Page 5 of Just Believe (The Reluctant Heart 6)

Oh, please. No cheesy lines. I’m already here.“Since I don’t have much time, I suggest we order.”

Clark grinned. “Eager to part ways already?”

If I was smart, I already would’ve.Something about him told me to run, yet I was still drawn to him. Crystal was right. The attraction was powerful. If I wasn’t working tonight, I wouldn’t mind exploring this further. But I couldn’t afford to let the family down, never mind the recently departed.

“I believe I told you I need to work tonight,” I reminded him.

“And here I was thinking that dress was for me,” he teased. Picking up the menu, he asked, “Pizza or pasta?”

“More of a burger type,” I said. We gave the waitress our order and I asked, “How’s the camping trip going?”

“It’s all right. I enjoy being out in nature. Just more of a crowded camp than I prefer.”

“I really am your excuse for an escape,” I teased.

“Consider yourself lucky that I didn’t invite you to join us.”

This lunch was already more than I should be doing. “I would’ve declined your offer.”

“That’s right. You’re working. But how about tomorrow?” he asked.

“I’m working in the morning, and then I’ll be heading home,” I said.

“You don’t live here?” Clark asked.

“No. I’m here on business. I live in Orlando,” I replied.

“You are a long way from home.”

“I go where I’m needed. This is the first time I’ve come to New Hampshire. It’s a beautiful place. Makes me wish I could stay longer.”

“What’s preventing you?” Clark asked.

It was a good question. My job required a lot of travel, and I could do the marketing side of promoting my business from anywhere, so it didn’t matter much where I was based. “I guess nothing, really.”

“Then why not extend your trip?”

“Maybe I will,” I said as the waitress arrived with our food.

I spent the next hour listening to Clark tell me all the sights I’d miss out on seeing if I left tomorrow after work. What did it matter to him? He would be busy with his family anyway.

“Let me guess, you’re a travel agent or guide?” I asked.

Clark laughed. “I can be, if you stay.”

I had a non-refundable plane ticket for tomorrow night. But as I looked into his dark eyes, I was torn.

Oh, what the hell. It’s only money.

“Consider yourself hired,” I said.

Now, what excuse am I going to come up for Crystal, so Joey doesn’t freak out and fly up here?

“Where would you like to start?”

I smiled and said, “How about with s’mores at your campsite? I haven’t had them since I was a kid.”

Clark arched a brow and said, “I was thinking more like hiking Flume Gorge.”