Page 39 of Slow Burn

Benny laughed. “It’s what you do after a date, you fuck. And then you sleep over.”

“Not me,” Nash proudly added.

“Do you think they’ll be pissed we’re here?” Sloane was starting to backtrack, and Elijah couldn’t have that.

“Let’s go in.” Elijah swung the door open and pointed inside. “A change of plans. Let’s just get drinks instead of joining them. If they come over, that’s up to them.”

Nash mumbled something that sounded an awful lot like, “Whose brainiac idea was this?” Elijah doubted he’d be thrilled to know it was his.

Because he has an unhealthy obsession with Nash’s little sister.

Who was still a fucking virgin.

“THANK YOU FOR bringing me here.” Georgia gushed to Dane.

As it turned out, the date had been fun so far. A complete turnaround from her last experience with Adam.

Dane grinned while sipping his beer. His blue eyes sparkled. “This is a place Sloane has mentioned a few times, so since I’m new here, I figured it was a great place for us to meet. How long did you not live in Landmere?”

There it was again, another mention of Sloane.

Not that it was a problem, but Georgia talked about her friends often too. But she was wondering if he was aware of how often her name brought a spark to his eyes. Perhaps Georgia was scouring for a reason things wouldn’t work out with him, and that wasn’t fair. She flashed another smile.

“I graduated from high school when I was seventeen.” She inwardly cringed because high school references made her think of Adam. “I left for my undergrad at the University of Virginia and then stayed for medical school. I did residency in South Carolina. The goal was to always come back to Landmere.”

Using his fork, he stabbed one of the meatballs they ordered for an appetizer. “I imagine all of that schooling was hard, especially since it doesn’t sound like you gave yourself a break.” He bit into the snack.

“Don’t get mad,” she teased. “While I love being a doctor and did very well in school, I was never a big fan of a classroom setting. I wanted to get it all over with and not take a break.”

He picked up his napkin and tossed it on the table. “That’s it, I’m leaving,” he said with a laugh. “Seriously, I get it. It’s why I love teaching, so I can make education conducive for all learners. Even for the ornery ones who don’t like a ‘classroom setting,’” he said, using air quotes.

She couldn’t help but laugh.

Dane was checking off the boxes left and right for boyfriend material. He was handsome with his aqua eyes, brown hair with a reddish tint, and a perfect smile. His personality was amazing. He cared about learning more about her, and he was funny.

“I bet you’re a great teacher! Why elementary school?”

He paused for a second, looking at his beer. Then he turned his smile back on. “It’s where I think I can make the most impact. You know, mold the young minds of tomorrow’s leaders.”

“You are going to love our community. When I was away for school, I missed my family and friends, but I also missed the environment of growing up in Landmere. Not a small town, but not large enough to feel alone. I’m glad I’m back. What made you want to be in Landmere?”

“Sloane.” Then he took the last gulp of his drink. “She and I have been friends since elementary school when her family moved next door. She talks about how special Landmere is, and I was itching for something new, so when this job opened up, I applied, and it worked out for me.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Where are you from? I haven’t met Sloane yet, but you definitely have an accent.”

“All my hard work gone to waste! I practiced sounding less Tennessee,” he joked with her.

“I think an accent is cute.”

“Not sure if that’s an insult or not.” He lifted an eyebrow.

Her eyes widened. “No, not an insult. Okay, not cute. Your accent is hot.”

“That’s better,” he drawled. “We’re done with food, want to play some games?”

“Yes, but be prepared. I have two brothers and our summers revolved around going to the arcade. I’m a shark at any racing game, and oddly good at Whac-A-Mole.” Georgia bragged about her gaming skills.

He chuckled while he used the tabletop tablet to pay the bill. “Well, you should also be prepared. I don’t lose on purpose, not even to a pretty woman I’m on a date with.”