He took her hint and let the subject drop. “This is basically it for Silver Springs,” he replied. “There’s a grocery store nearby, but if you want more than that, you have to go to the next town over. Evergreen has a Walmart and a Walgreen’s.”
“Wow, that sounds like the place to be,” she told him. He grinned.
“Sandy’s is still better than anything they have there,” he assured her. “I promise.”
She grinned. “Well, hopefully, our food comes soon to prove it,” she said. “I’m hungry.”
“Speak of the devil.” He nodded behind her at the server returning with two plates piled high with food. The spicy smell of the chilies made her mouth instantly start to water.
She was barely able to wait until they both had their plates in front of them before taking a bite. He watched as she brought the burger to her mouth and took a bite.
It was just as good and even better than he promised. She moaned, and he grinned before taking a bite of his own dinner.
Chapter 14
Dylan
Dylan walked Bonnie to the door of her cabin, sad that the night was already ending. She paused at the door and flashed him a huge smile before disappearing inside. He smiled and waved before turning to head back.
The sky was bright with stars. The afternoon storms had been short today, and now the sky was clear and full of tiny lights as he walked back to his car.
He had butterflies in his stomach. They were dancing around with excitement from being around her all evening. He couldn’t believe how long they’d talked. The two of them had shut Sandy’s down. He watched as the light in her room flickered on. He liked knowing that she was safe.
He had been worried that the ex-boyfriend was going to be a problem. He’d been worried that she was going to be still hung up on the guy, but that didn’t seem to be the case. She seemed barely able to remember him, other than the fact that he was out to get her.
That was a good sign if he wanted to ask her out on a real date. He was going to do it, and just the thought made him nervous and happy at the same time.
She made him feel light. When she smiled, he wanted to smile too. When she spoke about her passion for kids and helping them with their needs, he wanted to help them too. She made him want to do more.
She was a perfect fit for the ranch. Mia had been right to hire her. Her experience with special needs kids would be incredibly helpful at the ranch. There were so many kids in the system that needed a little bit more help, and she would be able to do that here. It felt almost like fate.
He hoped she was going to stay. He could tell himself it was because she was good for the ranch, but really he wanted her to stay because she was good for him.
He opened the car door, and a drop of water from the big pine tree sprinkled onto his cheek. He wiped at it absentmindedly, but the water on his face made him think of Tyson and what she’d said at dinner.
An idea formed in his head. She said to do something fun, so that was exactly what he was going to do. He grinned and hopped into his car and drove quickly to the garage. He had things to do before morning.
“Okay, are you ready Tyson?” Dylan asked the boy.
Tyson stood before him in his swim trunks and a rash-guard shirt that was a little too big for him, but a smile plastered across his face. Dylan couldn’t help but like the kid.
“Do you think she’ll be excited?” Tyson asked. His smile faltered slightly. “I don’t want her to get mad.”
Dylan put his hand on the kid’s shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze. He thought of what Bonnie had said the night before. “No, she won’t be mad as long as you’re having fun. Follow me.”
Tyson nodded and carefully tiptoed behind Dylan as they circled around the pool shed in the direction of Bonnie’s cabin. She would be coming out any moment, and they had to be ready.
They hid in the shadow of the shed as she approached. She had on a bright blue full piece swimsuit with her gray sweats from the day before. The suit accentuated the soft curves of her hips and bust, and he found his mouth going dry. He was glad to see she didn’t bring a jacket today and just had her towel wrapped around her shoulders.
He stepped out of the shadow, leaving Tyson ready for their surprise.
“Hi, Dylan,” she greeted him with a smile. He loved the way she said his name. “You’re coming to the swim lesson, right?”
“I am. You don’t have anything on you that can’t get wet, do you?” he asked.
She frowned and shook her head. “No. Why?”
“No reason.” He handed her a small squirt gun he had hidden behind his back. “You may want this.”