Blossom Street Brides (Blossom Street #10)(18)

Lauren’s cellphone chirped. She ignored it. “It’s probably your friend,” Rooster said. “Probably,” she agreed, “but I’m with you and I consider it impolite to communicate with one man when I’m with another.”

Rooster could get to like this woman. “You really are a good girl, aren’t you?”

“I told you so. It’s downright irritating.”

He didn’t know if she was joking or not, but he laughed out loud.

A smile lit up her face. “You have a wonderful laugh. Full-bodied and carefree. I like that.”

“Is that on your list as well?”

“No, but I’m thinking it should be.”

Their meal was delicious, but Rooster thought it could well have been the company more than the peanut sauce. He didn’t ask Lauren a lot of getting-to-know-you questions mainly because this was probably going to be the only time he would see her.

She, however, seemed curious about him. Rooster was happy to answer her questions. His one comment was on her jewelry.

“Thank you,” she said, fingering the cameo. “I work in a jewelry store and have a small collection of cameos.”

“I thought diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

“Don’t get me wrong, diamonds are beautiful, but I find myself attracted to the subtle art and craftsmanship of the cameos.”

When they’d finished, he insisted on paying and left a generous tip in cash. “I’ll walk you to your car,” he said as he helped her out of the booth.

“I didn’t drive. My condo building is just off Blossom Street.”

“Then I’ll walk you to your building.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

He suspected this was her way of giving him the brushoff, which was fine. They’d had a pleasant evening. Rooster had enjoyed himself and didn’t expect anything more. Being with Lauren Elliott was far better than spending the night in his hotel room or killing an hour or two in the lobby bar.

“That is, unless you want to see me to my condo,” she added.

“Seeing you home is part of the code of being a gentleman that my father taught me.”

“You are a gentleman,” she whispered.

“On your list?” he joked.

“As a matter of fact, it is.”

They were outside by now, and with daylight savings time in effect it was still light out. “You better tell me about this list,” he said, seeing that the subject had come up a number of times in the course of the evening.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know.”

“Really?”

“It would send most men running for the hills.”

“I’m not most men.”

“I’m beginning to see that.” She straightened slightly as though gathering her resolve. “It’s a list of qualities I’m looking for in a …”

Rooster strained to hear the last word. Her voiced dipped low, and he hadn’t caught it. “In a what?” he asked.

She glanced at him and repeated a bit louder this time. “Husband.”

Rooster had never heard of anyone making up a husband list, and it amused him.

“You aren’t going to comment?”

“Not really. I’ll admit that I hadn’t heard of this idea, but it’s probably a good one.”

Lauren readjusted her purse strap over her shoulder. “I’ve always been a list maker, and after dealing with Todd for the last several years, I don’t want to make the same mistakes I did with him. This way, I have a guide and I can quickly make up my mind.”

Rooster couldn’t help being curious. “What did you decide about me?” It might be a mistake to ask, but that didn’t hold him back.

“I decided to add being a good friend to the list because of you.”

“I’m honored.”

“You’re generous, I noticed.”

“How do you know that?”

“I saw the tip you left our waitress.”

“She gave us excellent service.”

“Thoughtful, too.”

“Really?” Rooster had no idea how she’d determined that. Before he could ask, she supplied the answer.

“You asked if you could sit with me to free up a table at The French Cafe.”

“Right. And I have my daddy to thank for insisting on walking you home.”

“A gentleman.”

“I’m batting a thousand.”

“Yes, you are,” she said, laughing. “I probably shouldn’t have told you about the list. If it makes you uncomfortable, I apologize.”

“It doesn’t.” They’d slowed their pace to a near crawl. They continued walking for another block while Rooster sorted through his thoughts, wondering if he had a shot with her. He decided nothing ventured, nothing gained. “Does this mean you’d be willing to see me again?”

Lauren looked over at him and dazzled him with one of her smiles. “I was hoping you’d ask.”

Chapter Seven

When you put beads in your knitting, you are really putting bits of light in your knitting. The gleam and color-play of beads add a whole other dimension that could be demure or outrageous, as you please. Your choice of beads and yarn uniquely expresses your personality.