Project Produce(50)

“No problem, buddy.”

His striking blue eyes flashed once, but otherwise, his expression didn’t change. “Let’s go eat. I’m starved.”

He drove by the harbor, and the full moon reflected its pale image off the sparkling water. Boats were docking, their fog horns honking in greeting. And if I looked far enough, I could even make out the Statue of Liberty’s silhouette.

“Wow,” I said in awe. “This is breathtaking.”

“It sure is,” he responded in a raspy voice.

Turning to him, I blinked. He wasn’t looking at the stunning view, he was staring straight at me. Mmmm, hmmm. That look had definitely come from his winkie, not his brain.

“Better hurry up, it’s gonna get cold,” I said, looking at the food cartons. “Why’d you get so much?”

He barked out a laugh and headed away from the harbor in the direction of Queens. “I’ve seen you eat, Mac.”

“Oh.” Dipping my head, I felt the heat climb up, up, up my face. I had always been an emotional eater, and let’s face it, my life was one big puddle of stress.

“Trust me, it’s a good thing,” he said gently, and flicked my chin with his fingertip. “I like women who aren’t afraid to eat more than a salad.”

“Then you’re gonna love me. I think I’ve out-eaten every date I’ve ever been on. Not that this is a date.”

“Of course not.” He grinned. “But let’s just say, hypothetically, if we were on a date, you wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Re-he-heaaaaally. Did I mention I’m highly competitive?”

“Gee, I hadn’t noticed.” He touched the stitches above his black eye.

I winced, but didn’t let that stop me. “In that case, hypothetically, I would have to challenge you to eat more than me.” My gaze met his, and I arched a brow.

“You’re on.” His eyes filled with determination, and he hit the gas, picking up speed.

***

An hour later, we both leaned back in our chairs at my kitchen table in utter and complete agony.

“Hypothetically, I’d call that a tie,” I moaned as I untucked my nice, dry T-shirt from my comfy sweats. “You didn’t tell me you could eat like that.”

“I didn’t know I could.” He groaned, and untucked his own T-shirt. “Man, you can eat more than most men I know.”

I shot him a half-hearted glare. “Thanks, I think.”

“You’re cool, Mac. I like you.” He smiled at me.

“Hey, how could you not, right?” I grinned.

“Absolutely.”

“So what do you normally do next on your other dates?” I asked.

“Thought this wasn’t a date?”

“It’s not, I’m just curious. What would be your next move if you were on a real date?”

“Still trying to figure men out?” His eyes narrowed.

“Something like that. You gonna answer my question?”

“Well, I’d thank her for a great evening, and I’d ask if I could call her sometime.”

Aha, here it comes. I smirked. “And then you’d blow her off, right?”

“No, I’d call her like I said I would.”

My smirk faded. “But after you finally got some action, then you’d blow her off, right?”

He stared at me for a full minute and then finally said, “Not all guys are like the bastard who obviously did one hell of a number on you.”

I frowned but couldn’t think of anything to say.

“Callie speechless. That’s a first.” He chuckled, stood, and then excused himself to use the bathroom.

I hated to see the evening end. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all. I knew other men who came into the store back home and bought girly mags, and they were somewhat normal. I should confront him about the suspicious people that had been following me and the evidence I’d found in his apartment, but I didn’t want to ruin the evening. I’d actually found myself enjoying Dylan’s company. Maybe a bit too much. And a part of me didn’t want to know the truth.

When he reappeared, I said, “Well, I hate to call it a night, but I’ve still got a headache. I’m going to take some more aspirin and go to bed.” I stood. “Thanks for dinner and for taking care of me.”

He studied me, his jaw working overtime as though he wanted to say something, but all he said was, “You’re welcome. Thanks for a great evening. Maybe I can call you sometime?” He tried for a smile without much success.

I stared at him for a long moment and then decided what the heck? “Why not?”

Nodding, he walked to the door and looked me square in the eye. “I will call you.” Then he let himself out. Maybe this friend thing could work after all.