Page 10 of Winter's Surprise
Jake Smith: I got us a booth near the bar. Can’t wait to see you!
Michelle smiled at the message as she approached Hoppy’s. The warmth from the large fireplace in the front hit her immediately. She passed the busy hostess stand and moved toward the area closest to the bar. Scanning the crowd, she found him easily enough. His phone was on the table, but his eyes were on her the moment she came into view.
That GQ face she couldn’t seem to forget sent her a panty-dropping smile as he rose from his seat. He wore a simple, long-sleeve, gray Henley and dark wash jeans. Nothing special and yet he looked sexy in them.
“Michelle,” he said and pulled her into his arms.
There was no kiss, just a warm embrace before he helped her out of her coat. His eyes scanned her black sweater and skinny jeans before stepping back and letting her in to sit.
“Wow, you look amazing!”
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she told him, sneaking in another peek.
“I’m kind of feeling underdressed,” he said with a wink.
Michelle laughed. “Why? We kind of match. Jeans and sweaters.”
Jake looked at his own clothes before comparing. He chuckled before turning serious eyes on her. “Are you a peeping Tom? Maybe Ishouldhave shut the windows as I dressed.”
She swatted his arm as she laughed. “Shut up! I did not. Maybeyouwere the one peeking into my window?”
Their waiter stopped at the table with water, ending their easy banter. The man’s eyes lingered over her breasts, and she fought the urge to adjust her top. She glanced at Jake and saw a quick flash of annoyance.
“Do you know what you want to drink?” Jake asked her.
Michelle glanced from Jake to the waiter. “Glenfiddich, eighteen year neat, and a small cup with ice.”
“And I’ll have the Total Eclipse.”
The waiter took one last peek at her breasts before walking away. Jake turned his body toward her, and she noticed the slight frown on his face.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
His eyes darted away before locking onto hers. “I feel like I should be asking you that.”
She narrowed her eyes, crinkling the skin between her eyes. “Why?”
He shook his head and rubbed his hand over his face, clearly upset. “Never mind… So I wasn’t expecting you to be a single malt drinker.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Depends on my mood. Last night I enjoyed a glass of wine. What’s the Total Eclipse?”
“Well, that’s when the moon covers the sun, and we are left in the dark.” His tone was so serious, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“Duh, smartass. Although, I was asking about the drink.”
She caught sight of his charming smile once again. “Oh, that! It’s this yummy peanut butter, chocolate stout that they brew here.”
Michelle felt herself relax in his presence even when there was a lull in the conversation. They were talking about their favorite drinks when the waiter placed their glasses in front of them. Jake asked the waiter for more time while she scooted the whiskey and ice toward her.
She moved two cubes from the glass of ice and put it in the glass with her single malt. Jake’s eyes were trained on her hands, but all she could see was the agitation on his face.
“What did I do?” she asked.
“Huh? What?”
Michelle sat back and looked him over. “I don’t know. You look upset, and you weren’t a little while ago. Did I—”
“No!” Jake put his arm behind her, placed his leg on the bench, and faced her. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to come off as some possessive asshole. I mean, this is only our first date.”
