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“You of course, and he pretends he’s Tyler Kidd when he’s playing in the driveway. But I’m sure he’ll be happy with any of the guys.”
Harrison grinned. “Let me see what I can do.”
Talia kissed her husband on the cheek. “Best husband ever.”
They walked back to the dining room, and Jordan noted that Noah was still there. Moving in the opposite direction, she did her best to keep her distance.
“What’s going on with you two?” Talia asked. “It seems like the harder he tries to be nice, the colder you get to him.”
“He’s just…” She couldn’t tell Talia that he had offered her a job. Nausea hit her stomach at the thought of it. “He’s very cocky. Coming in here so often, and… well, you know.”
“What? He comes in here and eats. He’s quiet and polite to everyone, and he leaves huge tips for the servers. Oh, and he smiles at you adoringly. You’re right, he’s a horrible person,” Talia mocked.
“I wouldn’t say adoringly.”
“Whatever you say.” Talia laughed. “Trust me, he’s a good guy.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Harrison knows him better than I do, but I trust my husband’s judgement. Do you think I’d invite him over to dinner so often if he was dreadful?”
“What about his reputation when he was in Nashville? A good guy doesn’t have a bad rep.”
Talia sighed. “People can change, you know.”
Good guy or not, her heart was not available, no matter how much his smile made her insides flutter. He wasn’t scoring any points by trying to recruit her for his new bar, either.
Even if it would be a promotion. And the next logical step in her career.
CHAPTER FOUR
Noah
Noah walked into The Sin Bin and nodded at the hostess. She smiled and directed him to his normal table, where he took a seat. Another day, another meal, and another chance to convince Jordan to come work for him.
To some people, the fact that he had a regular table here might seem odd, but to a hockey fan, this routine was normal. Players had their own rituals and superstitions on game day. Some guys wore the same underwear. Some had to listen to the same song. Some, like Noah, ate the same meal before every game. Noah’s meal ritual happened to revolve around The Sin Bin. On game days, he always had to sit in the same booth. And he always ordered the tomato soup and a sandwich.
A very small part of his routine was because he didn’t cook. He could only eat grilled cheese and cold cereal so many times. And The Sin Bin chef’s tomato soup was excellent.
“Noah,” Jordan greeted him, and nervously straightened her blazer. “Your food should be right out. Can I get you anything else?”
“Good afternoon to you, too, Jordan.” Relaxing back in his seat, he added, “I’m in no rush.”
Jordan moved her glance from him to the kitchen. “It won’t be long. I’ll circle back to check on you.”
“Hang on a second, Jordan. I was wondering, have you given my proposition any thought?”
Before she could answer, a waitress approached with his food. Her relief at the disruption was obvious, judging by the way she let out a breath.
Noah nodded at the waitress and flashed her his best grin. The young lady blushed and hurried away, like most of them did. But he didn’t miss Jordan roll her eyes at him.
“Care to join me?” His smile was meant for Jordan alone this time.
She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out and instead she shook her head. Clearing her throat, she looked around the dining room with purpose.
The fact that he made her nervous when they were one on one was proof that he affected her. Proud of himself, he patted the cushion beside him. “C’mon, I’ll give you half of my sandwich. I’m sure Talia gives you a lunch break.”
“Share your sandwich, really?” She laughed. “I’ve seen you eat.”
