Page 60 of Rebel Spell
Great, I was doing such a bang-up job at acting that I couldn’t even keep a woman sitting across for me for two songs. The truth was I wanted to get out of there. So far, the night had provided no insight other than how I’d rather be at home with Nova than anywhere else.
She glanced at me from the opposite end of the room and tilted her eyes as if to ask what happened. I shrugged, like it was no big deal and then sipped my beer. She returned her attention to the person sitting across from her. Now that I didn’t have anyone to entertain with a half-hearted attempt at conversation, I could watch to see what was going on there.
Nova lowered her hand to the side of the table and then pointed at the man opposite her. She moved her hand back and forth pointing at him.
It had to be the guy. I pulled out my phone and texted Zoe.
She replied during the next song.In the middle of something. Will get there as soon as I can.
Nova
I found him. Inside I was doing a happy dance. This ridiculously hot guy with a strong jaw and piercing eyes had to be the one Gianna had spoken about. Diego didn’t look half as thrilled as I pointed him out. In fact, he was brooding at the bar. The woman who he’d been sitting with stood near a wall, focused on her phone. Guess they didn’t hit it off.
While a-ha’s “Take on Me” played, I learned that Andre, the guy I was there to find, was new in town.
“How did you find out about this club?”
He rubbed his nose. “Word of mouth, I believe.”
“Ah.” From whom? “My friend convinced me to sign up. She owns the club. Her name is Gianna.” I scanned him for any reaction.
Aside from a minor twitch in his jaw, nothing. Maybe I was barking up the wrong tree. I wasn’t any sort of sleuth, but figured if he’d met Gianna, he might show some sign of recognition. Oh well, might as well keep him talking to see if I could get any more information from him.
“Do you live nearby?” I asked in a casual tone.
“For the moment.”
That didn’t reveal much, so I prodded, “So you’re not planning on being around for long?”
He fixed his gaze on me. “I don’t usually stay in any one place for long.”
Hmm, then why would he be at date night? Oh duh, just to hook up.
“Does that mean you’re looking to make new—um—friends?” Ugh, why did I ask it like that? It sounded naïve.
“Yes.” He leaned back in his chair and flashed a decadent grin that I supposed was aimed to melt my panties off. “I would love to get friendly with you.” He reached across the table and stroked my hand.
Ick. Although I wanted to yank my hand back, I forced myself to play along. If I wasn’t able to get anything useful from this conversation, I could at least try to keep him interested in talking until Zoe came. Hopefully, Diego had understood my message and had texted her.
“I’d like that,” I lied.
“Perfect.” The smile morphed into a satisfied smirk. How did someone so attractive suddenly turn so unappealing?
I swore I could feel Diego’s burning stare.
Andre leaned forward. “I’d like to learn more about you.”
Ah, that was to be expected. I didn’t want to tell him too much, but had to keep the conversation going. I tilted my head and flashed what I hoped was a flirtatious smile. “Oh, really? What would you like to know?”
He stared at me for a few seconds, gaze raking down to my breasts before rising back to my face. “You mentioned that you’re new in town, as well. What brings you here?”
The muscles in my legs tensed. “Family.”
“Family?” he repeated in a way that prodded for more.
“Yes.” I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear and stole a quick glance at Diego.
He appeared to be paying close attention to me as he nursed a beer.
