Brokenhearted Beauty(Divine Creek Ranch 19)(32)

“I had the distinct impression that your dad wanted only the best for you. Nice guy.”

Nice of him trying to maneuver me into taking this position. It’s almost like he wants me gone from Divine.

She considered the choices and said, “Ceramic tile would be a bit more durable long term, I think.”

He nodded and looked around the restaurant before gazing at her again. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable by bringing you here.”

“No, it’s fine, Denny. It’s me. I’m just a little distracted.”

The depression settled on her shoulders and he nodded, seeming to understand. “I understand. I still miss…my wife. It just takes time, or so I’m told.” He tried to hide it but she could see a glimpse of the sadness he also carried around.

“My dad told you?”

He nodded. “He didn’t gossip about you, Leah, but he did mention that you’d suffered a loss of someone you cared a great deal about. He knew I lost my wife a year ago, and…Well, I guess he was doing a bit of well-meaning matchmaking.”

With a dry chuckle, she said, “That sounds exactly like my dad. There are circumstances he doesn’t know about, but yes, Patterson died at the beginning of April. A motorcycle accident. He died of a head injury.” She cleared her throat and took a deep drink of her tea.

The way his brows drew together and true sympathy entered his eyes made her throat clog a bit. “Some good did come from it. He was an organ and tissue donor and thanks to him seven people are still alive today and two have at least partial vision. That’s something.” She looked down at her hands in her lap. That knowledge should help her feel better but she still struggled with resentment, crazy as that sounded. Part of him was living but she still suffered his loss.

“Doesn’t really make you feel better, does it?”

“Is it that obvious?” she asked, her laugh sounding hollow. “I miss him every day, and…” I miss his brothers, too.

The waitress brought their food and as they settled in to eat, Denny said, “Just give it time. It does get a little easier. I don’t think you miss them less, but time keeps moving forward and so does life. I hope I haven’t messed up the store’s chance of getting you for general manager. Please accept my apologies if I’ve overstepped the boundaries.”

She put down her fork and waited for him to look up. “Denny, you haven’t done anything wrong. The construction is progressing well and ahead of schedule. The store will be beautiful when it’s finished. I think…it’s going to be a tough decision.”

He smiled and raised an eyebrow. “I think no matter what store you work in, the people there are lucky. It sounds to me like your heart is in Divine, same as my heart is here.”

Letting out a shaky sigh, she said, “Maybe so, but it’s my head that needs to rule my choices.”

He nodded and they finished the meal with friendly, noncommittal chit chat about the community, other businesses in the area, and amusing stories about his time in the military. He was careful to keep the conversation platonic and by the end of the meal she was certain she’d made a good friend. If he was disappointed, he hid it well.

The sun had set by the time he drove her back to the bed-and-breakfast. She put a hand on his forearm and said, “Thank you for the tour…and for understanding, Denny.”

There was true understanding in his eyes as he patted her hand. “It’ll get easier. Hang on and I’ll open your door for you.”

Rejection, no matter how slight or well-intended, didn’t make him forget his manners, which she appreciated. He helped her down to the asphalt and walked her up the stairs. “Shall I pick you up tomorrow?”

“No. I can find my way to the store with no problem and I’ll probably leave for home straight from there.”

“Leah, I wish you luck no matter what you choose to do.” He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You’re quite a lady.”

“You’re right about that, mister,” said a growly, possessive, and familiar voice from the shadows of the deep porch. “And she’s already been claimed.”

Leah gasped and her jaw dropped as Vincent stepped from the shadows. She’d never been happier to see him, but then his declaration registered and words failed her.

Denny filled the gap and said, “Is this someone you know, Leah?” Unspoken in his tone was whether Vincent was someone she wanted to see at the moment or not.

Her cheeks filled with heat and she looked back at Denny and nodded. “Yes. Despite his rather intimidating attitude, he’s a friend of mine. Thank you again for taking me to supper. I’ll see you in the morning at the store.”