Once again, the diners turned to look. Some were beginning to think their first assessment of the couple might have been hasty. When Hunt suddenly leaned over and wiped a faint smear of barbecue sauce from Ava’s chin, they decided the look he gave her was more wolf than puppy friendly, and knew they were right.

“Y’all save any room for dessert?” their waitress asked as she refilled their drinks.

Hunt nodded. “We need one piece of coconut cream pie to go, and a piece of chocolate for now.”

“You got it,” she said, and hustled off to fill their orders. When she brought back the chocolate, she brought two forks. “Just in case,” she said, and winked. “I’ll be right back with your to-go order. Enjoy.”

Hunt handed Ava a fork. “You get the first taste. After that, you’ll have to fight for a bite.”

“Well, maybe just one,” Ava said, and forked a little bite of the pie and popped it in her mouth. “Yum…Mercy Pittman is one fine baker. That’s so good.”

He took a bite and had to agree. “Yes, it’s good. But yours is just as good,” he added.

She grinned, pleased with the compliment even if it wasn’t exactly true.

When they finally started home, Ava was holding her piece of pie, trying to come to terms with the fact that she was sitting in a car with Hunt. This was, to date, the best day of her life. That it had to happen on the day he buried his mother was just enough to temper her emotions.

When they pulled up in her driveway, Ava knew their night was over. She turned in the seat to face him before they got out.

“Thank you for supper. I loved spending time with you.”

Hunt smiled. “You’re very welcome. I loved spending time with you, too.”

Ava sighed. “Lord…that’s a little too proper and polite for how I’m feeling. Walk me to the door before I make a fool of myself.”

“Well shoot, I was kinda looking forward to you and your foolishness,” Hunt said, then got out and circled the old truck to help her out.

The porch light he’d turned on before they left shone the way up the steps, and when she unlocked the door and stepped inside, he followed her far enough to make sure all was well.

Ava put down the pie and then put her arms around his neck.

“Thank you,” she said, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “See you soon?”

He pulled her close. “No question about it,” he said, and finally did what he’d been thinking about all night. He kissed her senseless, and didn’t quit until she moaned. Reluctantly, he stopped.

“Sleep well, honey. Call me whenever you want. You know where I’ll be.”