Page 50 of Running with Direwolves
The conversation moved through the weather, the range of ales the pub sold and the music playing through small speakers attached to the wall. When Jenna had finished herdrink, Seb nodded at her empty glass. “Can I buy you another?”
She hesitated. This was a deciding moment. She could make her excuses and leave, send Seb on his way, or continue to enjoy his company for a while longer.
What have I got to lose?
Soon it would be work, work, work. She might as well have a hot bloke to chat to. It could even give her something to daydream about when she got to Iraq—if she ever had a free moment that was.
“Sure. But a glass of red wine, please.” She set her palm on her stomach. “Too much beer makes me gassy.”
He grinned and let his dark gaze slide down her body. “Wouldn’t want that.”
He stood and walked to the bar and she silently berated herself for using the word ‘gassy’. She’d obviously spent too long hanging out with people who thought nothing of going into detail about bodily functions.
It was dark outside and a small chill coming from the window had her reaching for her cardigan.
Seb returned holding a bottle of red wine and two glasses. “I figured we’re both past driving,” he said. “So I bought a bottle, better value.”
“Oh, okay.” Clever guy, he’d done more than buy a bottle, he’d bought at least two drinks with her. She had to admire his strategic planning of the evening.
As Seb began to chat about a trek he’d done in the Welsh mountains, she wondered if he wanted more than a drink and her company. Was he hoping for a kiss … sex?
And if so would she be up for it?
“The Brecon Beacons sound isolated,” she said when he’d told her he’d walked all day without seeing another soul.
“Yes, they are. Good for training.”
“Training?”
“Er, yeah.” He paused. “Fitness and that.”
“You like to keep fit?”
He smiled and took a sip of his wine. “I try.” He nodded at her drink. “Do you like the Malbec?”
“Yes, it’s delicious. Fruity.”
“Can’t go wrong with Argentinian red.”
“You know your wines, Seb?”
“A bit.”
“Do you have a favorite? A type you always go for?”
He leaned a little closer and his eyes sparkled. She caught a whiff of his slightly spiced cologne. “I like full-bodied, something with a rich, sensual flavor, long legs are always good, too, shows quality.” He licked his lips, leaving a slight sheen there, and appeared to hold back a grin.
A small thrill tightened her stomach. A man who could indulge in a bit of intellectual banter had always appealed to her. “Long legs?”
“Yes, on the side of the glass.” He held his up and swirled the wine. “Here, look, see these streaks. That’s the legs, shows alcohol content and quality.”
“I learn something new every day.” She copied his action with her own glass and studied the stripes slipping downward.
He took a sip of his wine and something flashed over his eyes as he stared into hers.
She mimicked his action and held his eye contact.
She’d bet good money he was thinking of sex—and that he was wondering about suggesting they get down and dirty together once they’d finished their drinks.
Far from feeling offended that he thought she’d be up for a one-night stand, she appreciated being able to guess what he was thinking. He could have hidden it if he’d wanted to, but he hadn’t. Seb was clearly an upfront kind of guy. Told it as it was and what you saw was what you got.
Much like her.
Okay, so she hadn’t told him she was in the army, or that she was heading off the next day for several months on duty. But what did that matter? What he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him or worry him.
And the last thing she needed in her life was a man worrying about her. She had enough on her plate to contend with. Jenna was a woman in control of her own destiny and made her own choices.
And right now, she hoped to soon be getting the chance to make a rather delicious choice regarding her nighttime entertainment.
End of sample chapter
