Page 55 of Stealing Forever

“Cute kiddo you have. I can see why my sister is fond of nannying for you. That, and the VIP box seats don’t hurt either.”

“Hartley!” Hailey gasps, looking mortified.

“What?” She shrugs. “Those were amazing seats.”

“Well, you’re welcome to utilize them at any Bears game. Door’s always open,” I promise. “Did you ladies order?” Picking up the menu, I scan through it, my stomach panging with hunger as I look over my options.

“Not yet,” Hailey responds. “We were waiting for you, but Sailor was hungry, so I ordered hers.”

Our eyes meet across the table. “Thank you.”

Her lips upturn in a smile, and the urge to get up and kiss her burns bright within me. Like every inopportune time, though, that feeling is interrupted.

“Hello, sir.” A waiter approaches the table with his order pad in hand. “What can I get you to drink?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to order a beer, but there’s only one thing after a long day in the sun that I should be drinking. “I’ll stick with water.”

“Is the table ready to order dinner?” the waiter asks, glancing at us.

“Ladies?” I question, and both Hailey and Hartley nod their heads in unison.

I wonder if that’s a twin thing.

“Ravioli, please. With a Caesar salad,” Hartley takes the lead with ordering, then hands her menu to the waiter.

Hailey orders next, and I try to focus on the menu, but it’s impossible when her voice sends my heart into a frenzy. “I’ll do the grilled chicken breast with scalloped potatoes and a house salad, please.”

“Dressing?”

“Vinaigrette.”

“Excellent,” the waiter approves. “And for you, sir?”

“Sirloin, please, medium rare.”

“Mashed potatoes and asparagus are served with it, unless you would prefer to substitute for a side salad?”

“However it comes is fine. Thank you.”

The waiter nods and finishes jotting down everything. “Very good. Your meals will be out shortly.”

A round ofthank you’scirculates through the table, and he walks away, leaving me with the Shea twins and Sailor.

“So, Hartley. Hailey told me you’re dating one of the guys from the Rebels?” I make small talk as I pick at a roll from the breadbasket on the table. What I want is to talk to Hailey alone, but I know that won’t happen until tonight.

“Yeah, Owen Marsh.” She pops a piece of bread in her mouth and doesn’t elaborate. Not that I need the details.

The rest of our early dinner moves quickly when the entrees come out, and before I know it, it’s time for us to say our goodbyes.

Glancing at my watch, I see that it’s barely seven—no need for both of us to call it a night so early.

“Why don’t you and Hartley put that hotel credit to good use and head over to the spa?” I suggest to Hailey as she scoops the rest of Sailor’s macaroni into a to-go box.

Hartley squeals. “I love that idea.”

“Are you sure?” Hailey asks hesitantly. There are unspoken words behind those green eyes of hers, and I wonder what they’re really trying to say.

“Sure am.” I nod as I take the leftovers from her hand. “You deserve it. Take the night off—enjoy yourself.”

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