Page 63 of Hooking Up

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"Hmm?"

"Candles. Flowers." She nods to the vase with a single rose on the side of the table. "Outdoor atmosphere."

"Yeah?"

"Romantic."

I shake my head. "All the places around here are like this."

"Perfect for a date?"

"Homey."

Her eyes meet mine. "I was going to ask about that."

I arch a brow.

"This neighborhood is all families."

"And?"

"And you're not exactly that type of guy."

"You're stereotyping me again."

She laughs. "Yeah. A little." She picks up her menu and runs her fingers over its edges. "But still. You could live in Venice Beach. Closer to the shop."

"It's more expensive there."

"Is that it?"

"Mostly." I like being this close to the beach. And far away from everyone else. And, hell, I like the quiet. There's enough noise at the shop all day.

She turns her gaze to her menu. Presses her lips together. "You think it has something to do with growing up in Beverly Hills?"

Probably. I'm used to this kind of suburban paradise in the city, families and expensive cars everywhere. But I'm notthatfar into Santa Monica. My building is all young professionals and artists. Well, artists who can afford the obscene rent.

"Shit." She bites her lip. "I'm doing it again."

"Iris the shrink."

"At least I caught it." She closes her menu, sets it on the table, and looks to me. "No more. I promise."

"I don't believe you."

"You shouldn't. I will. I'm awful."

"You are." I lean a little closer. The moonlight brings out her blue eyes. "But I like it."

She draws circles on the menu with her pointer finger. "I'll tone it down. I swear."

I lean back. "We'll see."

"Yeah." She copies my posture. Hangs her arm over her chair. Adopts a disaffected expression.

My laugh feels fuller than usual. "You really nail me."

"It's the other way around."

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