Page 30 of Double Booked
“I’ll give her a tip: try being a little more subtle.” She averted her eyes and flipped the page of her menu.
He studied her for a moment, wondering how much her reaction had to do with Patrick. She probably thought all men were disloyal and constantly on the prowl. He wanted so badly to dispel the myth, but he doubted she’d believe him. Instead, he said, “Do you know what you’re having?”
She sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “I’m not sure. What are you having?”
He tore his gaze away from her lips. “Ribs.”
She scrunched up her face. “Those are too messy. I was thinking about the pulled pork sandwich.”
“That’s good too. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”
Just then, Carly returned to the table and set down their beers. She leaned over, giving him a clear view of her cleavage and the heart necklace that dangled between her breasts. “Have you decided?” she said, smiling widely at him.
If she’d caught him looking, she didn’t seem upset by it. Then he glanced at Eden, who was eyeing him knowingly and with disdain. “Eden, why don’t you go first?” he suggested. Suddenly, he felt overly warm in his flannel. I should have worn a T-shirt.
“I’ll have the pulled pork sandwich and steak fries,” Eden said evenly.
Carly jotted it down and turned her attention back to him. “And for you?”
“I’ll have the ribs and steak fries.”
“Half rack or full?”
Was it his imagination or had she thrust out her chest? “Half is plenty,” he replied.
She nodded and picked up their menus. “It’ll be out soon.”
When she walked away, he purposely kept his gaze pinned on Eden, who was shaking her head. “What?”
“You’re being just as obvious as she was.” She picked up the beer and took a long drink.
“Why? Because I looked at her boobs?”
Her eyes widened as she quickly swallowed her drink.
“Looking and acting on something are two different things.” He took a drink, staring at her over the glass.
“I’ve heard that line before, but…”
“What?” he prompted. Now he was certain this had more to do with Patrick than him, but he waited for her to finish.
“Looking can lead to other things such as an emotional affair,” she said pointedly.
“I knew this was about him and not me.”
“You’re a representative of the species.”
He shook his head. “Not all men are the same.”
She twisted her glass and eyed him intently. “Let me ask you something. If Carly invited you to go home with her, would you?”
“I don’t even know her.”
“Just answer the question.”
“No.”
“No, you won’t answer, or no, you wouldn’t go home with her.”
