Page 37 of Thanks for the Memories
Perfect.
He slides a chair over from a nearby empty table and sits down right between Bethany and me. His face is still red from his run, but he’s sprayed some kind of heavenly, intoxicating fragrance to mask the smell of his sweat.
“I went to Goldenfor the first time a few weeks ago.”
“And he didn’t like it,” I interject, rolling my eyes.
“Now, hold on, Blondie,” he says, patting my shoulder. His touch sends a current through my arm.
Settle down, Reagan. He’s your friend.
“I told you the ahi was good, but everything else was average.”
“Maybe you should come with us when we go,” Bethany suggests, pushing her hair behind her shoulder. “You could give it another try. Our friend Dante is really a great chef.”
Jeremy rolls his eyes. “Not you too. I have to admit I’m a little jealous of Chef Dante.”
Ah, maybe Gabby was right about him being jealous of Dante.
Regardless, between Kennedy and Jeremy, I’m going to have to do some explaining to Bethany. If she hasn’t already, she’s going to figure out that my ancient crush on Dante hasn’t exactly disappeared with age.
The server interrupts our conversation to deliver our food. She asks Jeremy if he wants to order.
“No, thanks. I’m not staying.”
“Yes, you are,” Kennedy demands.
His eyes grow wide.
“Sorry, just ignore her. She thinks she’s the boss of everyone,” I tell him. “Now you know what I’ve had to live with my whole life.”
He laughs. “I’ll only stay if you want me too, Blondie. You’re supposed to be on vacation away from work and me.”
Kennedy and Bethany are watching for my reaction. And it could be my imagination, but I think I see Bethany frown.
“It’s up to Bethany because she’s my guest. We’re supposed to be spending this time together.”
First my sister crashes our day, and now Jeremy. I can understand why she’d be irritated.
“I don’t mind him staying at all,” she says, placing her hand on his bicep.
Another sting of jealousy shoots through me.
“Good. Because I’m starved,” he announces.
“Didn’t you go to Donut Giant this morning?” I ask.
“Of course. But those are long gone.”
Ugh. It’s seriously not fair.
The remainder of our breakfast goes off without a hitch. Thankfully, everyone abandons the conversation of Dante. Bethany talks about life back in Chicago, and Jeremy and I share a few work stories. By the time we finish eating, Bethany and Kennedy are talking about her surgeon again and looking at his website.
“Thanks for letting me crash,” Jeremy whispers, leaning into me. “It was a nice surprise to see you today.”
“You too,” I say. Our eyes lock, but neither of us says anything. There’s definitely a different chemistry flowing between us. Perhaps there is some truth behind Amanda’s theory.
The nickname, the playful banter, the snarky comments about Dante. I guess I’ve completely missed what’s been building between us.Is this what Gabby meant by a slow burn?
