Page 24 of Surrender
Even if it meant she had to witness him being all gooey with someone in her pub.
“Soph?”
“Hm?”
“I asked what’s up. You feeling okay?”
“Sorry, I was... never mind.” Deep breath. “All right, listen. There’s a woman out there.”
Keefe waited for more. When nothing came, he raised an eyebrow. “So?”
“Make her order extra special.”
He looked at the ticket. “How exactly am I supposed to make a salad and game pie extra special? Sprinkle it with diamonds?”
Sophie gave him the look. The one that said: shut up and read my mind.
Unfortunately, their twin telepathy had taken the day off. She resorted to jerking her head toward the dining room like she was trying to pop her own neck.
“Wait... you mean she’s?—”
Thank God he caught on.
“Yep.”
“You’re telling me... you actually found someone?”
Sophie nodded solemnly. “She’s everything you’re looking for and she’s sitting at the bar.”
He stared at her like she’d grown a second head. “Well, crap. I wasn’t prepared for this.”
“Extra special, remember?”
“On it. And how about I serve it myself and introduce myself?”
“Excellent idea.” Sophie gave him a salute and backed toward the exit. “Bye!”
“Just a sec. Why didn’t you just have me go out front and spot her myself? If she’s so perfect for me,” he shrugged with a smirk, “seems like I would find her.”
Sophie’s mouth fell open. Why hadn’t she thought of that? It certainly would have spared her this beyond awkward conversation. “Shut. Up.” And with that she stepped out the back door.
“Wait—where are you going?”
“Fresh air. Or I’m going to puke. Could go either way.”
Keefe laughed as he turned to the stove.
“Hey, Soph?”
“Yes?” she glanced over her shoulder.
“Thanks.”
“Just shut up and let me go outside, would you please?”
As Sophie disappeared through the swinging door, Keefe leaned on the counter and considered the challenge: make Gwen’s salad extra special.
How the hell did you fancy up a pile of lettuce?
