“Don’t worry about it,” Lila proclaimed. “Any way you go you lose. If you’re too soft with her, she thinks there’s still a chance. If you’re too hard, you’re an asshole. It’s the classic rock and a hard place. Do you want to let her know you’re not interested?”

“Yes.”

“Are you really interested in me or are you restless again, Armie?” The question came out of her mouth like pure temptation.

Maybe he should play it cool, but there was nothing cool about the way he felt. “I’m madly interested in you.”

She moved, her torso coming up over the table and her face leaning toward his. “Then make a statement. I suspect this place is a gossip hub. They heard the rumor that you spent the night last night, but some people won’t believe you’re interested in the new girl until you show them.”

So show them. The challenge was clear in her eyes. Gorgeous eyes and lips he could kiss for days. His daughter was here, and apparently Noelle had been his shield against several women showing their interest. Kissing Lila with Noelle in attendance would make a statement.

It was one he wanted to make. He pushed his body up and leaned over, meeting those lips of hers with his own. The kiss was swift, but his body lit up the minute they touched.

It felt good to be alive sometimes. He’d forgotten that in the last few years. His world had revolved around responsibility and sacrifice. It felt damn good to want something for himself.

“Dad, eww. Get a room.”

He glanced over and Noelle was grinning his way.

Lila sat back down. “That should do it. I won’t be getting Miranda’s cookies anytime soon.”

Suddenly the idea that everyone was looking at them wasn’t so bad. They were looking at him because he had the prettiest lady in the diner. “That’s a shame, actually. She makes delicious lemon meltaways.”

Her mouth twisted into the most sweetly cranky expression. “They were chocolate chip.”

A little gasp drew his attention and Dixie was standing there. She put his burger and fries in front of him. Dixie seemed to get herself under control as she placed Lila’s salad on the table. “Well, chocolate chip cookies are nice. Sorry. I couldn’t remember if you wanted the eggs and cheddar or not, so I put them on the side. I can take them away if they’re offensive.”

Lila huffed, an irritated sound. “I know her chocolate chip cookies are an insult. I don’t understand why y’all think food can be used as an insult or be offensive.” She took the small bowl of grated egg and cheese and dumped it on top of the salad. “And you forgot the bacon I wasn’t sure I wanted until now.”