Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,71

to have their nails painted, sweetie.”

Lizzie turns to Walker. “But you’d wet me paint yours, wight?”

“Anytime, Lou,” he replies with conviction.

She just grins up at him, as if he hung the moon and the stars. “Otay. I be dood for Sic,” she confirms, heading over to collect whatever toys are on the floor. “Weady?” she asks, turning to look at the man closest to the door.

“As I’ll ever be, pumpkin. Let’s do your worst,” Isaac states, following behind Lizzie, who disappeared into her bedroom.

“Come back out and lock the chain after we leave,” Walker hollers after his friend, who just holds up a hand and waves.

“Ready to go?”

“Yes,” I answer, slipping my purse over my shoulder and following him to the door. Walker opens it, allowing me to exit first, before making sure the door is secure behind him. He takes my hand as we descend the stairs to the ground floor, where his CJ is waiting in the lot.

As soon as we’re settled inside and I secure my seat belt, I ask, “So, reservations where?”

“The little Italian place near Freeman Pond. Have you ever been there?” he asks, starting up the Jeep and shifting into reverse.

“No, but I’ve heard about it.” I don’t tell him that everything I’ve heard revolves around the expense.

“I think you’ll like it. From what I can recall, they have a decent menu selection,” he says, turning onto the main road and heading into the heart of town.

“You haven’t been there in a while?”

Walker shakes his head. “No. We went for my mom’s birthday a few years back, but I haven’t been since.”

“No hot dates?” I find myself asking with a laugh, then wishing I would have kept my mouth shut. That’s not exactly first official date etiquette.

He glances my way. “No hot dates. I don’t date,” he says, turning his eyes back to the road.

“Me either,” I whisper, looking at the landscape as we drive by.

Walker reaches for my hand and links our fingers. We drive in silence, and he only releases my hand when he has to downshift for a stoplight. “This may be the first time I’ve ever wished for an automatic Jeep,” he mumbles, taking us from first to second gear easily and smoothly.

“Why?”

He glances my way and gives me a cocky smirk. Then, he grabs my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing my knuckles. “Because I can’t do this when I’m shifting.”

My heart skips a beat and my breathing hitches. There’s a hint of desire in the pools of those blue eyes, but before I can dive in, he turns his attention back to the road. The restaurant is positioned along a large pond with fishing piers and gorgeous landscaping. There are paved paths with families and couples taking leisurely strolls, as well as a few pavilions for picnics.

“Wow, this place is great,” I murmur, watching a small group of women power-walk around the far side.

“It is,” he replies, unfastening his seat belt. “Admittedly, I haven’t been here lately, but it’s always pretty busy. It’s a great place for families to gather. The park is always packed,” he says, pointing over to a grouping of trees and the playground equipment scattered within.

Walker jumps out of the Jeep and meets me at the passenger door. He slips his hand around mine and steers me toward the restaurant. “Maybe we can bring Lizzie here this weekend. It’s supposed to be fairly decent weather.”

“That sounds nice,” I find myself agreeing with a smile on my lips.

He stops when we reach the door, returning the grin. “Good.” Then he brushes his lips across mine and opens the door. “Come on.”

The moment I step inside, I’m hit with all the comfort scents of Italian food. Marinara sauce, garlic, and fresh baked bread. My stomach growls anxiously as we approach the hostess stand. “Good evening, and welcome to Avanti’s.”

“We have a reservation for seven, under Walker.”

She checks her computer screen and gives us a polite smile. “I have you down for two on the back deck. Is that still okay?”

Walker glances at me, as if asking permission to be seated outside. It’s such a gorgeous evening, the sun starting to set over the trees, and I find myself nodding eagerly.

“Follow me,” she instructs with a smile, leading us through the restaurant and out to the back deck.

It’s slightly cooler back here under the shaded canopy, but the view is amazing. It feels like we’re right on top of the water, even though there’s space