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Without another word she turned and walked away.

Hmm. Good to know.

CHAPTER THREE

Giada

As I ate my chili, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Bowen. The way he laughed with his friends and my family drew me in even more. As if he could fit so easily in, without any effort was sure saying something.

Boyfriends I’ve dated in the past always were intimidated by the size of my family, despite my dad’s friendliness and my mother’s urge to feed everyone. But not Bowen. With polite words and smiles, he had my parents hooked.

As I brought my bowl to the sink, Gina slid up beside me and elbowed my side. “Girl. That man wants you.”

“What man?”

“Um the one who’s been staring at you the entire day and has now won our parents over. They look like they want to adopt him.”

I smirked as my cheeks grew hot. Can they stay cool for once today? Damn it, he was turning me into a fool. “He is pretty hot, huh?”

“Hot? Girl that man is an inferno. I'd jump his bones tonight if I had the chance but I've kind of set my sights on Dan. He's sexy.”

My boy crazy sister never ceased to amaze me. “You like them all, G. Who are you trying to kid?”

“Imagine being taken by an entire lumberjack crew? The orgasms would…”

“Mom will kill you if she hears you talking about orgasms in front of guests.” Georgie teased and I snorted loudly.

“You're going to get us in trouble.” I said and quickly moved away from the two of them before they caused more trouble.

After we all had our fill of chili, Bowen and his buddies thanked us for the food and we walked them outside, saying our goodbyes.

I lingered behind, waiting for my parents and siblings to disappear before walking over to Bowens truck. Every nerve inside me pulsated and my hands shook with every step I took. But this man wasn't going to leave my head so why not take things into my own hands for once?

After a day of feeling confident, the urge inside me wouldn't shut up. I needed to see him again.

“You didn't have to walk me to my truck. But thank you. I like the friendly service.” Bowen winked and I nearly lost all my nerve. “It was nice meeting you again, Giada. And your whole family.”

“Do you want to hang out or something?” The question shot from my lips without a second thought and my whole body flushed with heat.

Bowen said nothing.

This was stupid. What the fuck was I thinking?

He didn't know me. We were strangers. And now here I was asking him out…

“I'd love to.”

I released my breath, my chest deflating, as my body hummed.

“Really? Great. That's really great.” I stuttered my words, repeating them like an idiot but he only watched me with amusement on his face.

“You're adorable.” Bowen said with a chuckle and my knees buckled. “With the storm hitting tomorrow, I doubt we'll be on the roads. But I could swing by and pick you up? That way you don't have to drive if the storm gets bad. I'd love to cook for you.”

“You cook? Be still my beating heart.” I joked as I placed a hand on my chest.

“Oh yeah, nothing beats a warm chicken pot pie or fresh biscuits from the oven. My grandmother taught me well.”

“I can't wait.”