An awkward silence surrounded them as they climbed into the pickup truck. As he pulled into traffic, windows of the truck open to the sunshiny breeze, Carli leaned her arm out the door, took in a deep cleansing breath, and looked over at her neighbor. “It’s been a great day. Thanks, Nate, but I’m not sure what happened back there.”
“I just didn’t want to see my sister.”
“You didn’t want to be seen with me.” Carli stared ahead and crossed her arms over her chest. She’d give him a few minutes to explain and then she’d demand he take her home.
“No. That’s not it.” Nathan jerked his head over with surprise on his face. “That’s what you thought?”
“What else would I think? You left me hanging there by myself. Obviously, you didn’t want Angie to know we were on a date.” She turned to glare at him.
“Really? You agree this is a date?” He didn’t try to hide the silly grin that spread across his handsome face, and then his tone turned serious. “This has nothing to do with you, Carli. Honestly, I didn’t want to explain to my sister why I was at an art gallery. It would have been a thirty-minute discussion. Okay, maybe it was a little about you. I’d have to explain why we were there together. Angie is relentless. You have no idea at her talent for interrogation.”
Carli laughed, a lightness settling over her heart. “I totally misread that entire situation then.”
“Forget about my family. I’m glad you’re here. Wasn’t it great meeting Brad Travers? I’ve read articles about him and followed his career for years. He gave me his card and told me to contact him! Even invited me to his studio! I want you to come with me.”
Carli listened as Nathan spoke about his encounter with Travers. It was easy to see his heartfelt enthusiasm about pursuing his passion for sculpting. She looked at him and smiled. “You know you have a glow about you that wasn’t there before.”
“What’re you talking about? Are you teasing me?”
“You’re glowing, literally glowing like a light bulb. When you talk about art, your face lights up and your eyes sparkle. You’re gushing like a toddler at Christmas.”
“That’s ridiculous. Men do not glow, and they absolutely do not get giddy,” Nathan said. "And I hope you’re hungry because you’re about to meet the best steak in your life.”
“Bring it on,” she said. He might deny it out loud, but Carli saw the way he hung on every word Travers said. Nathan still had a wide, silly grin on his face. It was impossible for him to stop smiling. Carli’s heart burst with hope and pride for him. She wished she felt the same about the choices she had made in her life. As they picked up speed, the air suddenly turned cool. She rolled up her window.
Nathan exited the interstate and drove to the north side of Amarillo, past the stockyards and a ballpark. Carli had never been in this part of the city before.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Some place my sister and her friends would never have lunch.” He laughed.
“Your mother was with them too.”
“Oh, great. That would have really been a scene.”
He parked the truck in front of a bright yellow building with a covered porch that stretched across the front and down one side. "The Outpost Steakhouse" read the sign. Carli’s stomach growled and she decided she didn’t want to go home yet.
Nathan turned in his seat to look at her. “Are you still mad?”
Carli hesitated for a minute, trying not to grin at the look of concern on his face. “I’ll give you one more chance, cowboy. Only because you mentioned steak.”
Chapter Fourteen
Nathan Olsen held the door of the steakhouse open for Carli and she blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dark interior. She found herself in the middle of an eatery with a Texas theme on steroids. Stuffed deer heads with impressive antlers were scattered over the dark paneling that surrounded the dining room. Every empty wall space was covered. Holding court on one wall was a massive stone fireplace with a bobcat sitting on the mantel, one paw raised, his mouth open showing fangs. Carli had never seen so many preserved animals in her life. Around the top of the room was a balcony which was where the hostess led them.
As Carli walked up the stairs, she looked down on the dining room below. People sat at long tables; diners were evenly spaced around the room. Waitresses scurried to and fro wearing wide cowboy hats, red bandannas, white Western shirts, and short blue jean skirts.
Carli and Nathan were shown to a cozy, corner booth. An ornate brass chandelier hung over their table, and Nathan had to remove his cowboy hat to slide into the bench. When she sat down the noise of the first floor faded and she couldn’t help but notice the waitress eyeing Nathan. The girl handed Carli a menu but opened Nathan’s for him and leaned closer. “May I tell you our specials for today?” She smiled. With model-perfect teeth, her eyes sparkled full of promise meant only for him.
Nathan never glanced up. “No thanks. Bring us a mug of your house ale to start with, please.” He glanced at Carli. “They make their own beer here. Their dark ale tastes like pecans. If you don’t like it, you can order something different and I’ll drink your glass too.”
She giggled. “All right. I’m game.” Carli realized she had laughed a lot today, until the episode with Angie. Her ego still stung a bit, but food would help her mood. She gazed at Nathan’s strong chin, sporting the shadow of a beard. His eyes, the color of a blue Texas sky, glanced up from the menu and met her gaze with a sweet smile. His hair brushed the top of his shirt collar, proof of the slight rejection he had for that clean cut, cowboy image. After today,
