A Town Called Valentine(99)

To his surprise, just the thought made his chest hurt. “No, it’s not about that.” He hesitated, then said in a low voice, “It’s just . . . I’m going to hurt her. I always do.”

He spurred his horse to a trot, not wanting their pity or to answer questions.

Josh caught up with him. “Nate, you’ve got these habits where women are concerned, and never once have you even been tempted to go beyond the ten-date rule. After all these years, you might have grown up a bit. We all do. Don’t you think you should start trusting yourself? Emily is making you behave differently—doesn’t that tell you something?”

“I think it should tell you something,” Brooke said from the other side, her tone superior. “You don’t want to break up with her, and you’re fighting as hard as any calf on the end of a rope. Take her to dinner. And if you just want to call it a date, then fine. But don’t give up because of what might happen. Emily’s not like the other women you’ve dated. She’s strong, and she’s growing stronger every day. I think you’ve met your match, and it scares you silly.”

“Now that’s enough,” Nate said with exasperation. “While you’ve been jawing, you missed another sagging fence.”

“Fine, Josh and I will go check out the fence post, while you call Emily. Take her to dinner. She shouldn’t be alone when she meets her dad for the first time.”

“Is that a yearling on the wrong side of the fence?” Josh suddenly called out.

“I’ll get her before you will,” Brooke challenged.

Nate watched his brother and sister ride off at a gallop. Scared silly? Of falling in love? How was he supposed to know what love felt like? He always thought he’d positively know when it was time to settle down and start a family. He didn’t want to imagine it could involve feeling so ambivalent and hopeful, worried and excited, all at the same time. Was he really falling in love?

That would screw up everything. But he called Emily and asked if he could accompany her to the inn. Though she hesitated, she said yes at last. And he felt relieved, like he’d made the right decision. Now he would have to be very wary and aware, to remain neutral, to be her support and not influence her.

That evening he picked her up to take her to dinner at the Sweetheart Inn, and for the short drive there, he couldn’t stop looking at her, her hair caught up at the back of her head, the blue dress hugging her curves tastefully but provocatively—at least to him. She wore strappy sandals that showed off her cute feet. Cute feet?

Emily kept looking at him, too, not quite hiding her confused expression. He hadn’t really explained why he wanted to take her to dinner, and she hadn’t asked. Maybe she really had wanted him to come support her, and he was just a jerk.

As they passed the front desk of the inn, he exchanged a nod with the slim, older woman who was waiting on a customer.

“Who’s that?” Emily asked softly, when she went to examine a mixed set of vases on several shelves.

“Eileen Sweet, Joe’s mother. She’s the one who turned this place into an inn, and now runs it with her daughter Helen.”

He saw Emily’s gaze dart back to her, wide-eyed with interest.

“Maybe she’s your grandma,” he whispered.

She elbowed him. “None of that, Nate Thalberg. We’re here to look around, not speculate.”

“Look around? We’re having dinner.”

He saw her glance at the open French doors leading to an elegant formal dining room, its low lighting emphasized with candles everywhere.

“I’m sure it’s expensive. We could just explore and look for Joe.”

“We can eat and see if Joe’s here just as easily. The family is always wandering through the dining room. Come on.” He took her elbow and led her toward the restaurant. “And as for the money, I asked you out, so it’s my treat.”

“Couples take turns paying, and since this was my idea and for my benefit—”

“Who says it’s for your benefit?” he drawled. “You’re puttin’ out later.”

The laughter in her eyes made him begin to relax at last.

The Sweetheart Inn Restaurant could rival one in any elegant, Old World hotel. It was situated in a corner addition to the house, with windows filling two long walls, emphasizing spectacular views during the day. He could hear the muted sounds of someone playing the piano. They followed the hostess past tables dressed in white cloth, with fresh flowers and candles as decorations.