Page 16 of Read Me, Baby
“Anyway,” Marigold says. “It’s nice to meet you, Nina. Are you new here? I don’t think I've seen you around town.”
“Yes, I just moved here a little over a week ago.”
“And you're out with this guy already?” Maddox asks playfully.
Marigold gives him a look and then says, “She’s got good taste.”
“Nina and Hazel went to school together,” Jay explains. “She’s taking over for Mrs. Holly since she’s retiring.”
“Oh, that's great! I was kind of surprised to hear she’s retiring. That woman loves everything about that building.”
“She hasn’t really left,” I say with a laugh. “She’s there with me every day.”
“I bet she’ll never leave,” Maddox states. “That woman loves to talk.”
“Enjoy your dinner guys,” Jay says as he motions for me to walk in front of him toward our table. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing you around.”
When we finally slide into the booth, I sigh then laugh and say, “That was … a lot.”
Jay nods in agreement smiling as he responds, “You’ll get used to it.”
I raise my brows at him. “That didn’t happen when I went to Deja Brew with Mrs. Holly. Or to the sandwich shop with Hazel. Seems to happen only when I’m with you.”
He shrugs and smiles again as he picks up two menus and hands me one, obviously intentionally ignoring my nonquestion. So, I sputter, “Jay! It took us seventeen minutes before we got a table because everyone had to talk to you along the way! Are you a local celebrity that I don't know about?”
“Not a celebrity, just a nice guy, Nina. Don’t you know any of those?” He gives me a smirk that comes off as cute rather than arrogant and I’m silent just long enough for him to add, “But now that we’re here, you and me, at this table—you’ve got my full attention. So, ask anything you want to know. I’m an open book.”
He winks and my heart flutters. I clear my throat, annoyed that I’m out of sorts over a wink, then I say, “Before we start rehashing elementary school grades, why don’t we start with finding out how many shots are in the margaritas here?”
“I know what you’re up to…you wanna get me drunk so you can take advantage of me. See, I’m onto your little game, Nina.” He leans in close, his eyes locked with mine as he whispers, “And I’m ready to play.”
I shiver, a blush rushing over me as his smirk grows knowing and his low rumble of laughter has my blush growing deeper.
I’m in big trouble here.
Before I knew it, three hours had passed. We’ve each had a few margaritas and have continued to order plates to share.
I take a bite of quesadilla, the cheese stretching from my mouth. “I love a girl that eats”, he says and I laugh as I say around the food in my mouth, “That's what she said.”
Jay laughs loudly and I smile as he replies, “You are something else Nina. When we met at the beach I felt like you were a little reserved. And sometimes we do that to people. This town can be a lot. “
“It’s not the town. They've been very sweet. It’s me. I do keep to myself. I’m a true introvert and being social is sometimes hard for me. That's why walking in here with the King of England was a lot for me to digest.”
He shakes his head. “I'm glad you’re opening up now though.”
“As I get to know people, it becomes easier. It always makes me laugh how Hazel and I are friends. If you haven't noticed, we’re kind of complete opposites.”
He laughs. “Actually, I don’t think you are. Yes, she’s a bit more outgoing, but I think it’s only because she’s been here for a while. When I first met her, she was reserved, too.”
“As kids she was always the life of the party, and I was the background dancer.” I smile thinking about all the parties she attempted to drag me too only to have to leave with me an hour later. “I’m okay with that. I do better one on one.” I look at him, taking another sip of my drink. “I’m enjoying tonight. One on one. Thank you for this.”
“Anytime, Nina. I’m hoping there will be plenty more one on ones.”
He winks as he takes a sip of his drinks and those damn butterflies reappear again.
CHAPTER 12
NINA