Haley glanced around the swanky restaurant with candlelit linen-covered tables. Anthony had never taken her someplace like this. He always wanted to go to the sports bar during the football season and go fishing with his buddies in the summer.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look?”
Haley grinned and took a sip of wine. She had been surprised when Jayden had ordered a bottle for them. She suspected he was more a beer guy than wine.
“You told me at home. But it’s always nice to hear it again.” She thought she was going to go up in flames when she saw Jayden standing there in his button-up shirt and jeans. He’d even worn the dress shoes she’d picked out versus those biker boots he always wore.
“You look stunning.” His deep voice had her heart racing.
She held his gaze. “You look pretty hot yourself.”
He gave her a sexy grin. “Must be the new clothes.”
“I’ve seen you wear much less.” She shook her head. “Trust me, it’s not the clothes.”
“Careful, my dear, don’t taunt the wolf. He bites.” He shot her a devilish grin across the table.
“I’m not scared. I’ve survived worst.”
Jayden’s smile faded.
The mood was gone.
He didn’t like to be reminded of that night he’d rescued her.
“Look, here we go.” Jayden’s voice had her looking up as their server set their plates before them.
“This looks really good.” Haley cut off a sliver of her filet. She moaned as the flavor exploded on her tongue. “Oh, my God. That’s really good.”
Jayden grinned. “Go ahead, admit it.”
“Admit what?”
“That I have really good ideas.” Jayden took a bite of her steak and grinned.
Haley sighed. “Okay fine. This was a good idea.” She took a sip of her wine. “All that means is you’re going to have a hard time of coming up with something that tops this.”
“I can always top this, don’t you worry. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
#
“You okay walking in those shoes? They look painful.” Jayden scowled at Haley’s sky-high heels. He wasn’t sure how she could take a step without breaking her ankle.
“Are you kidding? They’re the most comfortable heels I have.” Haley laughed.
The street was bustling with groups of college kids heading for the bars and couples dining at tables outside under the stars.
“Jayden!”
Jayden’s head snapped up at the sound of his name. His gaze drifted to a couple dining at one of the outside tables. His lips spread into a slow smile as he met the gray eyes of the tattooed guy who was sitting next to a pretty blonde. The two definitely didn’t seem to match.
Jayden guided Haley towards the couple.
“Braxton, what are you and Kate doing in Fayetteville?” Jayden kissed Kate’s cheek and shook Braxton’s hand as he gave him a shoulder hug.
“Kate has her annual bed and breakfast meetings with the other Arkansas owners. We’ve been here all week.” Braxton’s gaze slid over to Haley and his brows shot up in surprise.
“Oh, sorry; this is Haley Guthrie. Haley, these are some friends of mine, Braxton Devereaux and Kate Wolph”
“Nice to meet you, Haley.” Kate skirted the café table and gave her a friendly hug. Jayden saw the surprise flicker in Haley’s eyes at Kate’s warm reception. At that moment his respect for Kate grew immensely.
“Hi, Haley.” Braxton shook her hand gently.
“Nice to meet you both.” Haley smiled at Kate. “Wow, you own a bed and breakfast. Where is it located?”
“Eureka Springs. It’s called the Bella Luna.” Kate beamed.
From the look of excitement on Kate’s face, business seemed to be going well for the owner.
“I’ve never been to Eureka Springs, but I’ve heard it’s lovely,” Haley said.“And very romantic,” Braxton added, giving Jayden a knowing look. “You two should check it out.”
Jayden glared at his friend before looking at Kate. “Haley’s not from Arkansas so I’m trying to show her around. She transferred here from LSU.”
“Go Tigers.” Braxton grinned broadly. He received a lot of dirty looks from people sitting around them.
“Easy, dude.” Jayden laughed. “You better watch what you say around here. The Hogs rule here.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell him.” Kate arched her brow. “I told him he’s in enemy territory. I thought he was going to get us kicked out of the B&B get-together last night. The talk soon turned to football and Braxton, being the diehard LSU fan, practically told everyone that the Hogs didn’t have a chance this year.”
“This is why we are not invited to dinner with them tonight.” Braxton brightened.
Haley’s mouth dropped open. “They really didn’t invite you to dinner?”
“Yep.”
“Thanks for the heads up. Guess I’ll keep my favorite team to myself.” Haley reached in her purse and pulled out her key ring with the LSU emblem and dangled it in front of him.
“Hell, yeah.” Braxton gave her a fist pump before turning his attention back to Jayden.