Page 53 of Stolen Kisses

He frowned. "You didn't seem too bothered to spend time with my brother and my nephew today."

He was right. Why was I always so cagey when I was around Chase? The answer came to me seconds later: because I reacted to him differently and assumed others could see that too.

"You're right. I should relax," I said, but I didn't answer his implied question. What could I say?"I feel on edge around you all the time, and I think others can tell?"

"Anyway, we can come up with solid reasons for why we're spending time together."

"Really? You work with brokers?" I asked.

"Rarely," he admitted. "But it’s not unheard of."

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Some Mexican restaurant. It was his choice."

"Good for you for letting him choose."

"I know how to negotiate, Hannah." He winked, and a bolt of heat went straight to my lady parts.

"Yes, but you also like things a certain way.Yourway."

"I do. But I know how to play my cards... and bide my time."

Out of the corner of my eye, I realized he was glancing at me again. I felt on fire.

Wait, was he talking about the store now or about me?

I didn't have it in me to ask.

But I knew what I wanted it to be.

Chapter Thirteen

Hannah

"Does Jeremy have favorite uncles?" I asked, hoping he would take my hint and change the subject. "He insisted on seeing Knox and Finn.”

He flashed me a grin. An actual grin. Why did he do that so rarely? It fit him.

"Those two are probably closest to him."

A while later, we arrived in front of a small Mexican restaurant. We circled the streets before finding a parking spot and then walked to it. It had a decent yard with benches outside.

As we were looking around for our guest, Chase put a hand on my upper back, then promptly dropped it. It took everything I had not to lean in, seeking nearness.

He cleared his throat. "There he is."

We walked up to the elderly man who was sitting on one of the tables at the side of the restaurant. Considering it was barely six o'clock, the place was surprisingly full. There were seats inside, but everyone was enjoying the yard. The late afternoon was pleasantly warm.

He stood up when he saw us coming and offered me his hand. "Hi, I'm Elijah Casson."

"I'm Hannah Levine," I said.

"Chase, good to see you. I can finally put a name to the face.” I took it as a good omen that they were on a first-name basis.

"I've never been to this restaurant," I told him, "even though it's just a few streets away from me."

"It's one of my favorites," Elijah exclaimed. "I recommend the trio of tacos. They mix it with whatever fresh ingredients they have—mostly chicken and pork, but sometimes you also get shrimp. It's always delicious."

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