Page 84 of Puck and Prejudice

Oh my God, woman. Get it together.“Right.”

I grab a glass and start the pour.

“Should I step back? I really like this shirt, and I don’t want another beer shower.”

“Oh stop it.” I smirk. Mercifully, the tap works fine, and I don’t douse Jackson in IPA. “There you go. Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.” His eyes turn smoldering. He’s not talking about food now.

My face is burning up. I hope I’m not blushing. “I’ll grab you a menu.” I walk away from Jackson, and bump into Manuel.

“What’s that gilipollas doing here?”

“Grabbing a bite to eat?” I reply without making eye contact.

“Hmm… I don’t think that’s all he came for.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re imagining things. Why else would he be here?”

“He’s into you, but you already know that.” Manuel heads in the opposite direction, and I can’t rebuff his statement.

What’s the point? He isn’t wrong.

I return to Jackson and slide the menu toward him. “Here.”

“Thanks.” He looks at the options, and asks, “Anything you recommend?”

“Are you in the mood for tapas, or do you want a meal?”

He lifts his eyes to mine. “I want a meal.”

My nipples turn hard in an instant. He could say anything right now and it’d turn me on. “Well… the spicy pork loin is pretty popular.”

“Is it your favorite dish?” He arches a brow.

“Yes.”

“All right, then. That’s what I’ll have.” He closes the menu.

“Okay.” I take the menu away, and then put his order in the system. My hands are shaking, and I’m super tense, knowing Jackson is watching me. How am I going to survive until the end of my shift?

* * *

JACKSON

After my first experience, I never thought I’d be back at Triana and sitting at the bar. But when I realized I had some free time in my schedule tonight, I didn’t think twice about coming here. As busy as I am with all the press and events to celebrate our victory, Izzie never left my mind. She’s turned into my obsession, and it’s futile to fight it.

The dish she suggested was indeed delicious. I didn’t think I was that hungry, but I ended up eating the whole thing.

Now I’m just nursing my beer. There’s no chance in hell I’ll leave this place without her.

“Can I get you anything else?” she asks.

“I’m okay for now. When is your shift over?”

Her pretty eyes widen a fraction. “Closing time. Why?”

“I want to take you somewhere.”