Page 28 of Love on the Line

“It’s cozy in here. I like it.” Anne glanced around. It did remind her of the Corner Bar. Booths lined the perimeter, with wooden high tables scattered around the central bar.

All the tables had condiment caddies next to mason jars filled with pink and red carnations. Most of the guys wore denim or flannel shirts and jeans. Anything went for the women, from dressed up to casual.

“Hey Wyatt.” A striking redhead in a black hip-hugging dress stopped on her way past their table. She gave Anne a cursory look and then focused back on Wyatt. In a low voice, she all but purred, “Where’ve you been hiding?”

Wyatt inched his chair away from her and shrugged. “I haven’t been out much.”

“Time to rectify that.” She leaned over, whispered something in his ear, and then sauntered off toward the bar.

Anne’s blood heated. Unbelievable. Did anyone care that he was with her?

“Sorry.” Wyatt winced and blew out a breath.

She had a choice to make. Sit there and fume, or let it go and try to have fun. It’s not like Wyatt had sought out the redhead. “Don’t worry about it.”

Their waitress arrived carrying baskets loaded with fries and burgers. Anne leaned back to make room. As they ate, the band came in and started setting up. Wyatt glanced in their direction. “I’ll introduce you to them when we’re done.”

“Okay.” Anne drenched a fry in ketchup. “This is pretty good food.”

“Glad you like it. And thanks for coming.” He covered her hand with his.

Her fingertips tingled under his touch, and she gazed into his deep-green eyes. A girl could get lost in them.

He brought her hand to his lips, keeping eye contact. She swallowed hard.

“Maybe they’ll play a slow song, and we can dance?” His breath tickled her fingers.

“I’d like that.” More than he could possibly know.

After they finished eating, Wyatt paid the bill and pointed across the room. “You want to meet the band?”

“Okay.”

They grabbed their beers and snaked through the place, crossing a small dance floor in front of the stage. When Wyatt walked up, a thin guy in a cowboy hat let his guitar slide down as he held out a hand. Wyatt introduced him as Pete, the drummer as Brian, and the bass player as Dan.

“You got quite a crowd already,” Wyatt said.

Pete nodded. “I know. This is a good chance for us.”

“I’m sure you can use the money with a baby coming.”

A baby? Anne’s gaze flew back to Pete. He’d be around Wyatt’s age since they’d been in college together.

“How’s Sophia doing anyway?” asked Wyatt.

“Great. Big as a house and cranky as a bear.” Pete shook his head. “Three weeks to go. I may play a lot of gigs until then.”

Dan snorted. “Right. You’ve checked your phone every five minutes since we got here.”

“I better let you get warmed up.” Wyatt said. “We’ll catch you on your break.”

“Sounds good.” Pete went back to tuning his guitar, and the other guys gave a quick wave.

“Let’s see if we can find some seats.” Wyatt led her through the mob, and they stood by the bar for a while until a couple finally left.

Anne sat when he held out the chair. “Pete’s wife’s having a baby, huh?”

“Yeah. He and Sophia have been married for three years.” Wyatt took a swig of beer.

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