Page 23 of More Than Words
“But I’m happy to try the beer.”She winked at me and poured herself a small sample.“Honestly,” Delaney said after taking a sip.“This wheel was a really good idea.I can’t believe how busy we’ve been today.This is nuts.”
“Are you saying that working with me was actually a good idea?”I wiggled my eyebrows, and she rolled her eyes.
“I’m just saying it hasn’t been as bad as I expected.”
“High praise.”My laughter was cut short by the arrival of a new customer at our table.
An outdoorsy-type man in his thirties, wearing a fleece vest and an easy grin that was aimed directly at Delaney.He had that casual, rugged charm that guys like him always seemed to wear like a second skin, and women seemed to find attractive.
“What do you recommend?”he asked her, not even glancing in my direction.
Delaney turned her attention to the man, and I instantly missed having her focus on me.“A book or a brew?”She smiled politely.
“Spin the wheel.”I motioned toward it, but he didn’t bother to take his gaze off Delaney.
“Actually, I think I know exactly what I’d like,” he said to Delaney, keeping his eyes locked on her.
I didn’t like it.I didn’t like him.
There was no logical reason for the flare of jealousy, but logic didn’t stand a chance against the green monster clawing up the back of my throat.Not that there was much I could do about it.Not without looking like a total jackass.
So I swallowed it down and focused on the couple approaching the table.
“Hey there,” I said, my voice tighter than I meant it to be.“Care to spin the wheel for a pairing?”
While they moved for the wheel, snippets of Delaney’s conversation reached my ears.
“I’m looking for something to take on a hike,” the guy said.“Something adventurous…and maybe someone to read it with me.”
Seriously?
Reluctantly, I turned back to my task, pouring a sample of the pilsner for the couple in front of me, but my hand wasn’t as steady as usual.Beer sloshed over the cup and onto the table, narrowly missing a stack of books.I muttered a curse and reached for a paper towel.
I caught Delaney’s response as I blotted up the mess.“I’m not much for the outdoors,” she said.“But I’m sure you’ll have a good time.”
The guy either didn’t notice or care.
I looked over in time to see Delaney hand him a book with a small, practiced smile that I noticed didn’t reach her eyes.
He finally moved on, and I exhaled.Delaney turned back to the table and raised her eyebrows at the mess I’d made.
“Everything okay over here, Ethan?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
She smirked.
“Was that true?”I asked before I could stop myself.“About you not liking the outdoors?”I’m not sure why it mattered so much, but I needed to know.
“Not at all.”Her eyes locked on mine.“I just didn’t want to encourage him.”
I blew out a breath.“Good.”
“Good?”She looked at me pointedly, but before I could say anything, Delaney added, “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”
“Wasn’t jealous,” I answered too quickly.“I just didn’t like the way he was looking at you like it was speed dating instead of a book table.”
Delaney shrugged and tossed her hair over her shoulder.“Maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing if someone did ask me out.”
