Page 16 of Captivated
“Oh, thank you.” I bite my bottom lip as we continue our stroll. I see women looking at him. “I think you have admirers.”
“It does appear so.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?” I pinch my lips closed. “I mean … I … never mind it’s none of my business … I shouldn’t have blurted that out.” I’m so embarrassed.
“No, I don’t.” He laughs.
“Why?”Why can I not stop blurting words?I need to bite my tongue next time.
“Why what?” He grins as we turn the corner. He’s toying with me. I look at him, he knows exactly what I asked why to. “Maybe I just haven’t found the right one.” He looks down. “I don’t know; I work a lot of hours.” He’s staring out in front of us.
“Well, this is the end of the vendors. I have a few more errands.” I smile as I reach for the items he’s carrying.
“Are you taking these back first?”
“Well, yes.”
“Fine, I’ll walk with you.” I shrug as we walk towards the inn. Inside the kitchen, I grab a vase for the flowers and put the fresh veggies away. He’s hanging out in the kitchen with me. I feel his eyes watching me.
“Do you want to come with me?” I ask him. I’m sure he doesn’t.
“Sure, where are you going?” He smirks as he follows me out of the kitchen.
“I want to pick up a little gift for the couple staying here.” I look at my watch noticing the lunch hour. “They are getting married today.”
“Married, huh?” He doesn’t look too interested in the word marriage.
“Yes, they are getting married out on the water. It actually sounds romantic to me.” I look up at him. “But of course it would, right? Because I’m female.” I laugh it off as I have no idea what he’s thinking. I can’t read him at all.
“I wasn’t thinking that. They’re marrying on a boat?”
We walk towards the marina. “Yes, one of the sailboats.”
“Is this restaurant any good?” he asks as we walk past The Waterway.
“Yes, The Waterway is one of the best in town. Delicious seafood, the only waterfront dining option downtown. Great view of the marina and boats, if you like that.” He smirks at me. “What?”
“I doubt it compares to your breakfast.” I laugh at him rolling my eyes,oh whatever. “What? I’m serious. It was delicious. You want to have lunch with me?” he asks. My breath hitches in my throat, I guess he thinks he should reword his invite because I didn’t answer immediately. “I mean, will you have lunch with me?” God he’s dropping the sexiest smile I’ve ever seen in real life.
I look around,it’s just lunch. “You sure? I don’t want to impose on you.”
“I wouldn’t have asked you if you were imposing.”
* * *
The hostess seatsus at an intimate table for two overlooking the bay. He pulls a chair out for me. I smile at him, guilt pulling at my insides. Eric would be furious!Is this a date? No … no it’s lunch, I tell myself.
“You want a drink?” he asks me. I shake my head no. “Seriously loosen up, I asked you for lunch.” I must look uncomfortable.
“I’m not use to guests being so—so friendly I guess.” I smile as I look at the menu. He doesn’t comment as he looks over the specials. The waitress arrives to take our drink orders.
“Yes, an order of the Rockefellers, water with lime, and a gin on the rocks with lime. Amelia what would like to drink?” he asks looking at me.
“Oh, um water with lime.”
“That’s all you want,” he whispers, “you don’t drink?”
“No, I do … I just …”