Page 14

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“What do you think?” I ask Badger after two waiters help me hang the multicolored and covered in tiny, mirrored tiles swordfish, right by the entrance.

After my second unexpected encounter with Jasper today, I brought the fish straight to the restaurant, then went home. I came in an hour early just to make sure it would be up by the time “the man who doesn’t like color” arrives, at eight.

It’s my way of saying I couldn’t care less about his opinion.

“If I’m honest, is that going to affect how much you love me?” Badger asks.

I wilt a little on the inside, but as the specialist in hiding my feelings that I am, I smile. “Not even a millimeter.”

“All right, then. Truth is, I have no idea if it’s ugly or beautiful. I honestly don’t care. If you like it, I trust your opinion.”

“I love you even more, Badger.” I didn’t mean to declare my friendship, but once it slips out, I realize it’s true—even if I never noticed it before. I love the tattooed giant who’s managed to warm my mother’s heart back up.

He turns so red even his ears match. “I don’t exactly hate you,” he teases. “So, I guess now’s a good time to say I want to marry your mom.”

“What?”

“Sh-shit. Marla’s going to kill me.”

“She knows?”

“Yeah, but we agreed to break the news about us gradually.”

I smile. “Like...as she’s walking down the aisle?” I joke. “I was just surprised about the marriage part. My mom did hint at something going on between you two during my last visit.”

“She did?”

“Mm-hmm.”

For the first time since I’ve known him, I see him smile with his entire face.

“Don’t hurt her, Badger. I meant it when I said I love you. You’re the second person I’ve ever said that to, after my mom, but I swear, I’ll hunt you down if you break her heart.”

“Alexis, I’ve been crazy about Marla for years. About a year ago, your mom decided to give me a chance. Do you really think I’d screw it up now?”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I’m not judging; I’m just curious.”

“We were planning to. Then she got arrested.”

“And you were afraid I wouldn’t accept you two as a couple? Because I’d never stand in the way.” And it’s true. As far as I know, my mom’s never dated anyone. Now that she’s finally given her heart to someone, I wouldn’t be the killjoy who tried to ruin it.

“I think she was afraid. Not that you’d ruin things—but that you’d feel replaced. Marla will never completely forgive herself for putting you up for adoption.”

“I’m not holding a grudge.”

He nods, but I don’t think he fully believes me.

“I mean it. I’m really not.”

“I believe you. But either way, that’s what shaped you into who you are today.”

“And who am I?”

“Wary and guarded with the rest of the world—even with that sweet smile.”

“That’s the second time someone’s called me a liar today.”

“I didn’t mean you’re a liar. I meant you’re extremely cautious.”

“I only give my love to a few. I don’t like wasting it.”

“Love is never a waste.”

“Are you turning into a romantic, Badger?”

“I think I’ve always been a British gentleman. I just needed my Marla to draw it out of me,” he says, smiling as he returns to the stove.

At eight o’clock sharp, I’m watching the front door so intently that I nearly bump into a waiter.

I’ve thought a lot about what Badger said—and also about what the gorgeous stranger told me: that I hide what I feel and think.

It’s absolutely true, but I don’t know how to change that. Pretending to always be okay feels safe.

Could I maybe . . . risk stepping out in a little drizzle? Just a light one, to start?

Flirting with the stranger might be like stepping out into a drizzle. Because even though I was a bundle of nerves this afternoon, I know that’s what he was doing—flirting with me.

But what if I step into a drizzle . . . and end up caught in a full-on storm?

“Wear rain boots,” one of the waiters says, laughing.

God! Once again, I thought out loud.

I bend to grab a beer from the fridge behind the bar, and when I stand back up, my breath catches.

Jasper has just walked in—somehow even more handsome—in a black shirt rolled up to the elbows and jeans.

This man should be banned from public spaces. It’s just not fair to the rest of us. Every other man in the building pales next to him.

After placing the beer on the tray, I grab a glass and pretend to dry it for a solid two minutes—not because it needs it but because I do. I need to calm down.

The excitement bubbling inside me is like a full-on vibration in my stomach.

Maybe I’m being an idiot, because he did say he wasn’t looking to make friends—just to eat well. But honestly, what better option for a harmless flirtation than a stranger who’s probably leaving on Monday? An untouchable guy?

He sits at the table and scans the room like a king surveying his court. With anyone else, that attitude would seem arrogant, but with him, the power just feels natural. He doesn’t have to try to be noticed. Heads turn to admire him as he moves through the restaurant.

Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage. “I’ll take table five,” I say.

“That’s my section,” one of the waiters replies.

“I’ll give you twelve. All four ordered lobster. Tip’s gonna be huge.”

“Deal.”

Double-checking that my notepad is in my apron pocket, I head toward his table, praying I don’t trip over my own feet. “Mr. Jasper,” I say softly, like I didn’t know he was watching me the whole way there.

Having his attention feels like being trapped in a magnetic field.

“Alexis . . . You’re not colorful tonight, but I like the black of your uniform.”

Of all the things I expected him to say, that completely throws me off. “You’re never going to forgive me for that fish, are you? Am I on your blacklist now?”

He does that thing again—scanning me from head to toe—and I swear if it lasted even a second longer, I’d need an oxygen tank. I can’t breathe.

Time ticks by, and he still hasn’t answered. We just stare at each other, and I don’t care if it’s considered rude—because I literally can’t look away.

“No. You’re on the list of people who get my attention. And it’s a short list.”

“Should I be honored?”

“Probably not. Stay cautious. I tend to cause damage, even when I don’t mean to.”