Returning his gaze to the numerous items available, he attempted to focus, but the image of Tabby in his arms returned with a vengeance.
“Reece?”
He lowered the menu and gazed at Lauren across the table.
“Where are you tonight?” She softly added, “Because you’re not here with me.”
“I’m sorry.” He placed the menu on the table and ran a hand over his head. “It’s just this damn festival—” The partial truth came easily.
“Since we both have to eat, why don’t we order and then call it a night? I’m supposed to help Andie with some of the festival arrangements early tomorrow.”
He wanted to take Lauren up on her offer, but instead he took the gentlemanly approach. “I thought perhaps we’d stop in the Seaside Pub after dinner. Maybe dance.” At least that had been his plans earlier in the week.
Before she could respond, a male waiter clad in black slacks and an iron-pressed white shirt and tie stepped up to their table. “Sir, would you like a drink or cocktail?”
Several shots of whiskey with a beer chaser came to mind. “I’ll take a beer, and I think we’ll start with stuffed mushrooms, if the lady agrees.”
“Sounds delicious.” Her eyes twinkled as she gazed at Reece.
“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked.
After selecting two prime ribs, baked potatoes and rice, Reece found himself at a loss. He never had a problem talking to women. Of course, he had never been with one woman while thinking of another either.
“So is my brother treating you right at work?”
“Brody is a pleasure to work for.”
Knowing that she had only lived on the coast for about eighteen months gave him thoughts on what next to say. “How do like Whispering Cove?” He couldn’t remember where she lived previously.
“It’s beautiful here and the people are so friendly. It’s a great place to raise children.”
He had never looked at his hometown in that vein, but now that Lauren mentioned it, the quiet village had been a wonderful place to grow up. Maybe that’s why Brody and Andie had decided to remain there and raise their family. If he ever considered having children, Whispering Cove would be his choice too.
Their conversation flowed easily through the appetizers and the clam chowder, but slowed during dinner. As he raised another juicy piece of steak to his mouth, he realized it was nearing nine. The Seaside Pub would be in full swing. Tabby would be in full swing. His only saving grace was that Devon would be in attendance to look after his rambunctious sister, and due to the damn bet with Hauk, so would Reece later tonight.
“Reece, this has been lovely, but it’s getting late.” Lauren studied him as if dissecting him limb by limb. “I should leave.”
Guess he hadn’t been successful in hiding the fact he was preoccupied.
As she started to rise, he said, “What about dessert?”
“Skipping it. I’m saving up for the festival’s goodies.” Lauren tugged her wrap around her shoulders.
Crawling out from behind the booth, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a couple of large bills, throwing them on the table before he followed her outside.
When they reached her car, he realized he’d really messed this date up. “Good night, Lauren.” He opened her door, and then leaned in, kissing her on the cheek. “We’ll have to do this again.”
“I’d like that,” she said. Yet he got the distinct feeling she wouldn’t be holding her breath.
He watched the taillights of her vehicle fade before he headed down the street to the Seaside Pub. It was a short walk, besides there might be a chance he wouldn’t find another parking spot any closer. If he’d been smart, he would have gone straight home. Hauk would understand. But nooooo.
Reece McGrath couldn’t do the smart thing.
He was rewarded for his impetuousness when he stepped inside the pub, coming face-to-face with the woman who had effectively left her brand on him.
Tonight Tabby had exchanged her beloved knee-high boots for four-inch spiky stilettos that complemented every curve of her silky legs. He got an eyeful since her black leather skirt had to be the shortest he had ever seen. Her matching halter top plunged low in the back, as well as in the front, displaying more than it concealed.
Holy shit! Devon must be having a coronary because Reece’s heartbeat had screeched to a halt. He had yet to close his mouth and raise his chin from where it lay somewhere on the floor.
“Reece.” Indifference bounced off his name.
“Can we talk?” he asked hesitantly, gauging her mood.
“Nothing to say. Today has already been forgotten. Have fun.” She spun around, and just like that she brushed him off as easily as if she had flicked a pesky insect off her shoulder.