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“Have you ever had a chili omelet?”
She shook her head. “I’m more of a fruit person in the morning.”
“It’s about time you try something new. Come on. I’ll order, and you eat.”
“Just how much do you think I trust you?”
Bennett turned and looked her straight in the eye. “More than you’ve ever trusted another person.” He hadn’t meant to be so serious. This was supposed to be a fun carefree excursion, but it was true. They both knew it.
She opened her mouth as though she was about to disagree with him. Then he felt her hand relax in his as she spoke. “You’re right, Bennett. I don’t know why, but you’re right.”
“Good. Then I have a few things for you to try from that menu.” Bennett wanted to see her smile again, and it worked. It was something he’d never grow tired of seeing. When she didn’t force it, and it came naturally, her smile lit up her eyes. She was stunning, but for now, he’d have to refrain from telling her so.
When they entered the diner, a familiar voice called from across the room. “Stone, what brings your ass to the East Coast again?” Before Bennett answered, Clint continued, “Never mind. I can see for myself.” Clint walked right over to Zoey.
I hope bringing her here isn’t something I’m going to regret. “Clint. She’s a lady,” Bennett warned, because he knew it wouldn’t take much for Clint to start swearing like the truckers who frequented the diner.
“Stone, just because I don’t have a woman doesn’t mean I don’t know how to treat one.” Clint gave Bennett a slap on the arm.
Bennett respected Clint, who was about ten years his senior, but one hell of a Marine. Unlike Bennett, he did his twenty years and retired. They stayed in contact, mostly for business. Over the last few years, Bennett utilized Clint’s skills. Thankfully I won’t need him on this one. At least, not with Doug around.
“Sorry, miss, Stone seems to have forgotten his manners. I’m Clint.”
Clint reached out to shake Zoey’s hand. Bennett watched, thinking Zoey might be a bit nervous about all the male testosterone in the room. Once again, he’d underestimated her. Zoey was giving Clint a smile that could melt a heart, and he couldn’t believe how his buddy was eating it up. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Zoey responded in her sweetest voice.
Bennett saw the look in Clint’s eye and shot him a warning look. The guys weren’t used to having someone like Zoey in the room, and he wanted to make sure they kept themselves in line.
If Bennett thought Clint was going to check himself, he was way off. “What are you doing with this guy? I could tell you stories that would—”
“She’s not here to listen to you run your mouth.”
“I wouldn’t mind hearing about Bennett.” Zoey gave Clint a wink.
He didn’t want the fancy hoopla. All he wanted was time with Zoey and some damn good food. “I think we’ll take our food to go.”
Clint raised his hands surrendering. “Okay. I get it. You don’t want me to cramp your style on your date.” He pointed to a booth in the corner. “You two grab a seat, and I’ll send the waitress. Oh, don’t worry Bennett, I’ll tell her not to talk either.” Clint walked away, laughing and shaking his head.
“Sorry about that.”
“I thought he was charming,” Zoey said.
It was Bennett’s turn to laugh. Clint was a lot of things: hard-ass, smart-ass, and at times dumb-ass. In all the years they’d known each other, no one had ever referred to him as charming. Someday, at just the right time, I’m going to let him know. It’ll ruin his reputation for life.
“How about we grab that booth before someone else does? Right now I’m starving.” He wanted to add, where we can talk alone, but he knew it wasn’t the time. And he wasn’t sure that it ever would be.
If we can make it through all this bullshit, maybe I’ll not only tell you, but show you what you do to me. That’s if you don’t hate me when you find out the truth.
