* * *

It seemed an eternity before the wayward waitress finally came back
to take their order. Maddy listened in amazement as Ken rattled off about
three different entrees, a side of fresh fruit and a rasher of bacon. Was he
really going to eat a ham and cheese omelet, a stack of pancakes, French toast, hash
browns, sausage, bacon and melon? True, he was a big guy, but still! All of this food at
once, at nearly quarter past three?
As if reading her mind, Ken explained, "I wish you could order in
halves so you could try everything."
"Good point," Maddy concurred, smiling. Now that did make sense.
"Don't you want anything?" he asked.
"Uh, no-not hungry. Just coffee for me," Maddy responded,
thinking of her figure.
The two of them shared many laughs in those early morning hours, as
Kenny savored a small portion of each plate and encouraged Maddy to try
some of his choices. She did finally relent, enjoying the sweetness of
maple syrup soaked through perfectly grilled pancakes-a treat she rarely
indulged in.
"You're beautiful sweetheart, I don't know why you think otherwise,"
he stated forthrightly. Maddy was struck by his sincerity as she studied his
face, not fully comprehending that such an attractive man would hold that
opinion of her.
Drawn to her by some powerful, unseen force, Ken leaned in and
kissed her on the cheek as he squeezed her shoulder, breathing in her
intoxicating Trésor perfume as he did so. That this incredible girl saw
herself as anything but mesmerizing was beyond his comprehension. All
he wanted to do was protect her, keep her safe and happy. What a fool
he'd been to seek out her skinny friend first at the club. She didn't hold a
candle to Madeline's beauty-or her sweetness.
As if to shake him out of his reverie, Maddy admonished him again.
"Ken, come on, I don't even know you and we're in a public place. Please,
stop embarrassing me!" She pushed him away once more.
Feisty, too. He definitely liked that in a woman.