Page 35 of Racing Heat

“Well, she’s certainly friendly,” I remark.

Jase chuckles. “Yeah, the service here is really great.”

“I’m sure it is.” I shake my head.

“I’m going to hit the bathroom real quick,” Hendrix says, exiting the booth and leaving us alone.

“Jealous?” he asks me.

I can’t help but notice the casual way he’s draped over the booth. The ease in which he’s smiling at him. I really wish I could go over there and straddle him, getting another one of those mind-blowing kisses from this morning.

“She’s not the one I’m looking at, if it helps you,” he adds.

“Who are you looking at?” I ask him, my throat going dry. I instantly wish that my water was here so that I could have a sip.

“I think you know who I’m looking at.”

“Yeah, I’m just not sure why.” I lean back into the booth and watch him.

“If I have to spell it out for you, then you’re not as bright as I thought you were.”

Hendrix chooses that moment to come back, and of course the spell of whatever was happening here is broken. I wish she hadn’t come back yet. I would have loved to actually have a conversation with him about this morning. Is he wanting to start something with me? It’s wrong and we shouldn’t…but I really want to, consequences be damned.

“What are we talking about?” Hendrix asks, looking between the two of us.

“Nothing,” we answer in unison.

“That was weird,” she mutters. “Something you’re hiding from me?”

Luckily, the waitress is back to flirt with Jase some more, so there’s no need for either of us to answer that question. Jase bumps my foot underneath the table while she talks to him.

“Here are your drinks.” Her eyes are only on Jase as the waters are placed in front of Hendrix and me. His coke is placed in front of him as she leans in. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

“Nope. Just our meals when they’re ready.” Jase grins widely at her, which she apparently takes as encouragement.

“Gretchen, is it?” I ask, looking at her name tag.

“Yeah.” She doesn’t even acknowledge that it’s me who’s spoken. Her eyes are still on Jase’s.

“We’re good. You can head on to the back or wherever it is that you go. We’ll let you know when we need refills or anything else.” My tone is sharp.

Hendrix snickers beside me, and Jase’s eyes snap to mine. I can’t be certain, but for a split second, I think pride flashes in his brown eyes before he turns back to Gretchen.

“Thanks, we’re good,” he tells her.

That causes her to scurry away.

“God, she was all over you,” Hendrix comments with a shake of her head.

“I think it’s the accent. Most women find it sexy.” He winks at me.

“I’m not really sure why,” I reply.

Jase throws his head back, laughing. “Thanks for humbling me.”

We fall into small talk about the upcoming game against Kansas City.

“I think we have a good shot at beating them,” Hendrix says. “A few of their starters are experiencing injuries, so that will work out well in our favor.”