Page 23 of Phishing for Love
Aaron is there, scrolling through his phone while waiting for his coffee to brew. I haven’t seen him all morning. Not that I was keeping a lookout or anything.
I come to a halt at the entrance to the breakroom. The question front and center in my mind is, how badly do I need coffee and lunch?
Aaron looks up and stiffens when he sees me, as though I’m the last person in the world he wants to encounter right now.
We stare at one another, both of us frozen in a wary tableau. The memory of last night is like a huge boulder sitting between us, a boulder that’s haphazardly smashed through the thin line dividing our personal and professional worlds.
“Tess.” Why is it every time he says my name, it’s like there’s something stuck in his throat?
“Aaron,” I say, matching his formality.
His gaze skims my outfit, so different to what I wore at the restaurant. I can’t read his expression, but I catch the faintest hint of a frown. It’s hard to be sure, though, because he appearsto be a man who evaluates everything and, judging by the inscrutability of his expression, gives nothing away.
His coffee is ready, and he picks up his mug, preparing to leave.
I think of the two hours I’ve just wasted on his stupid course. I think of the unmistakable impression I’m currently receiving from Aaron: He doesn’t want me to bring up what happened at the restaurant last night. Which means, of course, that I’m absolutely going to bring it up.
I take up a blocking stance in the doorway, leaning my shoulder against the jamb. I imagine Aaron is a lot of things, but I’m betting he’s not a man who barges past a woman.
I’m right. Manners keep him trapped in the breakroom with me.
I give him my widest smile.
He tightens his grip on his coffee mug, like he’s sensing a trap. Clever man.
I say conversationally, “Eventful night, last night.”
“Was it?” he asks, keeping his expression neutral.
“Veryeventful.”
Irritation flickers in his eyes and I have to work to keep the smile off my face.
“Do you have a point?” he asks with a sigh.
Of course, I have a point. My point is to make him feel a little of what it’s like to be put on the spot.
“I’m just concerned about Ashley.” This is a giant lie. I’m not in the least concerned. “She lookedextremelyupset and I want to make sure she’s okay.”
“She’s fine. She was a little upset.”
“Alittle?” Nice try. I’m not falling for his feeble attempt to play it down. “I don’t know, she seemed kind of devastated.”
“Devastatedis a rather strong description.”
“But accurate.”
Aaron scowls at me and keeps quiet. It’s an obvious intimidation tactic, except it’s wasted on me since I’m not in the least intimidated. In truth, my blood thrums with excitement at the challenge he’s presenting.
“You obviously saw the whole thing?” he says finally.
I tap my finger to my lip. “I believe the entire restaurant witnessed it.”
To my great delight, his cheekbones flare with color.
It was honestly the most interesting part of the evening, trumping even the mussels. What first drew my attention to the two of them was Ashley’s rising voice and angry hand gestures. I saw Aaron try to calm her, but she was having none of it. Unfortunately, no matter how I strained, her voice was too high for me to fully make out what she was saying. I caught only scraps of sentences floating my way.You don’t mean it.Please don’t do this.
When she stormed from the table, the entertainment value dimmed a little at the realization there would be no wine flung in Aaron’s face. A minute later, I watched a grim-faced Aaron pay the bill and follow her out. Not once did he glance my way.
