“Oh? What kind of advice?” My heart drops from my chest to my feet. All in one fell swoop. This is why he asked me for a drink. He needs something. That’s the way it works in a small town so I shouldn’t be surprised. The sting is real.
“There’s this woman I’m interested in,” Mercer says, glancing away then back to meet my gaze. I look where he was looking.
I widen my eyes. “Oh, good heavens, is it Tannie? You want me to help you? She’s my best friend, but she’s all hung up and spun out over her ex, Joe.” I look away. “But you wouldn’t want todateher, would you? That’s not what you’re asking. You want a hookup. You’re leaving soon.” I steeple my fingertips on the bar. “You’re not the dating kind. You’ll hurt her.”
“Are you finished concocting a whole scenario from start to finish yet?” he asks. “I don’t want a hookup.”
I gasp. “You do want to date her?”
He chuckles. “Seeing as it seems there are a few different definitions of that word, yes. Not Tannie, though.”
“Oh,” I reply, adjusting my feet on the bar stool rung. “Who then?”
“This other woman. She’s sort of a player, likes really expensive white wine, and has the best smile for five counties.”
My stomach spins. “Only five counties?” I say.
Mercer’s lips pull into a big grin. “Maybe six.” He drinks the rest of his wine and winces after he swallows. “She’s hard to read. I don’t know if she doesn’t want to date any men, or just the kind of men she’s dated up until now are awful.”
My whole body buzzes. “Maybe she’ll know it when she sees it?”
“She’s seen it. She’s known him her entire life. It would be complicated though because my job takes me away for long periods of time and her life is settled in another place far away from where I work.”
I slam my hand on the bar. “Are you playing coy with me, Mercer Ballentine?”
“Do I look like a man who plays coy?” He drags his tongue across the bottom of his front teeth. My gaze tracks the movement.
“You look like a man who would do whatever it takes to get something he wants. Out with it then. I have to get on the road.”
“Will you go out on a date with me?” He says it louder than he should have and it draws curious glares from patrons around the bar.
I panic, trying to avoid eye contact. “I can’t. I’m not that type of woman.” I make sure my reply is just as loud so they hear my answer to his absurd question.
“You’re already having a drink with me. This was our first date. Will you go on a second date with me? I should have phrased my question better,” Mercer says, his cheeks pink from the unwanted attention or from being shot down, I can’t be certain.
“We are friends grabbing a drink,” I assert, standing from the bar stool. “Thank you for the drink. I’m glad that you’re home safely.”
He stands, because it’s polite. “That’s it then? A drink and you’re leaving.”
Breathing deeply for a couple beats, I brush the sides of my dress down. Mercer watches. I like that he watches. I need to ditch this place now. Lowly, so only he hears, I say, “You do not want to get mixed up with me right now. I’m not the woman you think I am.”
He leans in, his lips grazing my ear as he bends to say, “I know. That’s exactly why I want you.”
Straightening my back, I flash a polite grin when he leans back up to meet my eyes. “No, thank you.” My reply is completely monotone. I don’t believe it, why would he?
Mercer shakes his head, small smile playing on his lips. “G’night, ma’am. Drive safely.” He grabs the wine on the bar top and hands it to me.
My face turns red, I’m sure of it. “Walk me out and place the bottle in my trunk like you said you would.”
His knowing laugh rings out victorious. For now.
Chapter Three
___________________________________
Clover
IGNORING THE WHISPERSand stares as I make my way to the door is impossible. I saw Tannie whispering something to Sue-Ellen Kline. She’ll pay for that later. Even if she’s innocent. Mercer keeps a safe distance but opens the door for me. There’s no way his manners would slip for a bout of gossip. That’s one thing that’s similar to other men I’ve dated. They aren’t galaxies apart. Maybe just a light-year or two.
