Page 21 of More Than Words
I sat back in my chair and lifted my glass of pinot noir.If we didn’t change topics soon, I was definitely going to need another glass.
“He is pretty hot, don’t you think, Delaney?”
There was no way I was answering that.Especially considering I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Ethan and exactly how hot I thought he was, or how in recent days I’d become a lot less annoyed by him and had actually looked forward to bumping into him, or the quick exchanges we’d shared for planning the Books and Brews table we’d be hosting together in a few days.
“He’s not nearly as annoying as I used to think he was,” I said instead.
Kat laughed so loudly, the woman hosting trivia night shot us a dirty look.Clearly, our own efforts to win had been abandoned in favor of gossip.
“Ethan’s actually a great guy,” Avery said.“And an awesome dad.”
My smile was genuine.“Quinn is a great kid.She spends a lot of time in Plot Twist.”
“That’s what I hear.Reid told me she couldn’t stop talking about you and the books you’ve been lending her at their last ice cream date.”
That made me smile.“I really enjoy her.”
“What about her dad?”Kat asked with a cheeky grin.“Do you enjoy him, too?He’s very charming.”
“Ha.”I reached for more snacks.“He definitely is that.”
“You say that like it’s a problem.”Avery tilted her head in my direction.
I took my time chewing my snack before responding.It didn’t seem like the ladies were going to let this go.“It is,” I said after a moment.“The thing is, I don’t go in for that charming-and-knows-itkind of thing.Nothing good can come from a charmer.”
Lauren gave me a knowing nod.I hadn’t told her much of my history, but she knew enough.
“What do you go in for?”Kat grabbed a cracker from the plate.“I know we don’t know each other very well yet, but I don’t think I’ve heard about you dating since you moved to town.”
“Because I haven’t,” I said simply.“I’ve been there, done that.The whole long-term relationship and even marriage thing.Fool me once…” I shrugged before continuing.“I don’t feel the need to lose myself in some man, only to have my heart and my whole life smashed to pieces.No thanks.”
Kat let out a low whistle.
Avery grimaced.“Wow,” Avery said.“That’s actually kind of a cynical way to look at things.”
“Not cynical.”I drained the rest of my wine.“Just realistic.The shop is my focus right now.It’s more than enough.I like my life fine just the way it is, thank you.”
Lauren nudged me gently.“No one’s saying your life isn’t fine, Delaney.But it’s okay to be interested.Just because you had a bad experience doesn’t mean you should never trust again.”
I didn’t respond, and for a beat, no one pushed.
And then Kat said, “And who said anything about a relationship?Get that man into bed.”
“Kat!”
“What?”She held up her hands.“No woman should live without a healthy dose of orgasms.I bet Ethan could?—”
“Kat!”Avery cried again.“That’s my brother-in-law you’re talking about.”
She shrugged.“Just calling it like I see it.”She winked at me, and I laughed.
“You know, Delaney,” Avery said, ignoring Kat, “Ethan’s not a bad guy.I know he seems like a smooth-talking charmer, but I promise, he’s not like that.He’s solid.He’s had to be.”
Avery’s comment settled into the space between us.I actually couldn’t disagree with her.Ethanhadbeen showing up, at least when it came to our Books and Brews event.He was treating it seriously when I’d been worried he wouldn’t.
Even I had to admit that ever since our shared cookie, he’d been different toward me.
Or maybe it wasmewho had been different toward him.
