“Not every day. I work rotational shifts. I have two jobs.”
His hand snaked around her waist, anchoring her to his side as they moved through the hotel.
He tipped his chin, lowering his gaze to meet hers, making her chest tighten with a breath she hadn’t meant to take.
The light from the lobby chandeliers flickered in his eyes, setting them aglow like slow-burning embers—dangerous and impossible to ignore.
“What’s the second job?”
“I help a friend.” She half-shrugged, offering him a tight smile, not giving anything away.
“With?” he pressed, his curiosity genuine but teasing.
“You ask a lot of questions.” She slanted sideways a little, putting a bit of distance between them.
He stopped at the entrance of the restaurant. A soft chuckle rumbled from his chest, and his fingers brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, sending a shiver over her scalp.
“Just making conversation,” he said. “Figured we should get to know each other.”
Peppermint laced his breath, and for a moment, she wondered what it would be like to kiss him. The light touch of his finger against her cheek sent a ripple of warmth through her, making her skin flame.
The restaurant hummed with a relaxed energy and low lighting, casting warmth over her makeup-free complexion. Conversations blended with the low hum of music in the background.
As they walked together, every member of the waiting staff nodded, as if Jamie were royalty.
Shannon wondered if they were victims of his magnetic pull, too.
He guided her toward a secluded booth at the farthest end of the room.
A pretty server with hungry green eyes hurried over. “I reserved that one for you, Mr McGrath, if you’d prefer it?”
She gestured to a table near the bar.
“This one is fine.” Jamie’s voice was smooth, but the undertone of authority was clear. “We’d like some privacy.”
Taking a step back, the server's freckled face flickered with a hint of disappointment.
“Of course, I’ll let you get settled before I take your order,” she said, her tone light, though her gaze lingered on him.
She moved to the side, lips parting when Jamie helped Shannon slip out of her puffy coat.
“The usual, Vicki,” he said, his gaze never leaving Shannon’s as she settled into the leather seat. “What do you want to drink, love?”
He flipped open the black drinks menu and set it down in front of her, his fingers brushing hers for just a second.
Shannon scanned the menu, eyeing the overpriced cocktails.
“Uhhh…” Her gaze lifted, catching Vicki’s blazing stare, still directed at Jamie.
“Sparkling water, please,” Shannon said, offering Vicki a half smile, attempting solidarity.
The girl clearly had a fascination with him, and deep down, Shannon couldn’t blame her.
“Of course.” Vicki nodded, though her attention cut back to Jamie.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tightening around her pen as she forced a smile. Backing away, she gave Jamie a look that lingered, waiting for praise that never came.
“I’ll be right back to take your food order.”
