Page 36 of Hit the Ground
“I hope it does too.”
She fell silent beside me, and for the first time since she’d sat down, the narrow space between us felt wide and empty.
I didn’t know what I felt exactly, but I knew I didn’t like it. Not any of it.
Chapter Twelve
Alice
I’dstayedtoolongat the robotics competition, and now I was late. I rushed into the restaurant—really, more of a bar than I’d been expecting—crossing my fingers my lip gloss wasn’t smeared on my teeth and my mascara hadn’t smudged in my haste to apply it.
I found my date at the bar, looking exactly like his pictures.
Tall and rangy, James looked good in Wranglers and a T-shirt. In the back of my mind, I noted he hadn’t dressed up for the occasion, but I set those judgmental thoughts aside. He might’ve been in as big of a rush as I had.
He grinned when he saw me and slid off his stool to pull me into a hug. His shirt clung to his overly warm back, and the sharp scent of his cologne mixed with something musky—like he’d been working all day and had sprayed himself without showering first.
“Glad you made it, Alice.” His arms stayed around me too long, pressing me against him. I leaned back to create space, and even then, he didn’t let go right away.
“Yeah, sorry I’m late.” I laughed lightly, trying to shift the awkwardness aside. “The day got away from me.”
He finally let me go to pick up his drink and take a long pull. “Let’s order you a drink. Mind if we sit at the bar? We can eat dinner and watch the game.”
If I had an objection, it didn’t matter. James pulled out the stool next to his and gave it a pat. I guessed we were eating dinner at the bar. At least if we ran out of things to talk about, the game was on to fill the void. I could be a good sport.
“What do you want to drink?” James tipped into my space.
“I think I’ll just have a Coke.” My stomach was already a mix of nerves and trepidation. Adding alcohol didn’t seem like the best move.
James was having none of it. He flagged down the bartender and ordered my Coke with a generous serving of rum. When it arrived, I laughed it off and took a sip. One cocktail wouldn’t hurt, I supposed.
There was nothing about this man I liked, but he seemed to like me just fine. Five minutes after meeting, he’d rested his hand on my knee, squeezing every so often like he needed to remind me he was there. When our food finally came, he slid his barstool closer, his thigh pressing firmly against mine.
“You’re so pretty,” he said, leaning in close enough I could smell the beer and onions on his breath. “Way prettier than your pictures.”
“Thanks.” I tried to scoot away without drawing attention, but my stool was stuck to the sticky floor, so I ended up tilting my upper body at a forty-five-degree angle.
Forcing a smile, I pushed a fry through a puddle of ketchup. Maybe he was a little drunk. Maybe my urge to flee was an overreaction.
“So, what do you do again?” he asked around a mouthful of food, his other hand brushing against my waist.
“I’m a librarian.”
“That’s sexy. I bet you know how to be nice and quiet.” His eyes flicked up and down my body. “Until it’s time to get loud.”
I swallowed hard, setting my half-eaten burger back on the plate. “I’m going to run to the restroom.”
He pouted, leaning back on his stool and spreading his legs. “Don’t worry. I’ll guard your dinner and drink with my life.”
I muttered a thanks then rushed by him as fast as I could without making a scene.
The restroom wasn’t the most sanitary, but I was grateful for the moment of solitude. I washed my hands, staring at my reflection under the harsh fluorescent lights. My cheeks were pale, my eyes tired.I should leave.The thought pulsed through me with every beat of my heart. I couldn’t think of a single reason to stay. James wasn’t concerned about my feelings, so why should I worry I might hurt his by cutting this date short?
I took a deep breath and walked back out, my purse clutched tight against my side, the half a hamburger I’d eaten sitting like lead in my stomach.
“There she is.” James grinned happily when I reached him, patting my stool. “Sit, finish your dinner and Coke.”
“Actually, I think I should head home. I’m not feeling great.”
