Page 9 of Eternal Hoptimist

He passed over a dark beer to me. “That’s our Otter Be Oatmeal Stout. It’s got surprising layers to it. Definitely not what you’d expect at first with its bold flavor, but there’s a sweetness to the aftertaste.”

“Thank you.” As I took a slow sip, I shamelessly watched his forearms flex as he gripped the edge of the bar.

His stare felt heavy, expectant. I wanted to perform for him.Earnhis stare.What the hell is going on with me?

It tasted almost like creamed coffee with a nutty aftertaste. “It’s amazing. Seriously, I love it.”

He beamed. “I’m glad.”

“Nate won’t shut up about how great this place is, and now I know why.”

A couple of people approached the bar. I didn’t want to be rude and keep him, and I also wasn’t sure what else to say. He’d made it clear last night that he wasn’t looking for anything, and I didn’t want to mess around with someone who knew my family.

“I’d better let you get back to work.”

“Good to see you again, Parker.” Ethan’s full attention was heady, and the way he said my name? Slow, deeper than his usual voice.Yes, please.

“You too.”

Ethan’s attention was on me like a caress the entire walk back to the table of family members with goofy smiles.

“Your brother says you’ve made a new friend.”

I placed Mom’s beer in front of her, then sat and elbowed Nate in the ribs. “An acquaintance.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “He’s cute. A business owner too.”

I ignored her and got up to fill a plate. The food was amazing, and I enjoyed relaxing with my family. Even if Nate pushed on my last nerve. I should make more of an effort to visit beyond a monthly dinner. Despite trying to stay engaged in the conversation, my attention kept wandering to Ethan throughout the delicious brunch, which didn’t go unnoticed.

“You should go talk to him again. It’s slowed enough,” Mom said.

“Why?”

“Because he’s very cute and keeps looking at you.”

I barely suppressed a sigh strong enough to topple the empty beer glasses at our table. “I don’t want to date anyone right now because I’m—”

“Busy at work. Weknow.” She dabbed the corner of her mouth with her napkin and mumbled something that sounded an awful lot like, “Who said anything about dating?”

Definitely not havingthatconversation with my mother.

As we finished brunch, I tried to figure out my move. Say goodbye to Ethan? Wave while walking out with my family? Ask for his number? Give him mine?

“I’ll get a ride home with Mom so you can head back to Portland.” Nate meaningfully glanced over at Ethan as he stood.

Mom glanced at Ethan, then back at me. “Thanks for spending New Year’s Day with us, dear. See you soon?” She kissed my cheek.

As my family left, I sucked in a deep breath and walked toward the bar. Ethan smiled at me. Was I imagining it, or was that smile different from his customer service one? He almost looked…relieved?

“How was brunch?”

“Delicious. Your friend is seriously skilled. I can’t wait to visit the restaurant when it opens.”

“You definitely should.” He finished pouring a beer and handed it to Tyler, giving him directions on which table to take it to. “Any bossy texts from your assistant today?” His eyes danced.

I groaned. “Yes. I’ve ignored them all.”

Ethan laughed.

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