Yep, he was a salesman, all right. He even had to qualify his statements as to their sincerity. Of course, what were the odds that she would ever get down to Houston? Zilch. She wiggled her toes.
"Well, if you ever get back up this way again, you be sure to drop by. We'll have us a good old mess of Polk weed and fat back.
Alex chuckled. Turning his back to the stove, he held his hands behind him. He gazed out the window at the winter scene.
"March came in like a lion, didn't it?"
She nodded.
His gaze shifted to her. "It must be nice to only have a birthday once every four years."
She met that delicious chocolate gaze and smiled. "It does get awkward, but we celebrate it on the 28th when there isn't a 29th."
For a moment he gazed into her eyes, his expression unreadable. Finally he spoke.
"Amethyst is the birthstone for February."
Color flooded her cheeks. "I know." So that was why he was looking into her eyes that way. She straightened in the chair, acutely aware that he was still watching her.
"You're a beautiful woman," he said in a conversational tone.
She stood, avoiding his eyes, and headed for the kitchen. From behind her his voice instructed gently.
"If it bothers you; say thank you and just let it drop."
She swung around and smiled at him.
"Thank you. Just let it drop."
The smile began in his eyes, then touched his lips, and finally the dimple appeared.
"Not likely," he said She shrugged and turned toward the kitchen again.
"I'm hungry. I didn't eat much this morning. I'm going to see what I can find. Would you like a snack?"
He didn't respond and she didn't look back. If he wanted something, he could come get it.