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I was teasing her. I’d absentmindedly went through the motions with her. Sadly, I didn’t recall the feel of her lips when resuscitating her.
“I’m just screwing with you. I honestly don’t remember. I was in the zone, doing everything I could to make sure you were all right. But I would like a do-over.”
Laney giggled. “You’ll get one later.”
“Oh jeez.” Red rolled her eyes.
“Looking forward to it.”
“Both of you stop already.” She entered the restaurant and got in line. She didn’t bother asking what I wanted. I liked her assertiveness. “Three fish and chips, three bowls of chowder, and IPAs.”
I leaned down, my lips close to her ears, and whispered, “I’m allergic to seafood.”
She whirled on me, her green eyes wide. “Oh, I’m sorry. I should have asked.” She turned back to the woman at the counter. “Can I change—”
I snaked my arm around her waist and tugged her into me. I sure liked touching her. “I was teasing you again.”
Her head pressed into my chest as she tilted her face toward mine. Those green depths of hers nearly swallowed me whole.
“Jerk.” She softly elbowed me in the gut, but I could tell she wasn’t upset. Her eyes glittered with amusement.
I followed her and Laney to a table out on the patio and took a seat beside her. Never have I been drawn to a woman as I was to her.
“What’s your name, Red?”
“Just call me Red.”
“But—”
“No, seriously. If we’re doing what I think we’re doing, I’ll only see you once. Why complicate things?”
Laney nodded. “Exactly. You two are way too different anyway. It’s better to keep it casual.”
Well, shit. Red was already writing me off.
“We might find out we like each other.” Why was I pushing this with her?
“True. And if we do, then I’ll tell you my name.”
“Here you are. Can I get you anything else?” the server asked, her gaze on me. “Hey, Leo.”
“This is great, thanks,” Laney replied when Red dropped her head and said nothing. I sensed she assumed I’d been with this woman. I hadn’t, but she’d flirted whenever I came in for fish tacos.
I elbowed her after the server left. “Are you okay?”
“Yup.” She nibbled on a fry.
“So do you live around here?”
“Why?”
“Just making conversation.” I bit into a piece of fish. It felt strange trying to get to know a woman who seemed closed off. Most of the time, I was the closed-off one when women tried to talk to me. It seemed the tables were turned with Red. Dang, it made me want to break through her walls.
“Yes, we live around here.” Laney was once again the voice for Red.
“Cool.” I took a long pull of my beer, then faced Red. “Did you grow up in California?”
“No.” She picked apart a helpless piece of battered cod. How could I get through to her when she apparently wasn’t interested in me? This was a first. Not to sound all cocky and arrogant, but I typically didn’t need to work so hard with women. It was just how it was. It was refreshing being forced to put in a little effort.
