Page 57 of Ripped & Shipped
Riley follows my line of vision when I look back at Chris, and in a conspiratorial voice, she says, “I loved the live you did with him. I’m all for team #ChellaMaeBae.”
I chuckle. “Yeah. Well, don’t believe everything you see on social media, Riley.”
She smiles and walks toward Chris to take his order while I take a long sip of my water and wait to see what he’ll do next.
CHAPTER20
Chris
Well,this is either highly convenient, or about to be a massive train wreck.
I take my coffee from Madeline, pop a five dollar bill in the tip jar, and slowly turn to check whether Ella Mae is still looking at me. She is. Our eyes meet again, and for some reason, neither of us looks away.
I walk slowly toward her table, as if I’m looking for somewhere to sit, not like I’m planning to join her. At the last minute, I turn toward Ella Mae.
“Ella Mae.”
“Chris.”
“Water?” I tip my head toward her drink.
“With lemon.”
“Coffee?” She tips her chin toward the hand holding my coffee.
“Yep.”
She stares at me, a look of challenge in her eyes, like she’s daring me to sit, or talk, or leave, or do a dance in the middle of the room. Anything I do will be a win for her because she’s daring me with her gaze.
I lift my eyebrows once, not making a move. Daring her in return.
I dare you to ask me to join you.
I dare you to wipe my mouth again.
What? No. I don’t dare you to do that.
All this teasing from my friends is making me crazy.
“Want to sit, Soldier? Or do you plan on standing guard all afternoon?”
Well, if I wanted a segue, she sure handed me one on a platter.
“I might just stand guard.”
“Suit yourself.”
She takes a sip of her water, looking at me over the rim of her glass. Her bright blue eyes sparkle. She’s not wearing fake lashes or thick eyeliner today. She’s got this whole girl-next-door thing going for her—worn T-shirt, jean shorts, even Converse.
I’m a fan of this look on her. Not that I’m a fan of hers. Objectively, she looks great. That’s all. Speaking as a guy, admiring a nice looking woman, not as Chris looking at Ella Mae, specifically. Whatever.
“I can stand guard while we talk.” I pause to gauge her reaction. “If you want.”
She tips her head toward the seat across from her.
I nod and slide into the chair, setting my coffee in front of me and crossing my arms over my chest.
I just came from Aiden’s house.
