She’d let herself fall into a rut. Maybe it was time to be more social again.

Becca and Amy sat with their coffees at a small table at the bakery and laughed and chatted until Becca saw Hank’s big red truck pull up. They made plans for the following weekend and exchanged phone numbers, and it felt . . . good. Felt right.

She greeted Hank as he headed for the salon. He was another thing that felt right. He was wearing cowboy boots and a dark shirt and hat, and, damn, he looked good. She noticed there was no Libby with him. “I guess we’re not watching Finding Nemo tonight?”

“Only if it puts you in the mood.” He stooped down to kiss her, an action she always found heart melting. “Thought I’d take you out to dinner.”

“Oh?” He laced his fingers through hers, holding her close as she beamed up at him. “Is that why you look so fancy tonight?”

His eyebrows went up. “I look fancy?”

“For you, yes.”

For some reason, her response seemed to bother him. “Do you not like my beard?”

That was odd. “I never asked you to shave. I think you’re handsome either way.”

Hank just rubbed it thoughtfully. “I don’t look like your ex.”

“No, you don’t. And that’s a good thing.” She held on to his arm. “So where are we going?”

He gestured down the end of Main Street, where Wade’s saloon was open. It was the only restaurant in town, so it didn’t surprise her, but it would also be the first time they’d officially gone out in front of the town, and it felt like a big step.

“Are you sure?” Becca asked him. “Everyone will know we’re dating.”

He stopped and gave her a long, slow look. “Is that a problem?”

“Not for me. I just wasn’t sure how casual you wanted to take things.”

For some reason, he scowled at her. “Let’s just go eat.” His hand clasped hers tightly as he pulled her toward the tavern.

Okay, something was clearly bothering him. Strange. Maybe it was something with Libby? Should she ask? Becca studied his face, but he didn’t seem particularly upset. Cranky, maybe, but upset, no. Maybe he had a bad day at work—lord knew that if she had to spend her time in cow poop all day it’d make her surly. She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad to see you.”

Hank paused on the sidewalk and gazed down at her. He scrutinized her for a long moment, his gaze practically looking her up and down. “You’re honestly the best thing I’ve seen today . . . after Libby,” he added. “Feel obligated to say that.”

She chuckled. “I’ll take it, you know.”