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I’m amazed at how well I know this woman. I can tell her different kinds of smiles, and her different kinds of panic.
I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring look and indicated that we would talk about it later.
I’m sure she’s still distracted by that.
“James, will you excuse me? I need to run to the ladies’ room.” She’s already pushing her chair back and standing.
“Of course,” James says, coming partway to his feet.
“Thank you. Just be a minute.” Then she shoots me a look.
Clearly I’m supposed to come with her. To the ladies’ room. I sigh.
I wait until she’s out of sight, then I wipe my mouth and push my chair back, fishing my phone out of the inner pocket of my jacket.
My waitress is by my side immediately. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes. I just need to take this call. I’ll be back.”
She smiles. “I hope so.”
She’s been flirting all night. I give her a small smile that is friendly, but not encouraging. Then I head in the direction of the restaurant lobby with my phone to my ear. James knows I’m Linnea’s driver tonight, and I don’t want him to think anything strange is going on.
She’s standing outside the restrooms in the short hallway just around the corner from the lobby.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I don’t want to kiss him.”
I lift a brow. “Okay. You had to tell me this now?”
“Yes. Because I need to talk to him more about Canada. But I don’t want to go on another dinner date with him. And I don’t want to kiss him. So I wanted you to know so you can stop glaring at me.”
“I’m not glaring at you.”
“But you will when I start talking about Canada.”
I take a breath. Then nod. “Okay. Fine.”
I should not feel relief that she doesn’t want to kiss him. I should be frustrated. I should feel this is a setback.
I don’t.
“Also,” she says. She’s watching me, chewing on the inside of her cheek.
“What?”
“If he tries to kiss me later, how do I dodge that without offending him?”
“Just…turn your head so he hits your cheek,” I tell her. “Don’t pull back, but…you’ve had your cheek kissed a million times.”
“I have. But not by someone who was going for my mouth.”
I smile. “Fair enough. Just turn a bit.”
She steps closer to me. “Can I practice with you?”
Both of my brows lift. Then my eyes narrow. “Practiceavoidingmy kiss?”