I let it go since I’ve only known this woman for about ninety seconds.
“Miss Summers?” A waiter taps Bella on the shoulder. “Your table is ready.”
“Thank you.”
Drew takes his two drinks and stands.
“Oh, we’ll take your drinks to the table, sir,” the waiter says.
Drew thanks him with a tip.
“Are you joining?” he asks me, already reaching for my glass.
“Oh, no. I’m staying here.”
Bella looks down at my drink, then over my shoulder. “Are you here alone?”
“Yeah,” I say with a smile. “My, uh, girlfriend is feeling a little seasick, so I let her rest.”
It’s not a lie—not really.
“Aww, well, you should come and eat with us then.”
Drew pulls her closer and whispers something in her ear.
I shake my head. “Nah, I'm good. You guys enjoy your night. I'll grab something from the buffet.”
“The buffet? You know if you haven't got a reservation, you're screwed on night one,” Bella says. “The buffet will be insane right now. I've been on ships like this before. Believe me when I say I've seen things, Zach. Violent things.”
“I’ve been tackled by Jackson James. I’m used to violent things.”
She laughs it off. “Come on. I’m stuck with this guy for two weeks. Give me someone else to talk to for one night.”
The waiter leans forward. “It’s a booth, sir. There would be plenty of room for you.”
I glance at Drew, who just shrugs. If he’s annoyed, he doesn’t show it.
I consider checking my phone to see if Honey’s texted me, but that’s wishful thinking. I know she hasn’t. The woman hasn’ttexted me since I got drafted. I guess eating with them is better than eating on my own while replaying every word from the hallway.
“Yeah, okay.” I stand, leaving a bill on the bar.
Bella beams before locking her arm around Drew, and then mine.
Why do I feel like I’ve just been adopted by the king and queen of football?
“Dinner with two quarterbacks,” Bella drawls. “I think I’ve watched a few X-rated shows that start like this,” she jokes.
Drew doesn’t take his eyes off her. He leans down, his mouth close to her ear. “Just so we’re clear, the only quarterback you’re getting from now on is me.”
She laughs and nudges him with her hip. “Oh, please, I moved back from London just to be with you. Isn’t that enough?”
“It was until you decided to adopt Malibu Ken at the bar. Now I’m wondering if you’re going to upgrade to a younger model.” His face contradicts his words. He doesn’t look like a man who’s worried she’ll run or choose anyone but him.
I’d like that kind of certainty, and I plan on getting it soon
“There’s no way you could fit me in?” I ask, fiddling with my hands as nervousness bubbles in my stomach. There are people behind me, muttering about their reservations while I stand in the third restaurant I’ve tried to get a table in tonight. “I’m only one person. I’ll eat really quickly.”
The hostess doesn’t look at me. Instead, she swipes through her tablet, letting out a disgruntled hum as she does.
