Page 29 of Double Booked

“Which restaurant are we going to?” she asked as they drove away.

“Smokin’ Dave’s Barbeque. I’ve eaten there before and it’s excellent. I guess I should have asked if you like barbeque first.” He mostly ate alone and was a little out of practice with this.

“Barbeque is fine.”

They didn’t have far to go before they reached the restaurant. It was a typical western-themed bar/restaurant, with scuffed wood floors, elk mounts on the walls, and country music playing. Since it was still early, it wasn’t overly crowded, and they were seated right away.

“Your waitress will be right with you,” said the hostess. She set down two menus and walked away.

Eden glanced around, and he could guess what she was thinking.

“Is this too outdoorsy?” he teased.

“You fit right in.” Then she looked down at her clothes. “I should have worn flannel.”

He chuckled. “Do you even own a flannel?”

She shook her head.

“I didn’t think so.”

“I might need to buy one while I’m here.”

“You’re dressed just fine.”

She was wearing a long cardigan over a tank top, black leggings, and fashionable boots. She was better dressed than most of the clientele, but that wasn’t a bad thing.

A waitress came to their table, wearing a tight T-shirt with the Smokin’ Dave’s logo on it and snug-fitting jeans. She had long, dark brown hair, and a pretty smile, which she aimed directly at him. “Hi. I’m Carly, and I’m going to be taking care of you tonight.”

He shifted uncomfortably, noticing she hadn’t even acknowledged Eden.

“What can I get you to drink?” Carly asked.

“Eden, what would you like?” He purposely shifted his attention to her.

“I’ll have a tall Bud Light, please,” Eden said.

“I’ll have the same,” he said.

“Okay. I’ll be right back.” Carly turned and walked away, her hips swaying as she went.

He looked down at the menu, studying it closely, though he already knew what he wanted to eat.

“Apparently, Carly likes flannels and messy hair,” Eden said dryly.

He popped his head up and met her gaze. “She was just being friendly.”

“Yes, to you.”

There was no use denying it.

“So this is what you meant about having company if you wanted it.”

“Um… I don’t know about that.”

“Oh, come on. She couldn’t have been more obvious.”

In other circumstances, he might have thought she sounded jealous. “She probably wants a good tip.”