a thought which both delighted Kira and made her wrinkle her nose in disgust as it seemed so commercial to her. When her phone buzzed, she glanced at it to see a text from Brogan.
I’d like to formally invite you on a date tomorrow afternoon, if you are free. I’ll pick you up at 3:00?
3:00 for a date?
Yes, that’s when I can get away from my meetings. Come hungry. I mean… if you’ll join me, that is.
I look forward to it.
“And who has brought that little smile to your face?” Cait demanded.
“You know who.” Kira glared at her.
“I like him,” Cait said, holding her eyes. “I really like him. He’s steady. He’d be good for you, I think, if you’ll let him in.”
“I’ve been trying. The man is tricky to pin down.”
“He needs to trust that you won’t up and leave,” Cait said. Mr. Murphy wisely stayed silent, his eyes darting between the two as he followed their conversation.
“I can’t promise that, Cait. My career is centered on traveling around the world.”
“Your career is here.” Cait tapped the photo of Mr. Murphy. “You don’t need to go everywhere else to find inspiration.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“It can be. You have choices to make.” With that, Cait swept up her photos and ducked underneath the passthrough at the end of the bar to disappear into her back office.
“She makes it sound so easy,” Kira muttered into her cider.
“Nothing in life is easy. But she’s right, it comes down to choices. I’ll say this: Brogan’s a nice lad. Boy needs family. You need to decide if you can be that for him before you go any further.”
Kira blew out a breath.
“That’s a lot of pressure on a first date.”
“That’s what makes it matter.”
Once Kira had left the pub, Cait looked around at the regulars. Reaching under the bar, she hauled out a large leatherbound ledger.
“I’m opening bets on when Kira and Brogan get together,” Cait called out.
Shouts broke out as everyone lined up to place their bets.
Kira better get used to living in a small town again, Cait thought with a smile. She licked her pencil and glared at Mr. Murphy. “I’ve a mind to keep you out of this one. You’re starting to win too many.”
“Now, have a heart, Cait…”
Chapter 21
Brogan had instructed her to wear clothes for the outdoors, so Kira was left to work on a cute date outfit that would also protect her from any elements. So much for the sexy low-cut top she’d planned to wear, Kira thought, and tossed that to the side. Instead, she pulled on skinny jeans and a slouchy purple sweater, and hung bright turquoise drops at her ears. Remembering his comment about how he liked her hair wild, Kira ran her hands through her curls and tousled them so that they swung freely down her back. She used a light hand with her makeup, and when she was done, she grabbed her coat, her camera, and her purse. She ran down her steps just as Brogan pulled into the little alleyway behind the gallery. She’d told him to come there instead of out front, unless he wanted the whole town to start talking.
Nerves jittered in her stomach as Brogan got out of the car and smiled lazily at her.
“You look pretty.”
“Thank you,” Kira said. Brogan delighted her by bending over to brush a soft kiss across her lips. His scent – soap and a hint of the outdoors – drifted over her.
“You’re supposed to tell me I look handsome too,” Brogan said as he rounded the car to hold the door for her.
“Well, now that you mention it…” Kira teased as she slid into the passenger’s seat. She waited until Brogan got into the driver’s seat. “You look very nice today, Brogan.”
“Nice is for sissies,” Brogan grumbled, shocking a laugh from Kira.
“You look like a bold warrior ready to fight for my honor,” Kira promised him. Brogan slid her a look. He did look handsome, Kira thought as they left the village and headed for the narrow road that wound through the cliffs toward the cove. He had on faded grey canvas pants, a thick heather grey sweater, and his sturdy hiking boots. Certainly not dressed like a sissy, though Kira kind of wished he’d put his glasses on so she could sigh over them.
“How have you been since I last showed up at your doorstep?” Brogan asked.
“I’ve been well, thank you. Busy working, actually. On my own prints.”
“Is that right?”
Kira told him