Page 37 of Fighting Words

“You should have told me.”

“You were busy.”

Need I remind him of the rocks? Just how many did he stack today instead of working on his manuscript?

Nate’s jaw ticks, and I can tell I’m frustrating him. Big deal! It’s not like it’s hard. Every minute of every day I seem to frustrate him. My mere existence is enough to send him over the edge.

“Next time, I’ll let you know,” I tack on, aware of the group heading back this way. I want to resolve things as best as possible or the rest of this evening is going to be horrible. You know, more than it already has been.

While we settle in and wait for our food, Mike throws his arm over the back of Freya’s chair in a quiet claim. She smiles and he winks before leaning in to kiss her on the side of the mouth.

I love how relaxed they are with each other. I’ve been around loving partners before, of course. Emma and Lincoln are so restrained though. Even my parents are pretty careful about PDA, and Andrew? Ha. I can’t recall himeverkissing me in public.

Would I evenwanthim to?

My gaze slips to Nate’s profile. He’s looking out the window at the snow that’s coming down again. We’ve been without it for all of half a day and now it’s back with a vengeance.

“Did you get a haircut, Nathaniel?” Alice asks, drawing his attention back to the group.

“This morning” is all Nate says in reply, his gaze holding mine only for a brief moment. Maybe he doesn’t want to admit that he let me cut it. Who knows how this group would react tothatrevelation. I’m sure Mike would have a comment or two.

“’Bout time,” Mike adds with a chuckle.

Oliver turns to me and smiles, leaning in close while the group moves on to talking about something else.

“He’s not usually like this.”

My raised brow gives away how little I believe that.

“Not this quiet, I mean.”

I must bring it out of him, I think. Oh joy.

Plates arrive from the kitchen, and I was half-right to expect all the standard pub food, but it’s been done with a twist. Fish and chips, venison steak, butternut squash risotto—all plated to perfection as if we’re being served in a Michelin-starred restaurant. What kind of foodie rabbit hole have I fallen into? Alice got the vegan ragu with aubergine and green lentils, and it looks like a work of art on her plate.

She notices my reaction, namely the fact that my mouth is opening and closing like a guppy.

“On top of Sedbergh being a Book Town, it’s also known for a few special restaurants.”

“This is one of them. The tourists demanded it,” Oliver says, his mouth full of steak. “They wanted nice places to eat at while they’re here for the festivals.”

“During the winter months, they work on their tasting menus,” Freya adds.

“And we get to be the lucky blokes who try it all out. You going to eat that?” Mike asks, already aiming his fork at Oliver’s meal.

Oliver picks up his plate before Mike can reach it. “Mate, I will stab your hand if you get any closer.”

“Oy! Don’t be stingy.”

“Eat your own sodding food!”

Nate ordered me the lamb shank, which, according to the menu (I review it because I want to know what I’m about to eat) comes with carrot, swede & celeriac puree, and red wine jus. He ordered the same thing for himself, and for the first time all night, he’s not shy about looking at me. He keeps careful watch as I take my first bite.

The words “Oh my god” come sputtering out of my mouth before I’ve even swallowed.

He nods. “It’s good, right?”

“Heaven! This isheaven!”

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