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Kelly waved away his concern. “Oh, that’s easy. I know someone who has a couple of them lying around in his barn. He’ll let me use them, no worries.”

A stab of jealousy pierced his gut, churning the food he’d eaten and he grabbed his drink and took a swallow, hoping to still the motion. Who was this person? A former lover? A current lover? Surely, if Kelly were seeing someone he would’ve heard it from the gossip truck that meandered through town on a daily basis.

“Great. That’s great.” Even to his ears his words sounded strained.

“Wow, I didn’t know it was so late. I’m surprised we haven’t been kicked out.” Kelly packed up her tablet and popped it back into her purse, signaling that the evening was over.

Tate glanced around. She was right, there were only two other couples in the diner, and they were getting ready to leave. “I guess they could see we were busy working and didn’t want to disturb us.”

Disappointment cloaked him in a depressing cloud. He didn’t want to go back to his big house and have to deal with the quiet. Tyler had taken over the caretaker’s cottage and only came to the house when he wanted food or to annoy Tate. He very rarely came over to spend time with Dad and him to watch a game or just hang out. Ever since Dad had had his stroke, Tyler’s visits had been even more scarce.

Kelly went to grab the folder containing the bill for their food, but he stilled her movements. The light touch, once again, sent fissures of sparks through him. He heard her intake of breath and knew she’d experienced it as well. “Let me get this.”

She tightened her grip on the faux leather holder. “It’s fine. I can pay for my own meal.”

Tate sighed. After the way they’d spent the evening, the last thing he wanted to do was create tension between them again. “I know you can, Kel, but I’d like to do this. Next time you can pay. But be warned, I’m gonna order the most expensive thing on the menu.” He winked.

Kelly removed her hand, and he wanted to grab it back but controlled the urge. “You’re on.”

Tate’s heart stuttered before kicking back into its normal rhythm. Did she just agree to go on a date with him? He studied her but couldn’t discern if she regretted her comment or not. No way would he look like a lovesick teenager and seek confirmation of his wayward thoughts, so he slid out of the booth, the check in his hand.

As he dealt with the bill, he was conscious of Kelly standing at his side.

“You both have a nice evening, ya hear?” Betty Lou smiled at them.

It was the first time he’d seen the diner’s owner all evening. Her hair was still in the updo with curls draping her cheeks. Her signature red glasses with their silver chain framed her face. The pink apron covering her white uniform was pristine, and he had no doubt she had a supply of them in her office so she always looked like she never worked, when the whole town knew she was one of the hardest workers ever.

“Will do, and the food was superb as always. Ms. Betty Lou, you’re looking as lovely as ever.” He tipped his hat at her.

“Oh, go on with you.” Betty Lou cast her glance over to Kelly. “He’s a smooth talker, this one.”

Kelly chuckled. “I’m well aware of that fact.”

Tate couldn’t help but feel a little insulted but then brushed the irrational feeling away. Both women had smiles on their faces and were teasing him. After so many years of Tyler’s veiled digs, he’d become a little sensitive. The time had come to be the adult he was and wanted everyone to realize he’d become.

He slung an arm over Kelly’s shoulder and brought her close to him. Her body tightened momentarily before relaxing into his side. Betty Lou’s eyebrows rose above her frames. Just more fodder for the gossip truck. He had no doubt that most of the town would know that he’d had dinner with Kelly and had his arm around her shoulder when they paid.

Outside, the sounds of summer surrounded them. Crickets trilled, calling for company. A light veil of humidity hung in the air, not quite stifling yet. Come July and August, humidity would be heavy and unpleasant. Hopefully, Mother Nature would play nice for Founders’ Day and make the days and evenings pleasant.

“Where did you park your car?” he asked.

“Behind the shop.”

“Okay.” Tate headed in that direction, aware that he still had his arm around Kelly’s shoulders. Interesting. Why hadn’t she shaken him off? Not that he was complaining. She fit snugly, and he could get used to it.

A second later, she took a step to the right and his arm slipped to his side. The universe liked to give and then take away from him pretty quickly.

“You don’t have to walk me to my car, Tate. I’m a big girl and can get there by myself. The town is safe.”

He shoved his hands in his pocket to stop from reaching for her again. “I’m aware of that, but Dad would box my ears if he knew I’d let you walk alone after spending the evening with you.”

“Ahh, the gentlemanly gestures. It’s kind of sad they’re dying out.”

“You sound like you don’t want that to happen. You do know you just told me I didn’t have to do one of thosegentlemanly gestureswith dinner.”

She shrugged. “I have mixed feelings. I’ve been on my own for a long time. I’m an independent business owner. I’m in charge of my own life. And I love that, but when I listen to Mom talk about the early days of her and Dad’s courtship, it kind of makes me sad that some of those traditions are being lost. Some days, I’d like to experience it, and other days I don’t.”

Tate itched to rest his arm on her lower back as they walked down the darkened alley by her shop. Would this be one of those gestures she wanted? He compromised and raised his hand to her lower back, not touching but close enough that he could if she needed it. “I’m sure in time a balance will be struck that will please everyone.”