Page 24 of Tangled in Temptation

“Dad, I’m leaving.”

He looked up from his project. “Thanks for coming by. I’ll send you those jobs I talked about.”

I gave him a quick hug and headed for the door. Just as I was about to step outside, Luke jogged up to me, his easygoing smile in place.

“Leaving?” he asked.

“Yep.”

Luke’s eyes lit up. “Perfect timing! I ordered some lunch for your dad and me. How about joining us?”

Before I could respond, my dad had to add his two matchmaking cents. “Catherine, go with Luke. He’s still getting the lay of the land around town. Show him where the sandwich shop is.”

I sighed inwardly, realizing my dad’s not-so-subtle attempts at matchmaking were persisting. it was a little embarrassing to have your father trying to set you up. With a resigned smile, I agreed. “Sure, why not?”

Luke walked to his truck and opened the door for me. He quickly pushed aside a few things in the passenger seat. “Sorry.”

“No worries.” I smiled and hopped in.

He got into the driver’s seat and grinned. “Your dad is about as subtle as a bull in a china shop.”

I laughed. “I’m glad you can see it. I’m sorry. He’s not usually like this. I have no idea why he’s acting like this.”

“It’s fine.” He shrugged. “He’s acting like my wingman.”

His charm was undeniable. He was very attractive, and his friendly demeanor made it hard not to enjoy his company. However, I was determined to maintain a professional boundary between us. I was in no shape to flirt or date anyone. Timothy had my heart, even if he didn’t want it or deserve it. I couldn’t imagine letting myself care about anyone else.

I directed him to the sandwich shop. Luke insisted I get something as well, which took us a little longer. We sat down at a table to wait for my turkey and Swiss to be made.

“So what’s the dating scene like around here? Any hotspots I should know about?”

I chuckled, appreciating his light-hearted approach. “It’s a small town, Luke. Not much in terms of hotspots. People mostly gather at the diner or the local bar.”

“And what about you? Where do you go?” Luke asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

I shrugged. “It’s usually just home for me.”

Luke’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really? A beautiful woman like you doesn’t have a long line of men waiting outside her door?”

I laughed it off, though the comment made me blush. “Not at all,” I said. “I’m more of a homebody. Plus, I’m so busy with the business and all. I grew up around here. It’s not easy finding new men.”

“I’m new,” he said with a cheesy grin.

“Which is clearly why my father is excited,” I replied.

“What do you do around here for fun?”

I laughed, the sound echoing around the sandwich shop. “Fun? Who has time for fun?”

“Come on,” he teased. “Do you go out? Party? Hike? What’s there to do?”

“I guess I’m not the type of person that needs something to do to stay occupied.” I shrugged. “Now that I have the new house, I’ll be busy doing that. Where did you move from?”

“Portland, Maine.”

“What brought you here?”

“Just looking for a change of pace,” he said. “As in slowing way down.”