“Definitely. I’m always game for pizza.”
“That’s my girl.” Bear holds up a hand for a high five, and as my hand makes contact with his, I’m taken aback at the sensations that spread up my arm at the contact. Electric is probably a good word for it. Ha, look at me finding words like electric in my state. But holy smokes, Batman.
A funny expression flashes across his face, but it’s gone too quickly for me to pinpoint what it is. “Come on, then. Let’s get out of here.”
For a split second it looks like he’s going to hold out his hand to me, and when he doesn’t, I’m rocked by how disappointed I am. What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe I need to get laid, like my partner, Hunter, always jokes. God knows, it’s been an age. Not since before the – well, you know – let’s just say it’s been a while.
We call out a goodbye to the bartender and wave goodbye to Jess as we head for the door. When we reach it, Bear opens it and steps back for me to precede him. The gesture charms me, never having had anyone do that for me. Dishy and a gentleman to boot. How has no woman snapped him up yet?
“Thank you.” A grin is my only answer.
Once again, a comfortable silence settles between us as we walk to the pizza place. I really like that I don’t feel pressured to make small talk. I’m bad at it on a good day. Bear sets a pretty quick pace as we walk, and being tall, I don’t usually have a problem keeping up. But I’m definitely struggling to keep up with him. Thank God I’m fit.
Even so, I’m a little out of breath by the time we reach the restaurant. I’m a little annoyed to see he’s not even breathing hard. But then he does the door opening thing, and I’m right back to being charmed.
4
BEAR
Opening the door, I wait for Eloise to enter the restaurant ahead of me. She may be long gone, but Mama’s lesson’s on being a gentleman are still with me. She flashes me a smile as she walks by, and I feel it all the way to my toes. Following her, the scent of her perfume washes over me, and I feel that in other places. Damn, she smells good – like rain and moonlit nights and something citrusy.
The hostess leads us to a table, and I’m thankful to see it’s still fairly quiet. The noise at Aces was starting to work on my nerves. It’s kinda hard to get a good brood on when you can’t hear yourself think. Then again, it’s hard to brood when you’ve got six goofballs giving you a hard time.
They know what today is, and being the men they are, they’ve given me space to brood and then shown up to support me. Lonely growing up as an only child, the brotherhood we’ve formed as a team means everything to me. Not that I’d tell them that – wouldn’t want them to think I’m getting soft in my old age.
Waiting for Eloise to take a seat at the table, I slide into the seat opposite her once she does. The hostess places our menus on the table, telling us our server will be right with us before taking her leave.
I watch Eloise taking in her surroundings, her trained gaze missing nothing. Fascinated, I note the way she assesses the people around her, her eyes constantly on the move, and I find myself curious as to what she’s thinking.
The server arrives, and those mysterious green eyes that remind me of a moody ocean on a cold winter’s day shift to him. We order our drinks and turn our attention to the menus in front of us.
“So, what’s good here?” she asks, studying her choices.
“I’ve yet to have a bad pie here, but I’m partial to the Carnivore. Question is, though, what do you like?”
“I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to food, but I draw the line at fruit on my pizza.”
I can’t help but chuckle at the disgruntled look on her face. “Yeah, I gotta say, I’m right there with you. Not a big fan of pineapple or banana on mine either.” I give the laminated card another glance, then lean over. “This one here is really good. And this one. But if you’re into the simple, they make an outstanding Margherita too.”
Pointing to her choice, Eloise’s finger brushes mine. The sensation that floods me is similar to being out on a mission – exhilarating and scary at the same time. In my thirty-five years, no woman has ever affected me this way.
“Hmm, good choice.”
Conversation is easy during dinner. I’m interested in learning more about this intriguing woman, and she shares quite openly. It’s only when talk turns to work and I’m relating the story of an op that went wrong that I feel the energy shift subtly. There’s nothing I can put my finger on, nothing obvious or overt, but her body language changes, and Eloise seems uncomfortable.
“Everything all right?”
“Yeah, absolutely. Why?”
I shrug, watching her. “Just checking in.” As I continue to watch her, she drains the last of her beer. Checks her watch. I can see the discomfort.
“Wow, look at the time. I should probably be getting on home.”
I can’t decide whether to laugh or cry – laugh because that’s quite possibly the oldest line in the book or cry because it’s like she can’t get away from me quick enough. Spending this time with her has been such a refreshing experience – uncomplicated and relaxed. If I were in the market for a relationship, Eloise Mason would be the perfect woman for me.
Getting to her feet, she stumbles as she straightens. She frowns down at her feet as if they hold the answers to the universe. I gotta say I’m pretty impressed with how much alcohol she’s packed away in the time we’ve been hanging out. God only knows how much she’d had that I hadn’t seen. She’s handling it like a champ though. Other than the little stumble, she’s standing quite steady beside the table.
Not sure I’m going to be as stable on my feet. I lost count some time ago. Although, thankfully, the food’s helped soak it up some. With a disappointed sigh, I toss some money on the table and stand. Straightening to my full height, I look over at Eloise to find her dilated eyes fixed on me.
