Page 21 of Gwen's Delta
His confession surprised her and eased some of her tension. How could he be nervous? She was sure that whenever he walked into the room, every woman, and probably some men, stared. It didn’t seem possible. Hell, it wasn’t a stretch to imagine him on the cover ofGQ Magazine.
Like yesterday, he held the door for her to enter first. Gramps had commented on that after he’d left. They didn’t have to wait long for the hostess, and Luke asked for a table in the back.
Gwen’s mouth watered as the aromas wafted over her as they made their way to their table. It had been too long since she’d had Mediterranean food, and she’d forgotten how much she enjoyed it.
Luke held her chair, then took the seat against the wall. The hostess took their drink orders and handed them the menus. Gwen felt his gaze on her and looked up from her menu.
“Is there something wrong?” Did she have something on her face? Was her hair sticking up?
“No, nothing’s wrong. I’m ecstatic to be here with you. I thought you might cancel.”
Luke’s words touched her. Gwen didn’t know what he saw in her but sitting with him felt right. She was glad she didn’t cancel.
“I almost did. I was really close. Then when I got here, I almost left, too. I’m sorry. I’m such a chicken,” Gwen admitted.
“You’re not a chicken. I’m a stranger, I get it. Especially the way the world is now. But I promise when you’re with me, you’re safe. Anything I tell you will always be the truth. I don’t lie or cheat.” Luke’s expression was so intense, how could she not believe him?
“Thank you. For understanding and not making me feel ridiculous.”
“You don’t have to thank me. There’s a pull between us I’ve never experienced before. It sounds corny, but it’s true.”
“You’re right, there is something. It’s why I’m here,” Gwen whispered.
Luke reached across the table and threaded her fingers through his. “I figured it might be best to just lay it out there. I wish—”
“Hey, Merlin,” a male voice said from over her shoulder. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
Gwen turned in her chair. The couple looked familiar, but she couldn’t place them. He was tall, his voice deep, but not as much as Luke’s. The woman with him was tall, thin, with gorgeous mocha skin and a beautiful smile.
“Zip, what are you doing here?” Luke asked.
“We’re here for the food.”
Luke shook his head, his frustration obvious. “Of all the restaurants in Killeen, you come here today. What are the odds? Gwen, this is Zip and his fiancé, Destiny. He’s on my team.”
Destiny mouthed, “I’m sorry” to Luke.
He nodded.
Gwen was able to read Destiny’s lips, but she didn’t understand why Luke was so irritated. Wasn’t he happy to see his friends?
“Gwen? You work at the bookstore in Lancelot, right?” Destiny exclaimed.
“Yes. I knew you looked familiar.” Gwen smiled and jumped up to hug Destiny.
“You’ve met before?” Luke looked surprised.
“It was a few months ago. Destiny came into the bookstore, and we had tea while she waited for…I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name.”
“Trent, but Merlin calls me Zip.”
“I’m horrible with names,” Gwen apologized.
“No worries. We weren’t there long. But a small world, huh?” Zip replied.
Gwen said to Destiny, “You even mentioned knowing a Merlin when you were in the bookstore. It’s funny. When I met Luke the other day, and he told me his nickname, and I never put the two together.”
Destiny laughed. “Well, it was a few months ago. I don’t know if I would have remembered. It is good to see you. You look great.”
