“Don’t gloat,” I warned. “It’s been a night.”
He pretended to zip his mouth shut. “Come on, April,” he lowered his voice, causing it to gently rumble against my ear, “I don’t bite.”
My step faltered before I regained my composure. “No, but you do nibble.”
He laughed. It was a deep, genuine sound that did all sorts of things it shouldn’t have. His fingertips dug deep intomy hips as he inched just a tiny bit closer to me. “Naughty girl. Exposing my secrets.”
The sensation was making my panties damp. Seriously, what was with this flirting? I needed a second to collect myself. “Bathroom,” I stuttered.
His brow rose and a wide grin spread across his face. “Uh? Here?”
“Jesus, Josh. I have to pee.”
He chewed the inside of his cheek, as if he was slightly embarrassed. “Oh.”
“You need help,” I swatted his chest, noting the firmness of it.
“That’s what my therapist says.” He winked at me.
That took me by surprise. “You have a therapist?”
“Everyone does these days.” He shrugged, saying no more.
I nodded in agreement. Mine happened to be my best friend, Nora. She wasn’t a real therapist, but the best thing about having a close friend was venting, getting out all that shit piled on you. Friends were better than therapy, because Nora was right there with me when I needed to bury a body or to talk me off the ledge before creating one. Josh released me cautiously, like I’d topple over once my hip left his grip, as I pushed the bathroom door open.
My reflection in the mirror showed my eyes red rimmed and glossy, unable to hide the disappointment I’d felt about being stood up or the alcohol I was using to dull the pain. My hair had a few fly aways, which I ran my fingers under the chilly water and gently patted them back into place. I exhaled a long, sharp breath.Enough of the pity party.It was his loss.My thoughts ran back to Josh, who was probably waiting outside the door, afraid I’d fall in or something stupid. The thought made me grin.
Despite not wanting to be, I was grateful he’d showed up, thankful he insisted on me joining him and Kev. Maybe Icould take this terrible night and make something better of it? Nora’s voice suddenly crept into my thoughts,ask one of them?I whooshed it away defiantly. And walked right out into the restaurant, nearly colliding with Josh as he stood by the door, glancing up and smirking at my shocked expression.
“I wanted to make sure you didn’t fall in,” he explained.
I legit cackled. That was my exact thought not five minutes ago.
“Funny man,” I mocked, following him to the table where Kev had already ordered a sampler pack and several other items, along with water, which I hoped was for me.
“Why are you here drinking alone?” Kev asked.
Before my filter kicked in, I blurted, “Got stood up.”
Kev’s eyes widened. “Shit. Sorry.”
“Meh. Too good to be true anyway.” I shrugged, helping myself to their food. I wasn’t necessarily hungry, but I needed something to do with my hands and something to shove in my mouth to keep from rambling.
Josh’s eyes widened before he ducked his head, taking a swig of his beer. I could tell he wanted to say something, yet, he stayed quiet. When he glanced up, his eyes were darker than usual and his jaw was clenched. I wondered why he was irritated?
“Was it a first date?” Kev asked through mouthfuls of breaded cauliflower, breaking the stare off Josh and I were having.
I sucked in a breath. “Sure was.”
Kev winced. “Ouch.”
“Dating sucks,” I mumbled.
“Maybe you need to try something else.” Kev gave a pointed glance to Josh. There was an exchange of stares that held a conversation I was not privy to.
“What’s with the faces?” I asked, watching whatever was happening between them.
“Nothing,” Josh said rather quickly. Kev rolled his eyes and stuffed a lettuce wrap in his mouth.
