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Turning back to Nate she said, “I’m invited to a wedding next weekend and I need a date. Want to be my plus-one?” She gave Nate a sultry smile, apparently sure he’d agree.

He draped an arm across Damaris’s shoulders. “Sorry, I can’t.”

“But you don’t even know what day it is.”

He looked at Damaris and smiled. “Damaris and I are dating.”

She looked from one to the other of them with her mouth open. “You and Damaris? Dating? Really?”

“Yep. Isn’t that right, darlin’?” He gave her shoulder a squeeze.

“Yes, sweet cheeks.”

Amaryllis looked disgusted. “Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.” She walked off in something of a snit.

“Sweet cheeks?” Nate asked her.

“It was all I could think of.”

Nate just shook his head and opened the door to the bar. He steered her toward a booth that while set apart was still visible to most of the bar. Damaris scooted in and Nate slid in next to her.

“What are you doing?”

“Sitting beside you.”

“Well, don’t. I feel stupid.”

“Why?”

“Because unless someone else is coming we look foolish.”

“Relax.” He kissed her on the nose. “There’s nothing wrong with two people wanting to sit next to each other. What do you want to drink?”

“I’ll have a beer. What are you having?”

“I’m flying tomorrow so a soft drink.”

He came back with the drinks and this time took the seat across from her. “Thanks,” she said, taking her beer. “Why aren’t you sitting next to me? You thought it was important a few minutes ago.”

“I decided,” he said, picking up her hand, “that I should sit here so I can gaze into your eyes and hold your hand.”

“Give me a break.” She tried to take back her hand, but he held on to it firmly. “You don’t do this with other women you date.”

“How do you know?”

“I know you.”

“Point taken. But you’re different. This is new for both of us. Remember? We’ve fallen madly in love after years of friendship, so I need to act differently than I normally do. And so do you.”

“I’m still not sure that anybody will buy that we’ve suddenly decided we’re in love.”

“What did your family say?”

She wasn’t going to tell him that several of them had said ‘about time’ or some variation of it. So she shrugged and changed the subject. “Let’s play pool.”

“Want to order dinner first?”

“Okay.”