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So that’s what they were down to? Discussing cake recipes because they couldn’t talk aboutthem?“How about we go back to the gallery after we eat? It’s after hours so the phones will be quiet, no deliverymen will show up. You can give me a private tour.”
She hesitated for a long moment. “Now? Oh, well…I suppose I could. No, I will. That sounds like…fun.”
“What sounds like fun?” Toby walked up to the table from behind Joss’s left shoulder.
Garret sat back and grinned at him. “Where have you been? You haven’t been to the gym all week.”
Toby glanced at Joss and then back at him. “Jocelyn didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Tobias, I thought—I wasn’t sure if—”
“I’m job hunting.”
“What?” Garret looked at Joss and saw her staring at Toby, her expression hard to read. What was up with that? He focused on Toby. “What happened?”
“Same old thing. I got strung along like a mule with a carrot, but didn’t get the partnership.”
“Ah, Tobe, tough break.”
“Yeah, well, while I look around I’ve been taking some time to kick back and sleep in. I’ve been going to the gym later in the day.”
“That’s an excuse. You’re just afraid you’re off your game and I can take you down. Admit it, your record is history.”
Toby smiled at the teasing. “Bring it on.”
A pause followed the words and Garret shifted on the booth’s seat. “I’m surprised I haven’t talked to you if you’re on the hunt. How many times have you mentioned partnering up? Change your mind?”
Toby shoved his hand through his hair. “You’ve, uh, got your hands full right now. I know it can’t happen so why ask? Looks like my takeout is ready. See you around. Jocelyn…enjoy dinner with your guy, here.”
“Later.” Garret watched Toby walk away and then glanced back at Joss to see her gaze following him, too. “I can’t believe Wellington did it to him again. Toby’s a great attorney.”
“He’ll find something.”
He frowned at her tone. “Joss, is something going on?”
She flashed him a cool, measured smile. “Nothing unusual. I have a headache. After I arrived home today I got another lecture from Daddy. He says we don’t spend enough time together and that our relationship is suffering.”
“Do you feel that way?” Garret watched her closely, looking for clues to what she was thinking.
“I’m not complaining if that’s what you’re asking.I’vecanceled our dates, too, remember? I haven’t been able to spare more than a few minutes for you these past few months, and I understand that things are the same way with you. It just makes me wonder—” She broke off and jabbed her fork into her food.
“Wonder what?”
Another shrug. The silence between them lengthened, the weight of the ring box burning a hole through his pocket. If he asked, they’d be able to spend more time together and the tension between them would ease…right?
Garret finished off the last of his steak and downed the soda, noticing for the first time that other than the few bites she’d taken at the beginning of the meal Joss had barely eaten.
As though sensing his perusal, her light blue eyes rose to meet his. Out of nowhere he pictured a warm, rich toffee-colored gaze.
“Garret, can I be honest?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’m not feeling very well tonight. Can we postpone the tour and make it an early night?”
He wasn’t expecting that, but reminded himself that timing was everything. She had tried to call off the date and he hadn’t let her. This was no less than what he deserved for forcing her to come. Still he wanted to talk to her about how she felt, what she saw for the future. Kids, house. What did she dream of?
