Page 49 of Kiss and Tell
But no. It was just Connor being himself. His usual gorgeous, breathtakingly handsome self. He’d worn a simple black t-shirt that showed off his arms and dark denim jeans that hung low on his hips. His hair was tousled, and I just knew he’d run a hand through it a few times and nothing more.
I had been around Connor so often I’d almost —almost— forgotten just how attractive he was. I forced myself to look at him through new eyes, remembering what I’d thought of him, how I’d reacted, when we’d first run into each other — literally.
When I recalled my own slack-jawed expression, I couldn’t fault the blond woman for her equally gape-mouthed face.
I did mind that she brushed me off in exchange for him. As Justine led Connor into the building, she practically let the door slam in my face.
“I’m so excited about this partnership.” Her gaze roved all over Connor’s body, drinking him in the way a starving jungle beast eyes its prey. “We’ve been wanting to get our products into more restaurants and retail establishments.”
“I’ve heard great things,” he said.
She made a sound of pleasure and placed her hand on his arm.
“I hope I can make a good impression on you,” she said with a note of flirtation in her voice.
Lips pursing, I trailed behind them as Justine gave us — or Connor, really—the tour, showing us the industrial area in the back where the beer was made, talking about the various methods they used to brew.
Every time I asked a question she turned to Connor as she answered. He looked down at her with that charming smile, not objecting whenever she rested a hand on his arm or shoulder.
I thought she might leave us alone when we got to the tasting, but she stayed close as one of the employees poured various kinds of beer into small glasses for us.
“Mmm,” Connor made a sound of pleasure and closed his eyes as he took his first sip. It was one of the most erotic sounds I’d heard from him, and it made my stomach muscles clench. “This one is amazing. There’s almost a hint of chocolate. How do you do it?”
I wasn’t the only one affected. Justine was almost panting as she answered him, explaining the process.
I hadn’t expected the tour to take as long as it did, but she seemed to be dragging things out. When, finally, there was nothing left to show us and no more questions to be asked, we ended the so-called meeting. There was a visible pout on Justine’s lips.
“It was very nice meeting you,” Connor said with a winning smile.
“Yes, it was. Very much so. I, um—” Justine seemed to dither, wringing her hands before continuing. “If you like, I can tell you more about the brewery. Over more drinks, maybe? My shift is over in an hour. There’s a great place nearby called Rooster that serves our beer. You could have more than just a small tasting.”
I gritted my teeth, trying not to grimace. Trying not to let jealousy well up inside me.
“Thank you for the offer, but I think we’ve learned everything we need to know.” Connor kept that pleasant expression on his face, showing neither a spark of interest nor irritation. “We’ll send you an email and we can work out the details some time this week.”
Justine’s face fell, her disappointment palpable. I couldn’t help but feel smug. Connor had turned her down. And he’d usedwe, including me in his brush off.
“We’ll be in touch,” he said as a final parting.
The minute the door closed behind us, Connor turned to me.
“You want to head over to that Rooster place?” he asked. “I’m starving.”
“I thought you told Justine you didn’t need to check it out?” I replied.
“Not with her,” he said.
My heart thumped a heavy beat.
We arrived at the restaurant, more of a local pub than anything, and took our seats at a booth in the corner. Connor ordered a pint of that chocolate tasting beer while I stuck to a more standard IPA.
“They really do have great beer,” Connor said. “Thanks for finding that place. Their products will be the most popular on the menu, I can guarantee it.”
“Speaking of menu…” I started.
“Back to work already?” Connor asked. “Let’s at least get a burger in our stomachs first.”
After examining the menu, I ordered the biggest one they had with a side order of fries and a basket of onion rings.
