Page 19 of Fairy Tale Lies
La Mejor Cominda’s décor wasn’t much. Formica tables with small cacti centerpieces and booths with green, red, and white upholstered seating. On the walls hung festive Day of the Dead masks and frames. The furnishings weren’t what filled the restaurant to maximum capacity. The exceptional tacos and mojitos brought in the crowds.
Too bad the delicious food was wasted on Greta. She couldn’t focus on anything but the man who just vacated the seat across from her. She’d hoped spending long hours at work with Jacob would dull his allure. So far, no such luck. She was drawn to him, maybe even more than when they first met.
She should’ve learned her lesson with Blake. Apparently, she had a taste for men who were nothing but trouble. Her ex-fiancé looked like the perfect package on the outside, but he was rotten on the inside. Jacob had the bad-boy aura that some women flocked to, but it wasn’t what she usually liked.
Maybe she was attracted to mistakes.
Her mom always said Greta couldn’t make a good choice without her guidance. Then again, Mother had picked and still loved Blake, so who knew?
Speaking of women flocking to a bad-boy, Greta wasn’t the only one admiring Jacob. He’d excused himself from the table, wanting to wash his hands. As he made his way back from the restroom, several women ogled him with open interest, leaving Greta to wonder how the constant attention affected his character. If dating and sex were easy for him, did it hold any importance? She had to consider he might not have found their time together as liberating and exhilarating as her. For him, their afternoon could have been nothing more than ordinary, everyday fun.
Didn’t matter. They were temporary work colleagues. Nothing more.
Rae nudged Greta with her elbow. “Was your lunch bad?” Her gaze followed Greta’s. “Or is your sour expression from thinking dark thoughts concerning our newest client?”
They watched him stride through the restaurant, scooting between two tables, making his way to them. A woman’s hand darted out, wrapping around his wrist, stopping his progress.
Rae scoffed. “Wonder what that’s about.”
“If I were to guess, I’d say the woman is hitting on him.” Greta dragged her gaze from Jacob, watching Allen take his seat from across her and Rae. “Did you have any problems putting the lunch on Swift’s account?”
He shook his head.
Rae ignored them both, watching the interaction between Jacob and the woman. “It’d be tough dating a man like him. Women are drawn to him. He’s got that appeal, and it’s more than his looks.”
“Maybe he just knows how to play them,” Greta replied tartly, wondering if she’d been a game to him.
“I agree,” Allen interjected, making a grab for Rae’s lone chimichanga. “Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy, but he’s, without a doubt, a player.”
Watching Jacob incline his head toward the attractive redhead, a gorgeous smile playing on his lips, Greta had to agree.
Rae laughed and swatted Allen’s hand away. “Whatever, you’re only agreeing because you don’t like competition. And you sure have it. Jacob has his sights on our girl.”
Her stomach dropped. Rae would never betray her confidences and tell Allen about Greta’s past with Jacob. It was Jacob’s possible interest that made her heart beat faster, waking that reckless side she needed to suppress.
Needing to change the direction of the conversation before Rae accidentally let something slip, Greta said, “It doesn’t matter. I’m not interested. We’re acquaintances and barely know each other. We have nothing in common.”
She was protesting too much and needed to stop. Was she trying to convince them, or herself?
“Yeah, Rae. Get with the program. She only wants me.” Allen wiggled his eyebrows at Greta.
She laughed, glancing at Jacob, sliding in next to Allen.
“Who wants you?” he asked Allen. “I noticed the blue-haired grandma two tables over eyeing you. Is it her?”
Allen snorted. “Who can blame her? The ladies love me. However, I was referring to Greta.”
Anger flared in Jacob’s eyes, but his tone was mild. “You wish. You’re not what she wants.” He gave a cocky grin, saying no more.
Thank God.
“Okay, you two. Let’s not start this again. The only thing I’m interested in is getting back to work,” Greta said firmly.
Though, to be honest, she found Jacob’s reaction extremely gratifying. Did it mean he also felt the pull of temptation, like her?
Chapter Six
“Okay, I’m done.” Allen shut down his workstation and stood. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
