Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“You know, in a normal world, I’d agree with you, Brendan.” Donny shakes his head. “But I’ve come to find out just recently that the Steels don’t live in a normal world.”
Chapter Four
Ava
I’m getting ready for the lunch rush when Brendan walks through the bakery door.
“Hey,” I say from the counter. “What can I get you?”
He grins. “How about a kiss, for starters?”
My cheeks warm. I wipe my hands on my apron, walk out from behind the counter, and give him a peck on the lips. “What have you been up to today?”
“Donny and I went over to see Darrell at the high school to ask about the future lawmakers club.”
“And?”
“It exists, but he said it doesn’t have anything to do with sticking it to the man, like Callie said. Darrell himself is the advisor, and he’s going to get us some notes. There aren’t any official records from the club, but according to him, it’s a simple club that works with nonprofits to get legislation passed that helps the ranching communities here on the western slope.”
“He sure makes it sound legit.”
“Honestly, Ava, I don’t have any reason to think it’s not legit at this point. But Donny…”
I nod. “Yeah. Donny’s another story. But you have to see this from his angle, Brendan. He was a victim of—”
Brendan holds up a hand. “You don’t have to say it. I understand. And I understand that your family history is full of skeletons. I mean, whose isn’t?”
“Most families have skeletons in their closet, Brendan. But we have entire graveyards in ours.”
He doesn’t respond.
“I have to run. The lunch rush will be on us soon, and I’ve got some orders I need to fill.”
“I understand.” He grabs one of my gloved hands. “Can I see you tonight?”
“Of course. Are you off at the bar tonight?”
“Yes, ma’am, I am. And I would love to take you to dinner.”
“Sounds great. But you know I can’t be out late.”
“I know. I can make you dinner at my place.”
“That’s fine with me.” I smile. “I love your hamburgers.”
“Good thing. Because it’s about all I can make.”
“Would you rather come to my place for dinner?”
“No. I invited you, remember? I’m not going to invite myself over for dinner and make you cook for me.”
“I don’t mind, Brendan.”
“Actually… What if we go out?”
“Sure. Lorenzo’s sounds good.”
“I was thinking we go into the city. To a real restaurant.”
My cheeks warm again. “Sure. But that’s awfully expensive.”
“I can afford to take my girl out every once in a while,” he says. “Say yes.”
“All right. Yes.”
“Good. I have some things I want to talk to you about.”
“Like what things?”
“It can wait, Ava. I love you. Have a wonderful day.” He kisses my lips, and then without another word, he turns and walks out the bakery door. The bells cling.
I head back behind the counter.
I’ve heard of Fortnight—Grand Junction’s newest restaurant. Dale and Ashley have been here, as have Donny and Callie. Probably Brock and Rory also, though I don’t know. The wine list features many of my father’s and Dale’s wine’s.
But the prices…
Normally, they wouldn’t matter to a Steel. But I’m on my own, and Brendan is a bartender.
Still, he doesn’t seem bothered by the amounts. I’ll order something inexpensive. And by inexpensive I mean slightly less than fifty dollars.
“Would you like to order a bottle of wine?”
“No.” I hold up the wine list. “Most of these wines are from my dad’s winery, Brendan. I can get them for free. Why should I pay these pumped-up prices?”
“Because I want you to have what you want, Ava. You deserve a dinner out, and I’m happy to treat you to it.”
“Brendan…”
“Look.” He grabs my hand across the table. “I wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t think I could afford it. I can handle a nice dinner every so often. This means a lot to me. I want you to enjoy it.”
“All right. But I don’t need a bottle of wine.”
“That’s fine, but I want you to order whatever you want.”
I scan the menu for a moment.
Our server arrives. “Good evening, I’m Adrian, and I’ll be taking care of you this evening. Can I start you both off with something to drink? A cocktail?”
“Ava?” Brendan raises his eyebrows.
I smile. “I’ll have a pink squirrel.”
Brendan chuckles, his fair skin blushing. “It won’t be as good as mine.”
“Probably not. But that’s what I’ll have.”
“I’ll have Peach Street bourbon on the rocks,” Brendan says.
“Good enough. I’ll be right back with those drinks, and I’ll get your appetizer order then.” Adrian whisks away.
I look back down at the menu. The appetizers are so expensive.
“So what are you thinking?” Brendan asks.
“I don’t know. Probably a green salad and then maybe the vegetable linguine.”
Brendan raises an eyebrow. “You’re not a vegetarian, Ava.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t like eating vegetarian meals sometimes. When you grow up on a beef ranch, sometimes it’s nice to stay away from meat.”