worried and excited, all at the same time. Was he really falling in love?
That would screw up everything. But he called Emily and asked if he could accompany her to the inn. Though she hesitated, she said yes at last. And he felt relieved, like he’d made the right decision. Now he would have to be very wary and aware, to remain neutral, to be her support and not influence her.
That evening he picked her up to take her to dinner at the Sweetheart Inn, and for the short drive there, he couldn’t stop looking at her, her hair caught up at the back of her head, the blue dress hugging her curves tastefully but provocatively—at least to him. She wore strappy sandals that showed off her cute feet. Cute feet?
Emily kept looking at him, too, not quite hiding her confused expression. He hadn’t really explained why he wanted to take her to dinner, and she hadn’t asked. Maybe she really had wanted him to come support her, and he was just a jerk.
As they passed the front desk of the inn, he exchanged a nod with the slim, older woman who was waiting on a customer.
“Who’s that?” Emily asked softly, when she went to examine a mixed set of vases on several shelves.
“Eileen Sweet, Joe’s mother. She’s the one who turned this place into an inn, and now runs it with her daughter Helen.”
He saw Emily’s gaze dart back to her, wide-eyed with interest.
“Maybe she’s your grandma,” he whispered.
She elbowed him. “None of that, Nate Thalberg. We’re here to look around, not speculate.”
“Look around? We’re having dinner.”
He saw her glance at the open French doors leading to an elegant formal dining room, its low lighting emphasized with candles everywhere.
“I’m sure it’s expensive. We could just explore and look for Joe.”
“We can eat and see if Joe’s here just as easily. The family is always wandering through the dining room. Come on.” He took her elbow and led her toward the restaurant. “And as for the money, I asked you out, so it’s my treat.”
“Couples take turns paying, and since this was my idea and for my benefit—”
“Who says it’s for your benefit?” he drawled. “You’re puttin’ out later.”
The laughter in her eyes made him begin to relax at last.
The Sweetheart Inn Restaurant could rival one in any elegant, Old World hotel. It was situated in a corner addition to the house, with windows filling two long walls, emphasizing spectacular views during the day. He could hear the muted sounds of someone playing the piano. They followed the hostess past tables dressed in white cloth, with fresh flowers and candles as decorations.
When they were seated and opening their menus, Emily whispered, “So was the hostess a Sweet as well?”
“Yep, Theresa, Joe’s niece. She’s pretty involved with every aspect of the inn. I think they’re grooming her to take over someday.”
After giving their order to the waitress, Emily put her chin on her hand and studied Nate. “You look pretty good for a cowboy,” she said in a low voice.
He glanced down at his casual slacks and button-down shirt. “Uh . . . thanks.”
“You fit right in here, even though I could swear some of these elegantly dressed people came up from Aspen for the day. I think I’ve seen that woman over there in a movie.”
He smiled and took her hand, and the usual thrill zapped right up his arm and seemed to burn in his chest, a comforting warmth sometimes, a blazing inferno of desire at others.
She gave him a bright smile, and said, “So tell me more about Joe. If he was someone my mom was attracted to, what would drive her away?”
“You mean besides being pregnant at eighteen?”
“Besides that,” she answered wryly. “If Joe really is my da—biological father, why do you think she didn’t tell him? She had to feel so alone, so frightened. And apparently he’s not a mass murderer or anything.”
“For one thing, your mom seemed like a rebel, according to you. Joe’s family has been here over 130 years. Some people consider them our leading citizens.”
“That’s a lot to live up to,” she mused. “And something that Delilah wouldn’t have wanted. She valued her independence.”
“Even when there was a baby involved?”
She hesitated. “Even then. She liked to do things her own way. She only married once, even though I know she received several proposals in her life.”
“She told you that? Seems like it would be getting her little girl’s hopes up.”