The diner was passable. At least Zach wasn’t hungry anymore and Brandi and Zach had had a great conversation about everything. He marveled at how smart she was and that her father didn’t see her value. It was a shame, but it was his benefit. He’d keep Brandi on when all of this was over. She was a great employee and frankly, he didn’t want to let her go for other reasons.

Spending this time with her cemented in his mind that he had feelings for Brandi. Whether he wanted them or not, they were there.

The diner was all alone on the road and he would have preferred a much more romantic setting so they could go for a walk, but that was not to be. He helped Brandi into the truck, having realized just how tall it was for her. She smiled down at him and it warmed him all over. Some places more than others.

“Thanks,” she said.

He rested his hand on the door. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice you were struggling.”

“You were on the other side of the truck.”