Page 48 of Wine and Research
“No thanks. I wouldn’t be good company. I’m going to finish eating then head home.” He set his hand over hers. “Go enjoy yourself.”
She stared at him for a few moments before she nodded. “Okay. But if you change your mind, or need…anything, just call.”
Damn. The unspoken offer he heard in her hesitation over the word “anything” nearly had him caving. But he’d meant what he’d said. He wouldn’t be good company, and she deserved to celebrate without his gloomy ass around.
Again, he nodded then removed his hand from hers to grab his drink. “Enjoy yourself.”
She opened her mouth as if to say something, then smiled instead as she stood. “Goodnight, Jeremy,” she said before walking back to her table.
Beer in hand, he found himself staring after her while pretending not to.
Yeah, he was treading a thin line heading to dangerous territory where they were concerned. He needed an intervention but no one he knew would ever do that. Hell, no. They’d sooner push him toward Elle.
He watched her laugh at something someone said and marveled at the way the red in her brown hair gleamed from the flames in the fireplace like a mesmerizing torch.
“Need another beer?” Ethan asked.
Jeremy blinked and turned back around to face his friend…and away from temptation. “No, thanks.”
“Didn’t think so, but here’s an iced tea for when you finish what’s in your hand.” His friend smiled, shoving the drink toward him.
He glanced down at the glass he was holding, noting it was almost empty. Damn, he hadn’t even realized he drank that much already.
Not good.
He needed to finish his food and get the hell out of there. It was a work night and tomorrow was a workday, and yet Jeremy kept hearing Elle’s unspoken offer in his head.
If you need…anything, just call.
A few weeks ago, that wouldn’t have been an issue. He never broke his rules.
But now, whether it was exhaustion, guilt over Owen, or memories of the way the beautiful woman made the world and all its problems disappear when he was in her arms, he feared his rules and logic no longer stood a chance against his fierce, unrelenting need for Elle.
Chapter Fifteen
Was it bad that Elle wanted to forgo her celebration dinner with her friends to be with Jeremy?
Undoubtedly, yes, on two levels.
One, it wasn’t fair to her friends. They’d insisted on treating her to this special “met your deadline” dinner, so she couldn’t just opt out as if it was just a normal girls’ night out.
And two, ditching them to be with Jeremy meant more than her body was involved. That crossed lines and broke rules, not only his, but also hers…and yet, she couldn’t stop thinking about him and the dark, forlorn look in his eyes.
She’d much rather see him angry, frustrated, hungry, or satisfied. Yeah, definitely the last one.
But what she’d seen in his amazing blue eyes was pain and guilt and an attempt at distancing himself from her.
Let him, her self-protecting side urged.It’s safer for him and you that way.
But was it the right way?
God, she didn’t know. She was so confused.
Her gaze kept wandering over to him, hoping he or fate would give her a sign as to which route to follow. But all she saw was his rigid spine, his unsmiling face, and his friends talking without him joining the conversation.
Her chest was too tight to tighten any more, so now her stomach was knotting.
“So, what are your plans for book two?” Sophia asked, regaining Elle’s attention.
