Page 53 of Burning Skies
Beau: The chief says it’s a record. Should be able to get the new turnout gear we need.
Me: So happy to hear that! Congrats!
The message bar cycles like he’s typing for a while. When his message comes through, my heart drops.
Beau: Are you really on a date with that guy?
Me: Unfortunately, but he’s late.
Beau: How ’bout you ditch him and let me take you to dinner? We could do burgers, beer, and countrydancing.
I smile at the screen. That sounds like the perfect date.
Me: Do you two-step?
Beau: Darling, every rancher in Texas knows how to two-step. That’s nothing special. It’s a prerequisite to being a cowboy.
The thought of dancing close to Beau sends goosebumps across my skin.
Glancing up, I spot Ian coming through the main entrance.
Me: I have to go. I’m enjoying talking to you, friend.
Beau: Whatever happens with this guy, just remember you deserve the best. So don’t settle. Night, princess.
I tuck my phone away as I mull over his words. Am I settling with Ian? He’ll make my family happy. But what doIwant? What will makemehappy?
After a brief greeting, Ian sits across the table and texts someone while I ponder how this became my life. We’re at the Pearl Steakhouse, which is the most expensive place in town. The lights are low, romantic music plays in the background, and candles burn at every table. It’s a whole vibe. One that makes me uncomfortable.
When the waitress brings the wine, Ian pauses texting long enough to approve it, but then he’s immediately focused on his messages again.
I’m almost done with my glass by the time he finally sets his phone down. “Sorry about that. Work.”
I don’t bother to engage with him since he’s barely botheredto say two words to me tonight. Instead, I watch other couples enjoy their dinner, wishing I had cancelled this date.
Fortunately, the waitress brings our steaks, and I dig in. I’m daydreaming about a shirtless firefighter when Ian stops eating to stare at me. “What?” I ask.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
I shove another bite of food in my mouth so I don’t have to respond.
He clears his throat. “I appreciate a woman who enjoys a good steak.”
This is painfully awkward, but the buzz from the wine has loosened me up. “Why are we doing this? You obviously don’t want to be here, and we have nothing to talk about. You don’t give a rat’s ass about my teaching job, and frankly, I don’t care that you’re wheeling and dealing. Plus, your manners are atrocious. If we get married, I might smother you with a pillow. Is that a risk you want to take?”
He wipes his mouth with a napkin as he chuckles. “We might need some time to get to know each other. That’s okay. And it’s not true that I don’t care about your job. I just heard your school had a fire. Were you there?”
I almost ask which one, but then think better of it. I don’t know if he’ll report back to my father. “It wasn’t a big deal.”
Ian’s wearing another designer suit. He keeps glancing at his watch.
“Are you late for another date?” I ask, curious.
He freezes with his arm in the air, and no matter how hard he tries to school his expression, I know in my gut I’m right. But he tries to play dumb because he clearly thinks I’m stupid. “Is it a crime to check the time?”
Do I have a sign on my forehead that says “moron?” “Look, you don’t have to play games with me. You were glued to yourphone when we got here. Either you’re working on the deal of the century, or you’re talking to another woman. Which is it?”
Laughing uncomfortably, he reaches for his wine, likely to buy himself some time. “It’s just work stuff.”
