Page 29 of Now & Forever
Lovable buffoon that had a crush on her? Or a sinister playboy playing the long con? Some unholy mix of the two?
Gwen returned to the counter to find James glancing at her from his phone. Did he think she was fooling her with the old,I’m on my phonetrick? The screen was black.
She was curious enough to ask him what his deal was, but knew better than to risk whatever professional bartender-client relationship they maintained. No matter how cute James was, Gwen was better off…
“Do you have a boyfriend, Gwen?”
Ah. There it was. His next move would be to hit on her.
A part of Gwen wanted to see where it went. It had nothing to do with his supposed money, either. (Gwen didn’t bother Googling him or his family until they started going out. What an eye openerthatwas…) James was intriguing, wasn’t he? Boyish charms encased in a mature, masculine air. A youthful quality that clashed against his expensive clothes and a smart head for business. James wasn’t childlike or immature. He was in careful control of his humor. For all Gwen knew, these trips to the bar were one of his only chances to let his real nature shine.That almost makes me feel special.He chose to be around her when letting off steam. Alone, but was he really alone when Gwen was only a shout away? They had casual conversations for weeks before taking it further.
Casual enough for him to ask if she had a boyfriend? Maybe.
“I’m single,” Gwen said, standing a few feet more than usual away from him. Survival instinct. James would either take the news graciously, or he would up the sleaze. As much as Gwen wanted to believe that James was different… she wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t. Life had jaded her.
James narrowed his eyes, sat back in his seat, and asked, “How?”
Crossing his arms was a nice touch, but Gwen wasn’t buying it. “What do you meanhow?How what? Do I not have a boyfriend?”
“Yes. Unless you broke up with someone five hours ago, I’m not sure how you could possibly be single.”
“Like I haven’t heard this pickup line before.”
“Who says I’m trying to pick you up? I’m trying to understand how someone as nice and amiable as you issingle.”
She snorted. “Not all of us want to be attached to the old ball and chain.”
“Who said anything about marriage? I’m talking about having a man who treats you right and puts that extra skip in your step.”
“And is easy on the eyes, I’m sure.”
James grinned.Damnit. That’s the kind of grin that gets girls in trouble.Not Gwen, though. She had sworn off getting in trouble. “Let me know if you do find a guy like that. Maybe I’d like to date him.”
Gwen paled. Oh, no. She had never considered that after all this time…
James might begay!
“What?” He pocketed his phone and pointed to the exasperated look on Gwen’s face. “Got a problem with a guy who’s comfortable with who he is?”
“Not at all.” Woo, boy. Gwen’s best friend from high school, now going by the drag queen name ofLady Priss-zilla,would love to hear that she had offended a gay guy. “Just didn’t think you were… never mind. You want me to top that drink off for you?”
James didn’t directly answer the question. Not that one, anyway. Instead, he tugged on his growing facial hair and with a wag of the eyebrows said, “I’ll have you know that I have much more experience with the ladies.”
“Uh huh.”
“Just… what happens in Texas, stays in Texas.”
“Texas?”
“Long story. There was this conference, some guy from Montreal with a hot French accent… bah. Loose lips sink ships.”
“Maybe I should be asking ifyouhave a boyfriend, James.”
“Why?” Her perked up. “You interested? Because I could tell Ronaldo to pack his stuff and be out of my condo by midnight.”
“A French Canadian named Ronaldo? Send him to my house instead.”
“At least we’ve established that you like guys.”
