“I guess the old saying is true: cold hands, cold heart,” she replied ironically.

Sadly, Rachel thought it was his hands that should have been as cold as ice.

Chapter 24

Cash wondered about Rachel’s calm façade. The only hint she was uncomfortable with the conversation was the way she was twisting her hands on her lap.

The parking lot to King’s restaurant and lounge was filled, although Cash found a parking space toward the back of the lot. Opening the door, he was going around to open Rachel’s when he saw she was already sliding out.

“I was going to open it for you.”

“Why? I can open my own.”

Cash shut the truck door. The date wasn’t exactly getting started the way he’d wanted. Every time he was making a gesture, she seemed to want to keep a distance between them.

Sighing, he took her arm, leading her into the restaurant.

After a bit of a wait, King’s hostess seated them at a booth. Cash had intended to sit down next to Rachel, but she didn’t slide over far enough, and he didn’t want to make an issue of it while the customers from the nearby tables were staring at them with curiosity.

Once the waitress took their drink order, leaving them alone, Cash noticed Rachel’s hands tremble as she opened the menu.

“Why are you so nervous?” Cash questioned.

“I’m not. I’m just not used to everyone staring at me.”

He had felt the stares but hadn’t let them bother him. He had long ago grown used to being a topic of gossip in Treepoint.

“Are you ashamed to be seen out in public with me?” His curt voice startled her into dropping her menu.

“What?” Her confused eyes met his.

Cash relaxed, sensing that wasn’t the reason. “Never mind. They’ll quit staring in a minute. I think they’re surprised to see a Porter and an Adams sitting at the same table.”

The waitress returned with their drinks, taking their food orders.

Cash’s eyes met a pair of violet ones staring at him from a stool at the bar. He nodded at King—the owner of the restaurant who had married a member of The Last Riders last summer. His rugged face and sophisticated air had been transferred to the restaurant, creating a hit in the small town. The big-city feel was popular with the younger crowd while scaring the more conservative sect who were leery of embracing anything new.

The food was good, and Cash smiled when he saw the tension finally ease as Rachel enjoyed the steak she had ordered.

“I noticed your plants in the tank are growing larger.”

Rachel looked up from her plate in surprise. “You noticed?”

“Of course. I would be blind as a bat to miss them.”

“My brothers never did. They used to gripe about the money I wasted on the tanks.”

A thought struck Cash. He knew for a fact the job she did at the church store didn’t pay because he and other members of the club pitched in to give Lily her salary. He didn’t think her brothers were giving her money since they wanted her to move home, so how was she supporting herself? She had given Mag rent money for sharing the house, even though he had heard Mag arguing about it. She also bought her own groceries and supplies. So, where was she getting her money from?

He didn’t think she had started her own weed business, or had she? There was no doubt she had a green thumb. He started to ask, but foreseeing that she would tell him to mind his own business, he decided to find out for himself. It shouldn’t take much to do so; Cash was a master on the computer. He would be able to see where her money was coming from and if it was legal. If there was no trail, then he would have his question answered.

“Are you growing the plants to be a new food source?” Cash joked.

“No.” Her serious expression had his smile disappearing at the determination in her expression. “To purify it. With all the mining, a lot of the wells that most of the people still use are tainted; the plants can purify it and make it clean drinking water again. I’m also seeing how they do with water that’s been polluted with oil spills.”

Cash was impressed with her explanation.

Holy fuck. She was attempting to do what scientists with doctorate degrees had been attempting to do for years. The last big oil spill had resulted in booming business for those who had developed cutting-edge techniques to remove the oil. The possibilities were endless. Developing countries with contaminated water supplies would also benefit. However, the chance of a mountain girl with only a high school education of finding such a discovery was almost nil.

“I can tell you don’t think I can do it.” When he opened his mouth, she raised her hand in the air. “Don’t deny it. I can see it on your face.” She looked down at her plate, hiding her expression. “I went away to college for a couple of semesters. One of the first classes I took was aquaculture. It opened my eyes to how many lives are affected by polluted water. Even Treepoint isn’t exempt. Most people in the mountains still depend on well water that’s contaminated or have streams that are.”

“Shit.”

“So, even though everyone thinks it’s a waste of my time, it’s mine to waste.” Her eyes stared into his with determination.

Cash put his fork down. “I wasn’t being snide. I can tell you have a deep interest in what you’re doing.” Whichever way he turned, he felt like he was taking a step farther away from the woman he was becoming more and more intrigued by.

Seeing she was finished eating, he tried to save the date he was sure she was anxious to get over. He felt like he was bombing the only chance he had with her.

“Let’s go into the lounge for a drink.” Cash paid their ticket before they moved into the lounge area where King had made the atmosphere more intimate with a bar and dance floor. The booths were more romantic and the lights more subtle.

This time, when Rachel slid in the booth, he slid in beside her, leaving her no choice except to move over to allow him to sit next to her. She cast him a startled look as she scooted as far away as the seat would allow.

Cash ordered them both beers as they sat, listening to the music. He was about to ask her to dance when a familiar voice waylaid him.

“May I join you?” King sat down across from them without waiting for their reply. While his darkly amused gaze studied them, Cash threw him a quelling look.

“Hello, Rachel. It’s good to see you again.”

“It’s nice to see you again, King.” Rachel’s blush showed her embarrassment. “How are you liking Treepoint?”

King’s harsh face softened. “Unexpectedly well. I’m enjoying being married and looking forward to my first grandchild. The restaurant is doing well; it keeps me out of Evie’s hair.”

“She hasn’t managed to get you on a bike yet?”

“Occasionally. I won’t let her ride with me until I get more experienced.” Cash and Shade had both been riding with King to teach him the skills needed to be a safe. He was proving to be a good rider; his reflexes and strength were making him a natural.

“I don’t imagine there isn’t much you can’t accomplish.” Rachel’s compliment had Cash’s hand tightening on his beer bottle.

“Evie wouldn’t agree with that statement,” he said wryly. “She thinks I’m a clutz around the house.”