the stool. “The fact is, you’re the guy who had the bad luck to pull into McKnight Auto Repair at just that moment. I shot my mouth off and you went along with it. Now you’re either in or you’re not.”
“And what if I’m not?”
“My father will not propose to the woman he loves and live happily ever after. If you’re okay with ruining his life...” A teasing smile turned up the corners of her full mouth. “No guilt.”
“Right. Guilt doesn’t motivate me.” Unless Liam was the one using it. “But count me in.”
“Really?” A bright smile lit up her whole face. “You’re sure?”
“Yes. I would love to have dinner with your father and the mayor. And you, of course.”
“Oh, Burke. I could kiss you.”
“Feel free,” he said generously.
“Right. You don’t really mean that.”
Yes, he really did. “I’m happy to help.”
“I don’t know why you’re willing to go along with this but I’m grateful. Seriously, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
Oddly enough it had been an easy decision. The simple answer was that he’d agreed because she asked and he wanted to see her again. Granted, he could have asked her out, but he’d already have had a black mark against him because of turning down her request. Now she owed him.
She leaned against the bar, a thoughtful look on her face. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but I know my father. He’ll ask questions. In fact he already did. We’re going to need a cover story. How we met. How long we’ve been dating. That sort of thing.”
“It makes sense to be prepared.”
“So we should get together soon and discuss it.”
“What about right now?” he suggested.
Her eyes widened. “You don’t waste time, do you?”
“No time like the present. Have you already had dinner?”
She shook her head. “Why?”
“Do you have a date?” If not, there was a very real possibility that she’d changed into the red blazer, skinny jeans and heels just for him. Probably wanted to look her best while making her case. Still, he really hoped she wasn’t meeting another guy.
She gave him an ironic look. “Seriously? If I was going out with someone, I wouldn’t have asked you to participate in this crazy scheme.”
“Crazy? I don’t know, it’s a decent proposal.” He shrugged. “So you’re free. Have dinner with me. What about the restaurant here at the lodge? It’s pretty good.”
“The best in town.” But she shook her head. “Too intimate.”
So
