Page 16 of Wild Abandon

Because I didn’t.

In fact, I reconsidered Henley’s as a meeting place, but being new to the area, I don’t know of many spots. Sure, it’s thirty minutes from the house, and I could have asked Naomi for a closer suggestion, but I like being somewhere familiar. Until I learn the lay of the land, Henley’s is my go-to spot.

A waitress comes over and hands me a drink menu. She is sprightly with a little bounce to her step. With her short haircut that’s teased in the back and falls around her chin, bangs that showcase bright blue eyes, and a button nose, she reminds me of a pixie. I tell her I am waiting for someone, and she says she’ll be back to take our orders. As she walks back to the bar, I do one final scan before concluding that he is not working tonight.

“Crystal?”

I am so focused on who is not at the bar that I didn’t see Gavin walk in. I stand to shake his hand.

He’s tall and dark-skinned. He has a handsome face with eyes the color of malt whiskey, accented by wire-framed glasses, a Roman nose, broad chin, and a wide smile. He is, surprisingly, more handsome in person than his profile pictures, which all featured him in various vacation settings—solo and fully clothed. Gotta love a man who travels.

“I didn’t see you walk in,” I say.

“Distracted?”

I hold my other hand up and wave the air, shaking my head. “Not at all. Daydreaming perhaps.” My voice has a laugh to it.

“About anything good?” His hand slides to my lower back as he ushers me to take my seat.

He’s got the total Clark Kent thing going on. I wonder if I’d find a large S on his chest if I ripped open his shirt.

“Only about this gorgeous valley. I spent a good part of the day driving around, and I can’t believe people call this place home.” I notion to Gavin. “Case in point.”

Gavin settles himself in his chair and sharpens the collar of his pinstripe button-down, the edges starched to perfection. He doesn’t fill out his shirt the way someone of his stature could. He’s probably the kind of guy who can eat anything yet never gain a pound.

“I’m actually from Vacaville. It’s a town just west of here. And you’re from New Jersey? What brought you to California?”

Looking for love.

“New York actually. I wanted to see what the Golden Coast had to offer.” I tilt my head to the side, brushing my hair behind my ear, exposing my neck. “You must love living here among the vineyards.”

Gavin’s eyes rake to the skin for a second before he catches himself. “I’m not into wine, believe it or not. Never been to a vineyard for a tasting.”

That seems like a waste. It’s like living in New York and never going to a museum or a Broadway show. When there is culture within your grasp, you need to take ahold of it. Experience it.

“Hi, guys. My name is Laurie, and I’ll be your server tonight.” The waitress is back and placing white cocktail napkins on the table. “What can I get ya?”

Without looking to me, Gavin says, “We’ll have two martinis, extra dirty. Put mine in a rocks glass.”

“Great. Be right back with those.” She smiles and turns back to the bar.

I, in turn, glare at Gavin for a hot second, wondering why he would order for me.

I clamp down on my lip and bring myself into the here and now. “So, you listed one of your interests as real estate. Do you invest in it?”

“I’m a banker. I secure mortgages for homeowners.”

“I remember when my friend Naomi was working with a mortgage broker for her place—”

“I am a banker. Not a broker.” His words are sharp, like I just cast him the biggest insult on the planet.

“I didn’t mean to offend you.” I’m apologizing, and it feels weird.

“You have to be careful when you talk about things you know nothing about. A broker is the used car salesman of the mortgage industry. I work for a bank. We have a secure product that I am proud to offer clients.”

I drum my fingers on the table, more to ground myself, while I decide if he meant to be offensive or if he is one of those people who just speaks rather directly.

“Here ya go.” Laurie places Gavin’s drink in front of him.