“Another old-fashioned gesture?” she asked, pointing to his where her hand rested on his arm.
He grinned down at her. “Nah, this is just to make sure you don’t run into any more lamp posts.”
Her mouth dropped open then to his delight she burst into laughter. “I only walk into things when I’m distracted.”
“Why, ma’am, are you saying that I’m not a distraction? I’ll have to work on my game. I’ll have you know that my ass is an excellent distraction.”
Humor twinkled in her eyes. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t looked.”
“We’ll have to remedy that.”
He slid his arm free, immediately missing her touch. Then he strode down the footpath in front of her, putting some strut into his stride. It was worth it, to hear her laugh again. She had a sweet laugh.
He winked at a couple of older ladies strolling past. They smiled back. He turned and held his arms out as Marisol moved towards him. “How did I do?”
“Well, I didn’t walk into any lamp posts, however you’re right. Your ass is most definitely a distraction.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear,” he said huskily, taking her hand back in his elbow when she reached him. “So tell me, how much experience do you have with weddings?”
She gaped up at him as they reached the diner. True to his word, he showed some more of those manners by reaching out and opening the door for her.
Marisol didn’t have much experience with men. This was the first time she’d gone out for a meal with a man who wasn’t one of her aunt’s conquests. And even those meals were rare. Although she remembered Harry taking them often. Her aunt would complain, because instead of an upscale restaurant, they’d go to a family restaurant.
And he would always open the door too.
Was Linc like Harry? A decent man? She hoped he was what he seemed to be. Funny, kind, generous. But too often someone hid their true colors. She’d have to be careful.
It’s not like you’re going to get involved with him, even if that is something he wants.
“Marisol? Did I shock you into silence?” he asked as he led them towards a booth at the back.
People called out to him and he waved with a smile. Obviously, he was well liked around here, which eased something inside her. She couldn’t imagine people treating Saber or Tiger like this.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Sometimes I get caught up in what’s going on in my head.”
He raised his eyebrows as he waited for her to slide into the booth. To her shock, rather than sitting across from her he moved in beside her.
“Anything wrong?”
She carefully adjusted her sleeves, making certain to cover the bandage on her wrist. She’d figured it was the easiest way to cover the bruise. If anyone asked, she’d just tell them she’d burned it. Easier to explain than the bruise that wrapped around her wrist.
“No, of course not. What were you saying about weddings?”
Was he trying to ask her if she was married?
“Ahh, well, see I still have to get Clint and Charlie a wedding gift.”
“Isn’t their wedding tomorrow?” She gaped at him.
“Yep.”
She couldn’t stop the startled laughter from escaping.
“Do you usually leave things to the last minute?”
“No, I’m usually very organized. If this was a work thing, I would be all over it. But this is a shopping thing. I hate shopping.” He batted his eyelids. “Help me. Please.”
“And what makes you think I’m any good at shopping, huh?”