Page 20 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
“She’s coming back,” Austin said.
“Since I seated you, the main dining room might have filled up with the exception of the few reserved tables. She might not have a choice.” Boone cringed.
“I wish I had a cigar to light up and blow in her face,” Cinnamon said.
“I have one in my office, but unfortunately even the patio is nonsmoking. Otherwise, I’d give you one.” Boone leaned closer. “But if Paget knows I’m still sneaking them, she’ll have my head.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Cinnamon smiled.
Boone strolled back into the restaurant.
“He’s adorable.” Cinnamon winked.
“My jealous streak is coming out.” Austin tilted his head.
“Come on, are you telling me you’d kick him out of bed?”
“I don’t think anyone in their right mind would.” Austin raised his glass. “To Boone.”
She clanked her glass against his and then brought it to her lips. “Oh my God. We’re taking him home.”
“I don’t think his wife would like that.”
“She’s cute. She can come too.”
“I do have a thing for younger women.”
Cinnamon kicked him under the table.
“Ouch.” He winced. “You started it.”
“And I’m finishing it.” She plucked an onion ring from the plate. It had been months. No, years since she’d had this much fun. She only wished that Austin would stop glancing at the table where that woman had been seated.
Or that she could stop worrying about Pete.
She glanced over her shoulder.
The woman glared.
“What’s your problem?” Cinnamon asked, staring back, wondering where she’d gathered the courage to confront anyone about anything.
“Don’t,” Austin whispered. “It’s not worth it.”
The woman scoffed and lowered her gaze.
She’d lost her voice the day she married Pete. They’d go out in public and she’d never dare speak unless spoken to and only if Pete allowed it.
Never again would someone else tell her what to do or how to do it.
“No. I’m not going to sit here and let her judge you. Or me for that matter.”
Austin arched a brow. “This coming from the woman who’s been worried about what people think.”
“Yeah, seeing how she just looked at you made me realize that I shouldn’t care.” She pushed back her chair.
Austin jumped to his feet. “Cinnamon. Please, don’t cause a… do what you need to.” To his credit, he sat back down.
She marched herself over to the woman’s table. “Excuse me, ma’am. Do you have a problem with me or my date?”
