As he eyed the wagon wheel prop and her special touches to the rehearsal dinner, the strangest sensation came over him that they’d work a lot of events together. Was that the intense draw he felt toward her? That God destined their businesses to merge in this manner? Or did it encompass more? He’d be lying to himself not to acknowledge the new seed of hope.
Trust and integrity were like bombed-out buildings: easy to obliterate, hard to restore. So either way, he needed to add another item to his mental Meadow Agenda: Renovate fully her trust in me and restore my integrity in her eyes.
“Well done, fearless man.” Meadow wondered if Colin felt as fatigued as he looked. She’d sent her teen staff home an hour earlier so they could get a decent night’s sleep.
Colin pulled off his catering cap. “Thanks. You handled my mishaps with grace.”
“My fault. I forgot to explain the special diet placards. No one died of a peanut allergy or got sick from consuming gluten, though, so we’re good.”
Colin leaned on the last table to be taken to the SUV. “Thanks, but that vegetarian was livid over being served chicken in his tacos.”
She shrugged. “Poultry happens.”
He chuckled and turned the table on its side. He’d removed his suit coat and rolled up his sleeves. She enjoyed watching his muscles bunch and flex as he folded the table’s legs.
She supposed since it was her table, she should help instead of gawk.
“I don’t think you picked up on it, Meadow, but that rodeo star was hitting on you.”
Meadow whirled. “I should hope not. He’s the bride-groom!”
“Not him. His best man brother.” His baited grin told her he was teasing.
“Oh.” Cheeks flaming, she quickly turned. She hated to blush in front of Colin. That might give away her feelings. “I didn’t realize he was a rodeo cowboy too. The groom was.”
Why was Colin bringing this up?
How would he react if he knew the guy gave her his number? Furthermore, what would Colin say if he knew she’d fed it to the garbage disposal at first opportunity?
All because she had Colin on the brain. His kindness to her waitstaff had served to soften her heart toward him even more, especially when he bolstered their confidence with kind words. Maybe he really and truly had changed. Still, a small reluctance remained that wouldn’t quite allow her to trust him fully. No question their bond had strengthened, though.
She’d seen Rodeo Guy give other women his number, too, or what she assumed to be. She detested the player type.
It hadn’t escaped her notice that Colin seemed to have eyes and winks only for her.
He’d probably only done so to encourage her at tense moments. Like when the groom’s mother danced her samba hips into the lighted punch fountain and tipped it. Colin had righted it before it crashed.
He’d also ignored the crush of curvy women trying to sidle up to him all evening.
Her insides warmed at what that could mean.
Then she remembered he’d said the only reason he wasn’t dating was because he hadn’t convinced the right one yet.
“What’s that sour look about?” Colin loosened his tie and bent to study her.
Mood dissolving, she shrugged.
“Come on. Tell me.”
“It’s silly.”
“Let me be the judge.”
“No, really. It’s dumb.”
“Try me.”
She deflated the salad bar. “Fine. You confuse me.”
“How so?”
“You send mixed signals.”
“Like what?” He helped her fold the inflatable salad bar.
“You say one thing with your mouth, opposite with your actions.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“Sometimes it seems you flirt with me. But there’s obviously someone else.”
His eyebrows drew down. “Someone else?”
“As in another woman.”
“What woman?” Humor entered his eyes.
He was starting to see she was jealous. Good gravy, she was starting to see she was jealous. Colin was the absolute last man she should like—like this.
Lord, help! I am in serious stew here.
Seeming intent to stir it, Colin arched his brows while awaiting her answer.
“You denying you flirt with me, McGrath?”
He grinned. “Absolutely not.”
“Absolutely not what? You aren’t flirting? Or you aren’t denying it?”
His widening grin frustrated her. Especially since he didn’t appear the least bit inclined to quickly answer. Just studied her. Mutely. Intently. An entirely new level of brightness and mirth danced in his eyes. Why’d they have to be so delicious?
“You know what? Forget it.” She huffed and started to walk off.
His arm swung out like a train crossing guard, halting escape.
She lifted her chin. “What?”
His gaze roved over her face. “What, indeed.”
She gritted her teeth.
“What gave you the idea there’s another woman on my radar?”
“You said so. Earlier today.”
He nodded, seeming to know exactly the comment she referenced.