Joshua Healy (Mitchell Healy Book 10) by Jennifer Foor Page A

man, because he’s beautiful and wholesome and a lot more things I’d love to explore. That’s what scares me. I feel like he’s too good to be true, and far be it from me to assume any man would want to change for me.
    Regardless of my doubts, I dress quickly and pack a bag of necessities, including my toothbrush that he has me toss in at the last minute. “What are you up to?”
    “You’ll see. By the way, you look gorgeous.”
    I’m blushing again. “Thanks.”
    He pulls his fingers through some of my long hair. “How long have you been blonde?”
    “A couple years, why?”
    “No reason. I just wonder how you’d look as a brunette.”
    “Plain,” I reply.
    He snickers. “I highly doubt that’s possible.”
    “It’s true. Are you into brunettes?” I suddenly want to know, like I’d go and change my hair if it would win his heart. How silly is that?
    “I don’t have a preference, but in my honest opinion, after seeing you without makeup, I’d say you don’t need to do all the work you put into your hair and face every day.”
    I shove him. “You’re totally trying to have sex with me, aren’t you?”
    He nods. “No. As much as I’d enjoy it, I’m being serious.”
    “I thought it was my blonde hair that got your attention.”
    “I wasn’t looking at your hair.”
     
    After a short drive down long country roads, we pull into a packed parking lot. The building itself looks rundown, but it’s obvious the place is popular, so I’m optimistic I’ll like it.
    Josh meets me at the front of the truck and walks beside me. When it’s time to walk inside he takes my hand. We’re greeted by a hostess who leads us to a room in the back where candle lit tables are all that aluminate the space. As we’re seated, Josh orders a beer, so I follow his lead and get the same, but change my mind at the last minute when I see they have a wine menu.
    I wait until we’re alone again to speak. “So, what kind of food does this place have?”
    “The best steak you’ll ever sink your teeth into. The filet minion is what I always order.”
    “What if I don’t eat red meat?”
    He closes his menu and slides it forward. “This date is over.”
    “What?” I’m a bit taken back.
    Then he laughs and picks it up again. “They have vegetarian meals and other entrees to choose from. Pick something you’d like.”
    “I happen to enjoy eating meat, Josh. I was only kidding.”
    “I knew that,” he taunts back.
    Josh’s mild mannerism continues as we order and start enjoying our meal. When we finish, I’m on my third glass of wine and feeling a bit buzzed. He pays for the meal and holds my hand as we exit the establishment. Then, much to my surprise, he walks me to the passenger side of the vehicle and helps me inside. When he joins me in the driver’s seat, he waits to start the truck. “How am I doing?”
    I smirk. “So far so good. Are you sure you haven’t done this before?”
    Josh leans on the steering wheel while keeping his gaze on me. “I’ve only ever eaten here with my family and Wes. That’s the truth.”
    “Should I feel honored?” I’m speechless. It certainly makes a girl feel special, that’s for sure.
    “You should.”
    “Where to next?”
    He starts the ignition. “I’m taking you home, beautiful.” He waits for me to react before continuing. “To my home, I mean. You and I are going to hang out.”
    “In the barn?”
    “No. My house.”
    “Are your parents home?” I’m worried. I’ve stuffed my face. I’m bloated. Not to mention having way too much to be able to keep my composure while they look me up and down and judge me.
    “They’re playing cards with my family over at my Uncle’s place. They won’t be home until after midnight. Besides, I thought you might be interested in checking out this new game I picked up earlier today.” He reaches in the back seat and pulls a video game from a plastic bag. I can hardly believe my eyes. It’s been sold out since it