Page 16 of Wine and Research
“I’d better,” Evie said. “You’ve been ordering it for months now.”
“Why mess with a good thing?” She grinned and headed to the table where Sophia, Jenna, and Faith sat waving at her.
As she passed the bar, she nodded a greeting to Ryder, Scott, and Nico, and she wondered if Jeremy ever joined them. Her heart squeezed at the thought of the guy missing out on the comradery.
Even Elle, who tended to be a lone wolf, knew the benefits of hanging with easy-going people sometimes. It did the soul good, and there was nothing wrong with that on occasion.
“You seem like you’re in a good mood,” Faith said, as Elle settled into the vacant seat on her left.
The beautiful brunette with amazing green eyes was an incredibly talented sculptor and potter. Elle had wandered into the woman’s shop around the corner during her first month in town and fell in love with an exquisite bowl she had absolutely no use for but purchased anyway.
Its graceful curves and smooth contours formed a testament to Faith’s skill and artistry. Elle was a sucker for creativity, andshe admired the sense of character and presence of the piece. It reminded her of the natural beauty that surrounded her at the cabin, and she wanted something to take with her that would evoke memories of this place when she left.
Sophia cocked her head. “You get some writing done?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “Not a lot, but I’ll take it.”
Jenna poured her a glass of water from a pitcher and slid it to her. “Let me guess…a fight scene, since I heard you were stuck with my brother today.”
Jenna Mercer was another beautiful, creative soul, and Elle enjoyed her company. The pretty florist was sweet and funny and if it weren’t for her amazing blue eyes, Elle never would’ve pegged her as Jeremy’s sister.
Faith and Sophia laughed.
“Actually, it was more informational,” she said. “He actually let me tag along while he questioned people about the recent robberies.”
Jenna’s brows rose. “Really? We’re talking about the same Jeremy Mercer, right?”
She laughed. “Yeah, I know. I was shocked too.”
“You’re wearing him down,” Faith said with a grin.
Sophia nodded.
“Nah. Pretty sure it’s because of the mayor,” Elle stated. “Thankfully, she’s a fan and told them that last year when I ran into her at the precinct.”
Jenna shrugged. “Maybe, but I think it has more to do with the fact he likes you.”
The water Elle was sipping caught in her throat when she inhaled at Jenna’s words, and Jeremy’s earlier question flashed through her head.
Do you want to be friends, Elle?
It wasn’t so much the words but his tone. It was soft, intimate, promising…and a big part of her wanted to answer yes.
“All right, ladies,” Evie said, arriving with an electronic tablet in hand. “What can I get you?”
She breathed a sigh of relief. It was the second time that day she was saved from having to face her feelings for Jeremy.
“With the exception of you, Elle.” Evie smiled. “I already know what you want.”
Faith snickered. “Yeah, Jeremy.”
Sophia raised her brows and Jenna laughed.
“Sorry.” Evie wrinkled her nose. “But hot cop is not on the menu.”
“Neither is your brother or Scott,” Sophia said. “Otherwise, that would take care of Faith and Jenna’s orders, too.”
This time, Elle laughed.
