Page 30 of Resisting Fate
He strode over to her table, setting her lunch in front of her, and took the seat directly across from her. She immediately dug in like she was starving.
After a couple of bites, she stopped and looked up at him. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
“I’m still full from breakfast. Omelet with the works. My specialty breakfast. Maybe one day you’ll get to experience it yourself.”
She spoke around a mouthful of salad. “Let’s not pretend you wanted me to spend the night.”
He leaned forward. “I was going to call you.”
She took another bite, chewed and swallowed. “I didn’t give you my number.”
“I looked you up. I can find most anything on the internet.”
Her brows drew together, but she didn’t comment.
“But then I ran into you. Missy—” he took a deep breath “—I don’t think we’re done.”
She opened her bottled water and took a long drink.
“You want to grab dinner tonight?” he asked.
She put the water bottle down. “Can’t. Got plans.”
“What kind of plans?”
“The kind with my friends,” she said evenly.
“What about after?”
She took another forkful of salad. “For a booty call? No, thanks.”
His neck burned. He did make it sound like that. So much for charm. “What about Sunday for a date?”
“Working.” She put her fork down. “Look, Ben, we agreed to one night. I don’t understand what you want from me.”
He wanted more time with her. “What’s one more time? We keep running into each other anyway.”
“I’m sorry, I just—”
He held up a hand. “Nope, no need to be sorry. I got it.”
She smiled. “Thanks. And thanks for lunch too. I appreciate your help today.”
He’d never been in this position before, trying to extend the hookup to more. Usually women wanted more from him, not the other way around. Was he just drawn to the chase?
Irritated to be so off his game, he shut his mouth. She continued eating, completely focused on her salad.
Finally, he had to ask, “Why’re you working as an elf?”
She glanced up at him, cheeks pink. “I thought I told you this before. Just picking up a little extra cash for the holidays.”
“For presents?”
“Yes.”
He studied her for a minute. It seemed like this was a tough gig just to buy a few extra presents. He leaned close. “Why’re you really doing it? I can’t imagine you enjoy being an elf.”
She sighed. “I have a good reason.”
