The Perfect Stroke (Lucas Brothers #1)(12)

“It’s not that far away.”

“Does it really matter? It’s dinner, and if anything else happens, we’re both adults and it will be behind closed doors.”

“You’re right. I’m just being silly,” she says, shaking her head. This side of her surprises me. I’m definitely intrigued. I’m going to have to learn more about her mother. She’s mentioned a little about her, and I know the story isn’t pretty, but it seems to have left enough scars on this woman that it alters who she is, and for some reason that makes me mad. CC shouldn’t have to worry about how people look at her, or what she does—for any reason. I lived in a small town in Texas, and with mom’s history, I know a little bit about the damage small-minded people can do. Still, it pisses me off that CC ever had to experience any of it.

We’re mostly silent on the way to the country club. Riverton couldn’t believe I was actually staying in Crossville. Though I assured him I was fine there, he insisted he add me as his guest at the country club in Addington, stating that it was the only place around to get a decent meal. After calling and making sure he had added me on the roster, I made dinner reservations for me and CC. I wanted to give her a great night out and a good meal seems like step one. Though as hard as Riverton has been pushing his single daughter down my throat, I doubt me taking another woman out was what he had in mind when he added me to the guest list. Too damn bad.

“Wait. Why are we here? You can’t be a member, and this place is…”

“Members only, yeah I know. I’ve got a friend on the board here. He offered the use of the place while I’m in Kentucky,” I tell her as I close her car door.

“An associate? Listen, Gray…”

“Relax, buttercup, it’s all okay. I promise,” I tell her, putting my finger under her chin and tilting her head back to look at me. I read something in her eyes that I can’t put a name to, but CC shakes it off and gives me a small smile, allowing me to lead her toward the club. Still, there’s a tension in her that I’ve not felt before and I don’t like it. I’m about two steps away from suggesting we go somewhere else, even if it is fast food, but decide against it. I’m sure she’ll loosen up once dinner is served. She owns a garage and both times I’ve been there, there hasn’t been a lot of customers. I’m sure she just feels out of place. Things will lighten up when she gets some good food, maybe dessert, and then definitely the goal is to spend the rest of the night loosening her up in ways I’ve dreamed about ever since I woke up alone in that hotel in Lexington.





I know that Gray thought he was being sweet bringing me here. He doesn’t know my history and, though we might have spent one mind-blowing weekend together, he doesn’t know anything about me. It’s just one night, and no one will expect me to be here. I’ll just grin and bear it. The sooner we get food and get out of here, the better. There’s no point in causing a scene. To do so would mean me explaining way too much to Gray about my past, which would be stupid. He’s a one-night stand. Okay, two nights. And he’s only here for a limited time. I can’t let myself forget that. I am not my mother. I am not the woman who goes from man to man because I can. I am not the girl with wanderlust in her eyes, never happy if she’s not on the road, off to the next best thing. I have roots here. I have a job—a business. I have goals, even if I can’t remember what those goals are anymore. There’s a reason I made them. I am not… her.

Mental pep talk done, we sit at the table and get our menus. As I look through the different entrees, I find myself missing the meals offered at Rosie’s diner. It’s not that I don’t like a nice night out. I’ve had a couple when I’ve been to the city with friends, but honestly, the diner is more my speed.

“I guess David was right.”

“David?”

“I’m here on his guest list. He said this was the best place to eat in three counties around here. I have to say, the menu definitely looks great.”

“It does,” I tell him, wondering if he can tell that I’m lying. I’m busy trying to figure out why it makes me sad that Gray seems so at home here. The man who talks about his brothers and sisters reminds me of a country boy. This Gray seems one step away from…

Something uneasy shifts in my stomach. He’s wearing a suit. He’s different. Even his attitude here seems different. It’s a cold reminder that though I might have slept with him, I don’t really know anything about him.

“What are you thinking?” he asks, and though I know he’s asking about what I want to eat, my first thought is, I’m thinking I should have never agreed to go out with you. I don’t say that, though it’s on the tip of my tongue.

“You order for us,” I tell him, literally unable to care less what he orders and just wanting it over and done at this point.

“You sure?”

“Surprise me.” I don’t even pay attention as he orders.

“Why am I getting the feeling this isn’t going well?” he asks.

I jerk up to look at him. “I’m not really a country club kind of girl.”

“What kind of girl are you?”

I study his face, trying to figure out if he’s truly interested, or just trying to get into my pants. I can’t decide. I take a breath and decide to just put it out there.