Page 30 of UnLucky Christmas
I lean back against my seat and pick up the menu. I’m trying to keep my cool, but I’m fired up.
Macy asks Grant about work, and he starts talking about a new acquisition his firm is working on. He’s obviously passionate about his job. I think this is the most I’ve heard him say since we met. I don’t say a word until the server arrives to take our orders.
“Did Whitney tell you we’re all going ice-skating this weekend?” Macy asks. “You should come.”
I smile through my teeth. There’s no way serious, uptight Grant will come ice-skating with us.
“As great as that sounds, I think I’ll pass.”
Ha, I knew it.
“Aw…that’s too bad,” I reply. “It’ll be tons of fun.”
Grant’s eyes lock on mine, and I feel a strange jolt through my body.What the hell was that?
Thankfully, Austin arrives in the nick of time. He gives me a high five and gives his wife a passionate kiss.
“Good to see you, brother, but you’re in my seat,” he says to Grant.
Crap. That means Grant will be sitting next to me.
“And you can take off the suit coat,” Austin says, patting him on the arm. “This isn’t a stuffy boardroom.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Macy says as she moves to let him out of the booth.
Grant shrugs nonchalantly. He must be so used to wearing the suit it doesn’t faze him. When he takes off his coat, I can’t help but notice the way his dress shirt stretches against his shoulders and chest muscles. I quickly look away before anyone notices that I was staring. He lays his coat down on the bench between us, and I catch a whiff of his cologne. Powerful and heavenly. I shift around uncomfortably in my seat. I must be losing it. Perhaps I should reconsider the wine or a martini.
“So, how is everyone this evening?” Austin asks. Macy has snuggled up right next to him.
“Good,” I say at the same time that Grant says, “great.”
“Whitney and Grant were the only two available to have dinner with us tonight.” Macy says.
My stomach twists into a knot. My lack of social life has sunk to Grant’s level. That’s not good.
Just then a server appears with two platters filled with bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and calamari.
“The manager wanted you to try some of our signature appetizers,” she says, waving her arm like she’s on a game show.
My mouth begins to water. Everything smells amazing—I may not have room in my stomach for my entrée.
Grant places a small plate in front of me, and we all start digging in. While we eat, Macy tells us about the chef and the inspiration behind opening this restaurant. It’s a fascinating story. The manager comes to check on us, and while she’s talking, I hear my phone buzzing, so I reach into my bag.
When I check my phone, I find a message from Chad.
Wish I could’ve joined you all tonight. Tell everyone I said hi. Have fun.
I should pass along his message, but I’m not sure I want to listen to Grant’s comments. Unless it bothers him that Chad is texting me, which would make it worth it.
“Chad just texted,” I announce after the manager wanders to the next table. “He says hi and sorry he can’t be here.”
I smile broadly and avoid making eye contact with Grant.
“Ooohh,” Macy squeals. “I had a feeling the two of you would hit it off.”
“Chad’s the sweetest,” Grant adds.
Austin rolls his eyes. “I wish you two would stop that. You’re putting me in a bad place, man. You’re my brother, and Chad is my friend. I refuse to choose between the two of you.”
