Page 17 of Love In The Air

“Let’s go.”

She walked with him down the sidewalk to the restaurant, wondering what game he was playing and how she could beat him at it.

7

What the hell had he been thinking?

Chance held the door open for Iz when they reached the restaurant. As she brushed by him, his body tightened with that strange sensation he’d been feeling lately. The one he only experienced when she was in his vicinity. A strange tingle, like his skin was too tight for his body. Maybe he needed to drink more water? Dehydration was no joke, especially when you lived in high elevations like Denver.

He ignored his reaction and followed her inside. He’d invited her along because they were supposed to be playing friendly. For the show. Hopefully, the more they acted like they got along, the more it would become truth and this weird energy that took hold of him every time she was near would go away.

“This place used to be a burger joint,” Iz said glancing around at the restaurant. “I haven’t been in since it changed ownership.”

He’d never been in, but he’d only been in Denver a short while and hadn’t explored the city too much.

Glancing around, he noted the place was small. Not claustrophobically, but the restaurant had a dozen tables in the large open room. A small swinging door, which he assumed lead to the kitchen, was in the back left corner. Off to the right was a narrow hallway with a sign hanging above it indicating the way to the bathrooms. The walls of the restaurant were brick, like most of the old buildings in the area, and covered in posters and signage extolling bar-b-que as the end-all-be-all of food.

“Hi there, two?”

Chance turned his gaze to the wooden podium in the middle of the entrance where the host stood. The man smiled at them, the snake bite piercings moving as his lips curled. His short black t-shirt revealed tattooed sleeves in an intricately designed pattern of various anime characters. Black hair pulled back into a bun at the back of his head, much like Chance’s.

“Yes, two please,” Iz answered, smiling back at the guy.

“Right this way.”

The host led them to a table near the front window, setting down their menus.

“Dig your ink,” he said to Iz.

Her smile grew as she nodded toward his arms. “Thanks, I like yours too.”

“I can give you my artist’s number if you want?”

She laughed softly, the sound hitting Chance low in the gut. He shifted in his seat as he watched their host flirt with her. He didn’t blame the guy. Iz was beautiful. Like one of those poison dart frogs, all pretty and innocent looking until you tried to touch them then, BAM, death. Or maybe she was just that way with him.

“Thanks, but I can’t cheat on my tattoo artist. She’s the best.”

The host nodded knowingly. “Fair. Your server will be right out. Enjoy.”

The host left, leaving them alone. A few of the other tables were occupied by couples, groups, and one family with a toddler who was eating more sauce than meat. None of the tables near them had people at them, which left them relatively alone in their space.

“I think he likes you,” Chance said, opening his menu and nodding to where the host was standing at his podium.

“Naw, he was just admiring my ink.” Iz snorted. “Besides, he’s not my type.”

Really? Seemed like a tatted-up alt guy would fit Iz’s aesthetic perfectly. Why that thought sent a sharp pang of irritation through him he had no idea.

“I can’t date someone who has more tattoos than me.” She winked.

He chuckled. “Gotta be the best?”

“Always.”

She lifted her water glass, and he raised his own to clink.

“Maybe I’ll ask for his number then,” he said, taking a sip of the cold, iced water. “He’s cute.”

Her brow arched. “You think you could get his number before I can?”

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