Page 87 of Halstead House

“Coke. One hundred percent of the time. If Pepsi is all there is then I’d rather not drink anything at all,” I stated firmly.

Lucas’s lips curved up and he turned to the waiter. “You heard the lady. It’s Coke or nothing.”

“Oh, sorry. I thought we were playing...”

“We are.” He handed me my glass. “We’re also having a drink. Convenient, yes?” He reached for his own drink, and I realized I hadn’t heard what he’d ordered.

“Is it Coke or Pepsi for you?”

“Pepsi, actually.” He chuckled as I bit my lips. “But unlike you, I can be flexible when needed.”

We stepped away from the table, drinks in hand, and I nearly spilled mine when his large, warm palm pressed against the small of my back to lead me away from the table toward a quiet spot to the side.

“People watching or center of attention?” he asked.

“People watching,” I replied.

“Then tonight should be very entertaining for you.”

“I believe so.” I took a sip of my drink. “Toast or biscuits?”

“Biscuits. Hot with lots of butter.”

“I’d add a little grape jelly to mine, but otherwise I’d choose biscuits too.”

“You mean we might have something in common?” He grinned.

“Yep. Aunt Mary would be so happy.” I chuckled. “So would Eliza, Ana, Marshall, and Chef Lou.”

“We could make a lot of people happy if we manage to get along.” He nodded. “Oh, pause. Incoming.” His face immediately changed from an open and warm expression to his polite business one.

“John Lucas Halstead, I was hoping to see you tonight.” An older man, neatly dressed, groomed, and about two inches shorter than me, bustled up to our side. “I heard you just got back from a hoteliers conference in Phoenix. I’d love to pick your brain on that.”

“Hi, J.W. I’d like you to meet my date, Grace Burke.” Lucas gestured to me, and the older man turned with a smile. “Grace, this is J.W. Porter.”

“This one’s much prettier than the last gal I saw you with,” J.W. said with a wink in my direction.

I blinked a few times and looked to Lucas. His expression was calm, but I felt his body tense next to mine. I wasn’t offended, just surprised at the tackiness of this J.W. person in saying anything about it. I’d done my internet research and knew that Lucas was popular with the ladies. Obviously, a man in his position took dates to events. Still, experience had taught me it was best to meet tactlessness with kindness.

“I’m going to take that as a compliment,” I jumped in before Lucas had a chance to reply.

“As it was meant,” J.W. responded with a small bow.

Lucas offered a small, polite smile to Mr. Porter and said, “I’m sorry to blow you off tonight, J.W., but Grace and I haven’t seen each other all week, so I hope you’ll forgive me for sneaking away with her and catching up. I’ll call you later in the week.”

Without waiting for any true response, Lucas took my hand and led us back past the drink table, where we deposited our two empty glasses. I stumbled along, having a hard time keeping up with his longer stride, feeling confused and a little worried.

“Lucas, you didn’t have to do that. I know you need to discuss business with people tonight,” I whispered, somewhat self-conscious about what had just happened. Was he angry?

“Ice cream cone or snow cone?” he asked.

“What?”

“Ice cream cone or snow cone?”

“Ice cream.”

“Me too.”

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