“Told ya.” I take a bite of my own burger and wash it down with some pop. “What do you miss most about home?”
A slow smile builds on Sutton’s face. She brushes a hand through her hair. “My family. In the past couple of years, I’ve only been able to see them on holidays and the rare visit home or theirs to Nashville. It’s hard since my siblings are still in school.”
“I can’t imagine living away from mine,” I comment. My life would be completely different, had I not lived in the same place as my family.
“It’s a struggle, but we make it work. I talk to them on the phone all the time. Hopefully, they’ll be able to come to one of my shows soon.”
“When is your next one?”
“We’ve got a few local ones coming up in two weeks. This summer, we’re touring again for a couple of months, and I’ll be in a few summer festivals.”
“That’s great,” I say. Knowing Sutton will be away for the summer makes me wonder how we can make this work. It was one of the reasons I had kept my distance in the first place. How can a growing music sensation and a cowboy merge their lives together?
“Maybe you and Penny can come to one of the local shows.” Sutton reaches across the table and holds my hand.
“She’d love that.” Penny would love to be in the center of it all.
“We have smaller gigs that wouldn’t be so hectic for her. A lot of kids actually come to our concerts.” Sutton gives the reasons for Penny and me to go. She wants us there, and she’s justifying it any way she can.
“I’m sure we can make it to one that’s in the area.” She was in awe when she watched Sutton and Knox perform at the ACM Awards, and then yesterday at the sock hop. Given the chance, Penny would snatch it up and run on her own two feet toward the concert.
As we continue to eat, we talk more about our lives and careers. Sutton makes me laugh. Everything about her relaxes me. Her confidence is contagious, and I lift some of my guard with her.
I may not be sure exactly how we could work, but I know that I want to see her again. For the first time in years, I feel free of the weight I’ve been carrying. I feel happy.
After I pay for our meal, I walk Sutton to her car parked not far from the restaurant.
“Thank you for today.” She smiles up at me.
“I had fun. Sticking to my original question, are you free this week? I promise to have a better plan for a date.”
“This was perfect. Dessert before lunch, how can a gal complain about that?” I stare at her eyes, wanting nothing more than to stay with her.
“Go out with me again,” I demand, my voice husky.
“Tuesday night,” she says. Her eyes move from mine to my lips, and I know what she wants, but I won’t do it in public. This town has eyes and ears everywhere, and I’m already expecting questions about Sutton after walking together around town.
“It’s a date.” I lean in and kiss her cheek, my lips lingering a moment longer than normal as I inhale her sweet scent.
Sutton’s lips are parted when I lean back to look at her. I wink and tighten my hold on her waist. It’s been years since I’ve been with a woman. People would say there’s something wrong with me, but between the pain of losing Hadley and taking on a full-time parenting role, I had no time or desire to allow someone that power over me.
Sutton brings that out in me, though. I don’t know how patient I can be. I clear my throat and take a step back from her intoxicating energy.
“I’ll see you Tuesday,” I promise.
The smile that lights up her face speaks volumes. This could be the beginning of something great. I hope so, at least.
Gavin
It took me a little longer than I imagined to say goodbye to Penny. She asked if I’d be home before she went to bed. When I said no, she begged me to read her a bedtime story before bedtime. It wasn’t easy, and guilt seeped through my veins at her confused expression as to why I wasn’t having dinner with her and my parents.
My mom promised Penny would be okay and urged me to have fun. After my impromptu date with Sutton on Sunday, my mom smiled at me and patted my hand. Silently, she reassured me that this could all work out.
“What are you thinking about?” Sutton asks next to me.
“Sorry, I spaced. I was thinking about Penny.” I shift gears and drive up the dirt road.
“We can reschedule, honestly.” This woman has been a saint. After apologizing for being late and explaining Penny was having a rough evening, Sutton told me it would be okay to reschedule our date so I could go home to Penny. The sincerity in her eyes is what tugged at me.
“No. I want to do this. Besides, this will be an adjustment for everyone, and I know she’ll be okay with my parents. Thank you for understanding, though.” I reach for her hand.
“Of course. Penny comes first, always.” She shifts, and the sound of leather creaking beneath her sounds. “So, where exactly are we going?” I glance quickly and catch the deep furrow of her brows.
Chuckling, I say, “You’ll see in a few seconds.” I release her hand to shift gears and turn into an open field.
Sutton leans forward, resting her arms on the dashboard and staring out the window.
“Where are we?” Her chin rests on her hands as she turns her head to look at me.
“Technically, on the ranch. I packed a picnic and some blankets and cushions for the bed of the truck. Sunset picnic and
