“You said this is a new place?” Sin frowns as he assesses the old bricks and not so clean windows. Blinking signs for beer greet us as we walk by.
“Maybe new in Manhattan means opening night. Here,” I stop at the front door and gesture to the other buildings across the street, “things are a bit different, as you can see. We probably don’t do shiny and new like New York City, but we know how to cook.”
“Very different.” He doesn’t speak to me in a condescending tone, more a teasing one. “But different in a good way.”
“I hope so.” I look up at him and he smirks at me. My heart reacts with a tiny flutter, and I bet my face matches the color of my shoes. It’s like I’m a schoolgirl getting attention from my crush. What magic switch has this guy flipped in me?
Sin acts and I respond. Everything about him draws a physical reaction from me. I wish James had picked him up from the airport, but as I feel the gentle caress of his hand on my back, I know that wish is a big lie.
Sin ushers me inside the restaurant and my eyes take a minute to adjust. The brightness of the early evening sky contrasts harshly with the dark interior of wood and dim lighting. I blink a few times as we walk to the hostess station. A tall blonde I recognize from high school eyes us as we approach. We had a few classes together, but I haven’t seen her since graduation.
Sin steps up to her. “Table for two please,” he says.
I glance at her nametag and remember her name. Stephanie. Her gaze lingers on Sin for longer than it should before answering him. I think he’s having the same effect on her as he does me. I realize it’s him. I should be relieved, but instead, I want to tell her it’s not nice to stare.
“Sure.” She retrieves a couple thick menus from under her station while glancing up at us, me in particular. “I remember you from high school. Harlow, right?” I nod and she ushers us deeper into the restaurant. We pass a few empty tables until we reach a shadowy corner in the back. “Thought you two might like a little privacy.”
She thinks we’re here on a date. It’s our closeness that gives her this impression. Sin continues to touch my lower back like it’s hard for him to stop. I might’ve leaned into his hand a couple times, too. Might have …
I want to tell her to sit us up front in a safer place, but Sin’s already pulled out a chair for me to sit in. I guess this will do. After all, I can’t say no to his kindness. Liar.
“This is perfect. Thank you,” he confirms to Stephanie and sits down right next to me. We’re so close, our legs instantly touch, but neither of us pulls away. I blame our inaction on the lack of legroom and his long, muscular legs. Another lie.
“Enjoy.” Stephanie places the menus down in front of us. “Your server, Jonathan, will be right with you.”
The engagement ring on my finger flashes at me as I open the menu. My hand starts to tremble with nerves, so I make a wise decision—finally.
“I’m going to move over here.” I slide into the next chair, bringing my menu with me.
There’s more of a we’re friends space between us now. I exhale, but my hands continue to shake a bit.
“Why did—” Sin starts to speak, but our server walks up and I cringe, my senses going on high alert.
“Jonathan?” I ask, but I don’t know why. I’d know this guy from one-hundred feet away. He has stalked me for years. Years. I haven’t seen him since before my mother died. It would be my dumb luck to run into him tonight.
“Harlow?” He has a wide-eyed look of surprise before curling his lip up into a stomach-turning smirk. He must think it’s sexy, but creepy is a better definition. Yuck.
“Hi, Jonathan.” The smirk continues, and so does his full-on appraisal of my breasts. He glances down at my hand and scowls, not missing the rock on my finger.
“It’s been a long time. How are you?” He places a couple glasses of water and some bread on the table, and turns his attention to Sin, knitting his brow. I hope he thinks I’m with Sin. That will really have him confused.
“Good, and thirsty, thanks.” I’ve never been able to be a complete bitch to Jonathan, although I’ve been tempted. I look across the table to a grinning Sin.
“How about a couple drinks, Jonathan?” Sin winks at me and I can’t help but smile back at him. His charm disarms me, and likely every woman he meets. “I’ll take a Jack and Coke. Hold the Coke for now. And bring this lovely lady whatever she wants.”
“Dirty martini for me, don’t hold the dirty or olives,” I say, returning Sin’s wink, which is really stupid and totally out of character. A slow, sexy smile rolls over his lips and his eyes darken. He liked that a lot, maybe too much. Crap.