Page 11 of The Book Signing

I let out a resigned sigh and lean back. “Sorry, just disregard my snootiness. I’ve, uh, had a shitty morning and I’m starving.”

He chuckles and puts the menu aside on the table. “I see. You’ve got a case of the Hangries.”

Be nice Abigail, he’s just teasing.

“Yep, you got me. Hangry. Haven’t eaten since early this morning. Just coffee. Well, if that’s what it’s called. It got cold by the time I drank it. Thanks to someone.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “You know, it wouldn’t have gone cold if you didn’t hurl insults at me.”

I grit my teeth. “You know, you could have just stopped teasing me about my hair color? Or nail polish? Or whatever happened this morning? Especially mentioning it in public!” Regret unfurls at my decision to let him sit here.

Rubbing his neck, he quietens down and says, “Sorry. I rarely tease and taunt like this, but you bring it out of me.” His contemplative expression suddenly changes as he clears his throat and looks back down at the menu. “My name is Jaxon, by the way. I’m here for the North Queensland Writer’s Festival.”

“I’m Abigail Rosens. I’m here for the event, too.”

“Nice. Didn’t think I’d meet another Chicagoan on this trip.” Jaxon says, quirking his lips. “I picked up your accent immediately.”

As irritating as he can be, a laugh vibrates from my chest.

“We’re not a rare species, Jaxon.”

Before he responds, the waitress finally approaches the table and sets down a jug of water and two glasses, along with extra cutlery for Jaxon. She then smiles and looks at us. “Are you going to order from the menu or happy to go with the buffet?”

“I think the menu is good, thanks.” I open my mouth to order, but Jaxon beats me to it and perks up. “Yes, thanks. Could I please have the chicken parmigiana?” Then turns to me and says, “and what about you?”

I clear my throat. “Please make that two.”

“Want to swap potato fries for sweet potato fries?”

Yep, must be some kind of mind reading demon.

“Sounds good.” I keep my tone casual but quietly salivating on the inside. The waitress nods and notes down our order, then takes the menus Ihave ready to hand her. She smiles warmly before leaving the table.

An awkward silence creeps up as he pours the water into my glass and then his. It seems like neither of us knows what to say. He taunts me and I snap at him. I don’t think we can help ourselves too.

“Thanks,” I say as I take hold of the glass and have a sip. Leaning back, I gaze out of the large windows that surround the restaurant. My eyes roam over the trees, bush land, private beach, and the bungalows with their spacious balconies.

However, my gaze stops at a particular balcony. I try to glance discreetly over at Jaxon, hoping he is looking somewhere else, but his eyes catch mine.

Dammit.

“Stop it,” I blurt as I avoid looking at his cheeky grin, feeling the heat in my cheeks grow as I remember his amazing ass. How sculpted the planes of his back and shoulders were.

“I’m not doing anything. It’s all you’re doing.” He leans forward and rests his chin on his hands.

“Maybe you ought to use your drapes properly,” I snap.

He laughs and shakes his head. “You know, you turn into this hot firecracker when you get frustrated.”

Before either of us could say anything more, a waiter appears with our dishes and places them in front of us. “Please let me know if there is anything you need.” He bows, then leaves the table.

Jaxon laughs and quirks his eyebrow at me. “Did he really just bow?”

I roll my eyes despite my growing smile. “Maybe they just have good manners in Australia. Or perhaps he just knows what manners are.”

“Sure, sure,” he says and then digs into his chicken parmigiana.

I follow suit, and when I put the first forkful in my mouth, I can’t help closing my eyelids and moan. It’s so tender, and the sauce is amazing. My taste buds are doing a happy dance.

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