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lips. “They’re harmless.”
    “Maybe, but for the record, I can’t blame them for admiring you. You are absolutely stunning, even when you button yourself up, and hide your gorgeous hair.” He caught a lock between his fingers briefly. Silkier than he imagined, and he wanted to bury his hands her mane.
    A smile lit her face but she dropped her gaze. “Thanks, but I’m nothing special.”
    Nothing special? The woman was a walking wet dream. Her mouth begged to be tasted, and her big, pale blue eyes were heart-stopping. And the curves she attempted to hide… “You do own a mirror, or two, right?”
    Mila huffed.
    He shook his head. “You can’t possibly think you’re unattractive.”
    Taking a slow breath, she stared straight ahead, clearly uncomfortable. “I’m not ugly, no. But I’m not interested in attention. I’m happy with Cherish.”
    He smiled back at her, his tone light. “No harm in taking an honest compliment. I’m only telling it like I see it.” The mild version. The questions spun back up. Why in the hell is she so reserved? What’s her story?
    She nibbled her lip as her eyes slid over. There was a pretty blush on her face. “Thanks, and I’ve noticed the girls watching you while you’re out in the yard. I’m sure you have more than your fair share of admirers.” She grinned.
    Kyle couldn’t argue. He was active, stayed in shape, and was presented to the community as a hero more times than he could count. Honestly, he would prefer less attention from everyone. Mila being the exception.
    Redirecting her with a gentle hand on her arm, he pulled her toward the diner door, opening it with a smile. “We’re here.”
    As they stepped inside, he nodded to the lady behind the counter.
    “Hey, Verna. This is Mila Day, the new teacher down at the high school. Mila, Verna makes the best cobbler in town.”
    “Hi, pleasure to meet you.” Mila offered her hand.
    Verna took it with a wide smile. “All mine, I’m sure. My son, James, has a new love for science, thanks to you. It was his worst subject last year.”
    Mila nodded, her eyes sparkling. “James simply needed an extra push.”
    Her head cocked to the side as her brow arched. “He went from timid and hoping to find the answers to digging for them. He has a better understanding of how to work through a problem, and that applies to more classes than science.”
    “He’s a smart kid who needed a new way to look at a problem. I’m happy I could help.” Her eyes drifted back to Kyle.
     
    * * * *
     
    Mila looked to Kyle, silently begging him to politely change the topic.
    Verna seemed to catch the hint. With a wave toward a booth, she pleaded, “Oh, don’t mind me. I’m sure you two are hungry. Come have a seat.” Grabbing a couple menus, she brought them to a table by the window.
    Once seated, Kyle asked, “Still interested in a dark beer? There’s a local brewery. They make something you might like.”
    “Sure. Sounds good.” Mila smiled up at Verna.
    “One for me too, please,” Kyle added.
    Verna dipped her head in acknowledgement. “Go ahead and look at the menu. I’ll be right back.”
    Kyle chimed in with, “Their burgers are the best. The clubs are excellent. Everything is fantastic.”
    Nodding, she looked down at the menu, because she was nervous. It wasn’t a date, but was starting to feel like it with the way he caught her gaze as often as he could. Still, he kept his hands to himself. She wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or disappointed, but was leaning toward the latter.
    Mila set her menu aside, wondering for the dozenth time since he’d shown up in her yard, why she agreed to go with him. Sure, it beat fixing her own dinner. Cooking for one sucked. She didn’t mind cooking when Cherish was home. When she was alone, she generally heated something up.
    “Already choose?” Kyle asked.
    She nodded as Verna came over with beer and water. Once she had their orders, she left the table with a knowing