Chase McCord.
She drew in a deep breath. Her heart thudded in her chest as if she’d just run the 100-metre dash.
Her eyes feasted on him as he placed his order at the counter. He filled out his well-worn jeans and long-sleeved denim shirt quite nicely. The last time she had seen him was seven months ago, when she had come home for Christmas. He still looked amazing.
Each time she visited home, she couldn't seem to avoid him. He'd come around the house, always on some business with her father. And she'd stare longingly at him from her bedroom window, feeling like the teenager she used to be.
Now, although her eyes took in every detail about him, she didn’t want him to see her. What would she say to him? She’d hate it if she blushed when he said hello to her. If he said hello to her. After all, why would he?
He turned around and she flicked her gaze to her cup of coffee. Please don't see me, please don't see me, please don't see me.
“Sarah.” His attractive, deep voice forced her to look up. At him.
“Hi--” she squeaked. Heat raced to her cheeks.
“Mind if I join you?” He gestured to the opposite side of the booth.
“Of course not.” Her pulse beat erratically.
He slid into the booth, his firm, sensual lips tugging upwards. Her heart flip-flopped as she took in his dark blue eyes and ruggedly handsome face.
“How have you been?” He looked as if he really wanted to hear her answer.
“Good.” At least her voice was less of a squeak this time. She swallowed. “And you?”
Before he could reply, Betty came to the table with a cup of steaming coffee and placed it in front of Chase. “Here you go, Chase.” She winked at Sarah.
“Thanks, Betty.” He took a long swallow, then turned his attention back to Sarah, his eyes gleaming with interest.
She lost herself in his gaze. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach when he grinned at her.
“I’ve been good, too.” Chase took another sip of coffee and she watched, fascinated, as his lips touched the coffee mug. What would his lips feel like on hers? She shivered at the thought.
“I heard you’ve got a job teaching school here.”
His voice snapped her out of her sensual fantasy and she met his dark blue gaze. Her mind blanked for a second as he waited for her answer.
“Yes,” she finally managed to utter. “Elementary school.” Great going, she scolded herself. He probably thinks you should be in elementary school, not teaching it. Flustered, she wrapped her hands around her coffee cup and took a small sip.
He boldly reached over, picked up her fork and snagged a piece of pie. “Mmm. Nobody makes cherry pie like Betty.”
Sarah smiled. “I know.”
“Want some?” He forked up a bite and offered it to her.
She stared at his large, tanned hand, tempting her. Only in her dreams had she envisioned this scenario. She never thought it would actually happen. Sarah tapped one toe against the other - hard. Nope. Not dreaming.
“Sure,” she managed to say, shyly parting her lips. Her eyes met his as he gently guided the fork into her mouth and she closed her lips around the morsel of pie. A ripple of excitement skittered down her spine as his smoldering gaze ensnared her.
Sarah carefully chewed and swallowed the cherry and pastry confection, but shook her head when he forked up another mouthful and offered it to her. She didn’t think she could eat another bite while he was looking at her in that way, as if she was something delicious he’d like to sample.
The thought made her cheeks burn again and she prayed he wouldn’t notice. She watched as he ate another bite of her pie.
“So, what have you been up to since you moved back?” His gaze swept over her face, seeming to take in every detail of her appearance.
Sarah shrugged. “Not much. Just settling back in at home and getting ready for school in two weeks.” It had been fun catching up with her old friends, though.
“Been to the drive-in?”
“Oh, wow. Is that place still open?”
“Every Friday night.” He grinned. “How about we go there this week? They’re showing His Girl Friday.”
Sarah blinked. Did Chase McCord just ask her out? On a date? She shivered with excitement. “Okay.” She hoped he didn’t notice the husky tone in her voice.
“I’ll pick you up at seven.” He took another swallow of coffee, and stood, his eyes intent on her face. “See you then.”
He left the diner and Sarah pinched herself. Ouch! She wasn’t dreaming. In two days’ time she had a date with Chase McCord, the man she had fantasized about for years.
###
Sarah scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. Blow dried hair curled just at her shoulders - check. Flattering outfit - check. Well, as flattering as she had in the closet. She hadn’t been sure what to wear at first. What did a twenty-four year old wear to the local drive-in? The last time she had gone there was when she was in high school and she was pretty sure she had worn jeans. But what should she wear on a date with Chase?