Page 50 of Just a Plot Twist
“They’re closing up now. Do you need something?”
“Just hoping to snag a couple burgers, but it’s okay. We’ll go by there another time.” A dash of disappointment hits my gut.
“Did you say acoupleof burgers? Either you’re really hungry or you’re with someone.” The lilt of teasing in Sebastian’s voice is not characteristic at all. He’s usually very hands-off when it comes to people’s dating lives.
“Careful. You’re on speaker,” I warn him. My gaze darts over to Claire just in time to catch a bemused smile.
I can’t help smiling, too. Tonight wasn’t what I expected. Tonight was supposed to be about chilling at home and keeping Cinnamon in line. But Claire took up most of my brain capacity. I hadfunwith her. It’s too bad she reinjured her ankle, but the rest of it was great, even the near-death experience with the swans.
I’ve been lonely since the divorce. I can admit having a dog around has helped that a little. Tonight with Claire is a break from the solitude…something I didn’t know I needed.
I’m out of practice with dating and most social scenes. But being around Claire is easy. Effortless. Despite the falls—both of them—I loved cradling her in my arms.
“I’m at home,” Sebastian says through the car speakers. “But I’ll send Drake over with some burgers from The Summit. Daria won’t mind making a couple more. They haven’t started cleaning up yet.”
Drake’s only job was taking care of Sebastian’s nutritional needs—one of the few splurges in employees he had. But ever since he married Elianna, they haven’t needed Drake as much. Sebastian still keeps him at the resort for emergencies in the evenings, though.
“You’d do that for us?” I ask him.
“Yep.”
Claire pumps her fist silently and grins.
“Thanks so much. Would he mind bringing us a bag of ice, like an ice pack?” I ask.
“What happened?” Sebastian’s voice grows dark.
“It has to do with a minor injury. It’s fine.” I glance at Claire. “Would it be too much to ask Drake to bring the food and the ice pack out to the car? I’ll be parked near the beach on the south side of the lake.”
“That’s not a problem. He can do that.” There’s a beat, and then Sebastian’s tone of voice is both teasing and proud of himself. “And I’m not even going to ask you who you’re with tonight.”
Claire snorts a laugh and I rush to cover her mouth. “Shhh,” I urge. The fewer people who know who I’m with, the better. The family has a tendency to pry and make assumptions. And this isn’t what it looks like.
Or is it?
A lot of people witnessed me carrying her out of the ballroom, it’s only a matter of time until Sebastian finds out, too.
We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
For now I’m going to enjoy a nice meal with Claire.
Chapter 17
Claire
Melty, velvety cheese sauce passes my lips, and I can’t stop the groan. It’s inevitable. No use fighting it.
Benson’s gaze darts to mine. He heard me, huh?
I rest my burger on the napkins spread out on my lap and use another napkin to wipe my mouth. I’ve got to rein it in. I’m pretty sure I was eating like a two-year-old.
But Benson just smiles and nods as he takes another bite.
I almost asked him to take me home, and I’d worry about getting my car later. He’s right when he says I need to elevate my ankle and take it easy. But I’m not ready to go hang out at my place with him. And I’m really not ready to say goodbye for the night.
“Burgers, man. Burgers. Are. Life,” I say, once I’ve chewed and swallowed. “Bless those chefs at The Summit.”
He swallows. “Bless Drake.”
