“We were told you needed some outlets installed,” the elderly man said.
Surprised at Gil’s initiative to hire the work done, Mattie moved out of the way and showed the electricians where she wanted the new wiring. “Thanks for coming out on a weekend to do this.”
“No problem. We’re glad to help Mr. McCray any way we can.”
Mattie pursed her lips, certain which McCray they meant. When she’d first met Gil, the adoration he received from the community annoyed her. Now she understood what the towns people saw in him. The electricians worked for over an hour, then just as they were leaving, another truck roared up the lane. Mattie stepped out to see Gil backing his Dodge to the barn, its shiny new bed full of boxes and supplies.
“What is all this?” She placed her hands on her hips, trying to hide her disbelief.
Gil hopped out of the truck, a smile plastered on his face. “Can’t have a doc practicing medicine without her medicine.”
“This is a lot more than medicine.” She noted a desk and chair piled high among other boxes, a small refrigerator, and a computer. “A coffeepot?”
“A woman’s gotta have her caffeine if she’s going to work your hours. I hope you don’t mind, but I did a little research on what you’d need to get started. We’ll have to order the big pieces next week.” He lowered the tailgate and began hauling the items to her new office.
“I can’t accept this.” She felt like blocking his entrance but moved out of the way, afraid he might plow right over her. “It must have cost a fortune.”
Gil shook his head. “I told you we’ll worry about it later . . . or better yet, take it off Dusty’s bill.” He grinned and lifted another box from the truck.
“Good idea. I should have thought of that.” Mattie pitched in to help, her pleasure building with every pound she carried. At this rate, she’d be back in business in no time.
“How can I ever thank you?” she asked when they’d finished unloading the truck.
“Well, I almost hate to ask, considering you turned me down last time.” Gil sat on the edge of her new desk. “I’ve been craving a juicy T-bone ever since I came home. No one grills a better steak than Charlie’s Steakhouse.”
Mattie’s heart thumped in her chest. How could she say no? She stared at the boxes in the room. “Okay.”
Gil clapped his hands together. “Okay, as in, you’ll go?”
Mattie laughed, the tension inside dissolving. “Don’t look so surprised. You’re not the only one who likes to eat.”
GIL EYED MATTIE FROM ACROSS THE TABLE. IF POSSIBLE, SHE LOOKED even prettier in the dim candlelight than she did in the sunshine. Her hair was pinned in a loose ponytail with one stray curl at her cheek, and she wore a sweater that matched the leaves in fall — colors that suited her red hair and fair skin quite nicely. He found it easy to give her his full attention despite the Saturday night crowd.
“Thanks for coming with me tonight.” He handed her a menu. “I hate going to places like this by myself.”
“Far be it from me to keep a man from his steak.” She chuckled, and the soft lilt in her voice made him smile.
“That’s right. When I want something, you better not stand in my way.” He placed a cloth napkin on his lap, then sipped his ice water. “Any idea what you want to order?” He glanced over the menu, already knowing the dinner he’d choose.
“I think I’ll have the filet mignon with rice and salad.”
“No potatoes?” He guessed Mattie to be more of a french fry kind of girl. “You’re not trying to impress me with a dainty appetite, are you? Because I’ve seen you eat, remember?”
She laid the menu on the table and smiled, her eyes sparkling like the ice in her glass. “You’re right. Order me some cottage fries. I’m a little rusty at this dating thing.”
Gil’s eyebrows rose. The doc considered this a date? He smiled, feeling even more confident about the evening. “How long has it been, exactly?”
She leaned back and tallied the number on her fingers. “That depends on whether you count going to bingo and sitting by a man twice my age.” A grin tipped her mouth. “If not, it’s been a couple of years. Not that I haven’t been asked.”
“I’m guessing every boy in high school has come by your