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“Do you get the special every time you come here, like your usual at The Sin Bin?” she asked, curious.
Noah shrugged. “What can I say, I’m a creature of habit.”
Their food was delivered quickly and placed in front of them.
He watched as Jordan inspected her plate of food. “I have to admit, that does look delicious.” A perfectly grilled steak was topped with a buttery white wine and basil sauce, with garlic roasted potatoes and a mixed green salad on the side. It smelled divine and he knew from experience, it tasted even better.
“Told you.” Noah waited as she took a bite. Noting her blissed-out expression, he smiled. “Good?”
“Mmm, yes.” She bowed her head sheepishly, and licked her lips. “So good.”
“I enjoy finding non-chain places to eat, usually Mom and Pop businesses. I swear, they always have the best food.”
“This is great.” She nodded as she finished another bite.
“I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” he said, as he dug in.
“Same.” She dabbed her lips with a napkin. “So how do you like Pittsburgh?”
“I’m settling in. The guys are great. Everyone is one big family.”
“The Kidd family has pretty much taken you in,” she said with a wink. “You don’t seem like the family type to me.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, you must know that your Nashville reputation precedes you.”
He tried not to grimace. Her insinuation that he was some party guy bothered him. That might have been him in Nashville, but he was turning over a new leaf here in Pittsburgh. He wondered if he’d ever be able to shake his reputation.
“We all have to grow up some time,” he said. It was the simple truth.
Her eyes shone, and she looked so pretty. “So you’re saying now that you’re grown up, you’re enjoying the family lifestyle?” she asked playfully.
“Yeah, something like that,” he mused. “Harrison and Talia are great, and Ty seems to know what I need before I do. And it’s fun being around all the kids. Willow just made Sam buy a knee hockey set so we can plan when I’m there. Sometimes Willow makes me play goalie.”
She laughed. “That’s something I’d like to see. It’s really great that you have them.”
“Yeah, and let’s not forget The Sin Bin, and how you and Talia put up with me being there so much.” The Sin Bin had been a home away from home, and it was just a bonus that he had been able to see her there.
“Yeah.” She shifted in her seat and rolled her lips inward. “Like you said though, you like to eat. And we’re right by your hotel. So—”
“Right. I mean, it’s the best tomato soup around.” Lame, that was so lame. “But when I need to decompress, I come here.” He motioned around the dining room with his hand. “I have to add, the table looks much nicer with you sitting at it.”
As soon as the words came out of his mouth, he heard how they sounded. That was the cheesiest thing he had ever said! He pushed down a groan.
She stared at him, and he waited for her to burst out laughing at his pathetic attempt at trying to be smooth. But instead, she shrugged a little and said, “Oh please. I’m sure you don’t have any trouble finding a puck bunny to go to dinner with you.”
He didn’t enjoy her tone. Did she really think that was who he was? “Like I said, I typically come here alone. Until tonight.”
She dipped her head as if she was trying to hide her expression. Biting at her bottom lip, her cheeks darkened.
Noah loved this bashful side of her as much as the tough-as-nails, bad-ass boss side.
“How about some dessert? They have an amazing chocolate lava cake.”
Jordan grabbed for her phone. “I really should check in with Emily.”
He covered her hand with his, and she paused, as her eyes locked with his.
