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I don't take my gaze off her to glance behind me. "I have no interest in anyone but you, Violet. When are you going to get that through your head?"

She seems to ponder my words as she stares at her plate, lifting her fork for a small bite of her potatoes.

"Why is it so hard for you to believe I like you?"

She winces slightly and then shrugs. "Because I'm me."

"And if I like you?"

"You like the challenge of me because I'm not fawning all over you."

"You are a challenge. I'll give you that. But that's not why I want you. And you'll have to romance me on more than one date to get that information," I say softly. "Now, what else have you heard while working in the truck?"

Her lips twitch, and I smile as I wait for her to respond.

She inhales. Fusses with her napkin. Avoids my gaze as she nibbles her lower lip but finally seems to process my words.

"Someone has a super-secret crush."

"My crush on you isn't much of a secret, sweetheart."

Her cheeks heat in a pretty flush, and I wink at her when she meets my gaze before rolling her eyes. That draws a laugh from me.

"Just stating it like it is. It's about time you see things for how they really are. Maybe if I say it enough, you'll get it."

"I'm referring to someone else at the station, and before you ask, I'm not saying who. And stop flirting with me."

"Now, why would I do that?"

"Because it won't get you anywhere."

"It got me a dinner date with you."

"Dinner is a thank-you for fixing Betty—and all Jasmine's doing."

"Thank you, Jas," I say with emphasis, allowing Violet to see every ounce of interest I have for her.

Someone begins to play a guitar and starts singing a soft ballad. The sound system carries the music through the restaurant, and I see Arthur and Genevieve get up and move to the dance floor.

I stand as well and hold out my hand, watching as Violet's pulse flutters in her throat and she takes a nervous inhale. "If this is our one-and-only date—which I sincerely hope it's not—I'm going to make the most of it. Dance with me."

A second or two passes, and I'm starting to lose hope when she finally lifts her hand and places it in mine. I keep hold of her as I pull her chair out to help her stand, and the move brings her flush against my chest.

Keeping her fingers linked with mine, I lead her to the dance floor and pull her into my arms. I dip my head and inhale the scent of her hair, reveling in it. "There's my girl."

Chapter 15

Violet

* * *

There's my girl.

The husky sound of Sully's voice in my ear and the heat of his lips as they brush against my skin brings tingles to my entire body as Sully draws me into his arms.

He pulls me flush against him and then shifts the hand he holds to his chest so he can put both hands at my waist. We sway to the music, and I feel stiff and uncoordinated. One song blends into another, and I gradually relax, leaning against him as Sully leads.

We dance every slow dance until I circle his neck with my arms and relax even more. When he looks down at me, I make eye contact and lose myself in his dark brown depths. Thankfully the heavy topics and questions were left behind at the table, and I'm able to be in the moment.