Page 81 of Clean Out of Luck

His eyes immediately focus on our interlaced fingers. “Are you here on a date with him?” he demands.

Sheesh. Am I going to have to contend with everyone that’s ever wanted to date Scarlett?

But Scarlett holds up my hand and grins at him. “Yes, I am.”

The man smiles. “Thank goodness. It’s about time you found a good one. I was starting to get worried for you.”

“Hey now!” Scarlett exclaims.

A chuckle sneaks out before I can stop it and Scarlett gives me a friendly elbow to the ribs as we follow the man to our table.

“Thank you, Victor,” Scarlett says. “I’ll have my usual.”

“Do you want horchata as well?” Victor asks me.

I nod. “Sounds great, thanks.”

He disappears to the back and Scarlett scrunches her face as she studies me across the table. “I heard you laugh when he made that comment about our dating.”

“That’s because I’m just so happy to be here with you,” I reply smoothly.

She doesn’t look convinced, but she stands up. “I need touse the restroom. If Victor comes back, just tell him I’ll have the usual. With extra guacamole this time.”

I smile as I watch her walk to the back of the restaurant. It’s so strange to be here with her. And that she’s mine.

Everything is out in the open now. No secrets.

Oops. Except maybe one.

I pull my phone out of my pocket and text Phoenix.

WADE

I’m on a date with Scarlett. We haven’t really talked about you.

PHOENIX

Good. Don’t. I want you to have a good time.

WADE

I feel like I should tell her that you know we’re dating.

PHOENIX

Do you want your relationship to be over before it starts?

I don’t have a chance to text back because Victor comes to take our order and by the time he leaves, Scarlett is back at the table.

“Well this is a lot better than last time.” Scarlett sighs then takes a long sip of horchata. “As long as you’re not about to try and give me a speech about joining your special finance program…”

“I forgot to tell you, I quit the fire station and am starting a finance bro podcast,” I tease.

“Don’t even joke! That was horrible.” She shudders and reaches for the basket of chips.

I clear my throat and tug at the collar of my shirt. I know what I need to say, I just don’t want her to be mad.

“So…with us dating…and Phoenix out of town…”

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