Page 22 of Gwen's Delta
“Thanks, you do, too. It really is nice to see you again.” Gwen had thought Destiny was fun when she’d met her, and she was happy to bump into her again.
“Can we join you?” Zip asked and pulled out a chair for Destiny before Luke answered. “This is great, isn’t it?”
Gwen wasn’t sure what to think. Luke hadn’t planned on having company, but it looked like his friend wasn’t going anywhere. She wanted to know what Luke had been about to say, but it didn’t look like that would happen anytime soon.
* * *
Damn Zip. Merlin ran his hand through his hair in frustration. The jerk probably thought it was funny to barge in on his date and see what he could find out. Except it wasn’t funny, not in the least.
Gwen was already skittish, though she’d relaxed when they entered the restaurant. He’d been half expecting her to cancel or just not show up. Merlin hadn’t realized how worried he’d been until she’d climbed out of her cute sports car. Then, he’d breathed a sigh of relief.
Today was supposed to be about getting to know each other, but Zip had screwed that up as soon as he’d shown up. The only saving grace was that he’d brought Destiny.
Merlin had been surprised to find out Gwen had already met them. If their whispering was any indication, they’d already hit it off, and they could be there for each other when the team was on a mission... She’d have someone to talk to who understood what it was like to date someone like him.
“How are you, Destiny?” Merlin asked.
“I’m well. I’ve been working nonstop, but I’m looking forward to the week off. I thought I would spend it with Trent.”
“Trent and Zip, Merlin and Luke. I guess everyone has two names?” Gwen commented.
“Yes, but we just use our nicknames at work,” Zip answered. “Did Merlin tell you why we call him that?”
“Yes, he did. I think it’s cool.”
Zip smiled and squeezed Destiny’s hand where it rested on the table. “Yes, it is. He’s saved our butts more than once. Probably why he has all that gray hair,” he said with a chuckle.
Merlin held back his growl—barely. After working together for over five years, Zip should know when not to poke the bear. “Okay, Zippy. Enough of that crap.”
Their server arrived. “Are you ready to order?”
Merlin said, “We need a few more minutes and two more menus.”
After giving Zip and Destiny menus, she told them she’d be back in a few.
Merlin already knew what he was having—a combo plate with shish taouk and a skewer of kafta served over rice with hummus. But first, he figured they could share an appetizer with a little of everything. Gwen had said she’d had eaten Mediterranean food before, but it was still fun to try something different.
“Have you decided what you want?” Merlin asked Gwen as she looked up from the menu.
“I’m trying to decide. I’ve tried a lot of these, but it’s been a while. Do you have a suggestion?”
“I’ll order the combo plate appetizer, and that will give you a little of everything—hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, falafel, and pita. Then, I’m ordering the shish taouk. It’s delicious if you like chicken covered in a garlic-yogurt sauce.”
“That sounds delicious.”
“It’s what I get, too, unless I’m in a vegetarian mood,” Destiny added. “You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”
“Do you come here a lot?” Gwen asked.
“Not as often now that I live in Dallas. My grandmother enjoys it too, so whenever I visit, we bring her here.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t bring her, too,” Merlin said with a little more snark than he’d intended.
Gwen looked surprised at his tone, and he sighed. This was not going at all the way he wanted. He had no one to blame but his own big mouth. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this attraction for anyone. But he should have kept Gwen to himself since he usually didn’t discuss his dates with the team. Now that he’d opened that door, he’d brought this on himself.
“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for,” Merlin apologized. It took a lot to get him riled up, but when he did, it wasn’t pretty. That’s why he usually kept his mouth shut, watched everything, and made plans. It was what made him a good leader.
Zip looked chagrined. “No, I’m sorry. Merlin never talks about a woman, and I wanted to meet you, Gwen. But it was rude to bust in on your first date.”
