Page 276 of Small Town Firsts

“Why’s that?” I whip into a parking spot a few shops down from the café.

She bites her lip and scratches at her chin.She’s nervous.“Um.” She laughs, but it is lacking all humor. “Sorry, I can’t help but think you’re going to use anything I say against me.”

I adopt an understanding expression. “I can see why you’d feel that way. But, believe it or not, I’m trying to turn over a new leaf, Emmalyn.”

Her big dark eyes study my face, looking for signs of insincerity. When she doesn’t find any, I send up a small thanks and offer her a small, encouraging smile.

“Can new leaves even grow from rotten roots?”

“Guess we’ll find out. Now, let’s go.”

I fall back as we walk down the sidewalk, allowing Emmalyn to walk a step or so ahead of me. My eyes definitely drop to her ass more than once; devious bitch or not, the girl’s got a backside you could bounce a quarter off of.

She doesn’t wait for me to open the door—not that I was planning to—and marches straight to the hostess stand.

“Hi, how many?”

Before Emmalyn can answer, I step up behind her. “We have a reservation for two, under Abbot.”

“Of course. Your table’s ready.” She grabs our menus and silverware rolls. “Right this way.”

We follow her in silence, but I can tell Emmalyn is stewing over something.

“Here you are. Your server will be by shortly. Our specials are listed on the board.”

My lunch date glares at me from her seat across from me.

“What?” I lean back into my seat, smirking.

“I just think it’s awfully presumptuous of you to make reservations before asking me to join you.”

“You’re the one being presumptuous.”

She crosses her arms over her chest, drawing my eyes to the hint of cleavage her sweater shows off. “How so?”

“For starters, I have a weekly reservation here. You joining me today is pure luck.”

“You said it was for two.”

“Who’s to say I eat alone?”

“Nice.” She clenches her jaw and flicks her eyes to the side before studying the menu like it’s her own personal bible.

“Jealous?” I ask, more amused than annoyed with the attitude she’s throwing my way.

“As if!” She scrunches her nose and damn, if it’s not cute as hell. “Why on earth would I be jealous?”

I shrug. “You seem awfully upset over the thought of me bringing someone else to lunch.”

“I’m not upset. Or jealous. I just think it’s... tacky.”

“Well, this isn’t a date,” I say slowly, watching her face like a hawk. “Just a meal between two... friends.”

“Friends?”

“Acquaintances?”

“That’s closer.” She closes her menu and nibbles her lower lip. “Why are we really here, Sterling?”

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