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Chapter Four
As a wine bar owner herself, Jamie appreciated a nice spot for a good glass. Plus checking out the friendly competition was always fun. Puzzles was a secret oasis tucked on a side street in the Village and frequented by locals who knew better than to broadcast its glory. She hadn’t had time to go home to change, but as a rule, she kept a stash of clothes in the storage room in case something came up. She had one option that fit a date-I can’t-believe-I’m-going-on occasion, and that was her army-green slim cut pants and semisleek black top. It would have to do. Maybe she could dress it up with jewelry. She located a simple necklace in her bag and stole ten minutes in the employee restroom to apply makeup and tame her hair. The results weren’t bad, and she made her way to Puzzles with unfamiliar confidence and excitement. Not only was Leighton everything she was attracted to on the outside, but she was nice, funny, smart, and even a little bit mysterious. Maybe they could eliminate that last part tonight. She hoped to learn a lot more about her.
She stood in front of the bar, took a deep breath, smoothed down her pants, and moved inside only to spot Leighton sitting along the window looking like a fantasy. Beautiful. Pensive. Sexy as fucking hell. Was this whole thing real? It did not appear that Leighton had yet ordered. It also meant she’d likely watched Jamie prep, which she refused to let bother her.
She hooked a thumb behind her as she approached. “That was me fluffing my hair on the sidewalk.” She added a laugh. “Hi. I hope you haven’t been here long.”
Leighton legitimately brightened, which made Jamie feel aboutten feet tall. “You should stop and pull that hair number in front of every building you enter. Ten out of ten.”
“Dinner and a show. Tada.”
“I won’t complain.”
“You’re flattering me before I even sit down.”
“Can’t help it.” Leighton gestured to the chair across from her. Jamie happily took a seat and slid out of her navy leather jacket that her mother had given her for Christmas the year prior. “Nice jacket.”
“Thank you. Don’t be fooled. It’s probably the most stylish thing I own, and I didn’t even pick it out.”
“Hopefully, I’ll find out.” Jamie went still and then basked in the way her stomach dropped out from under like a free fall. Meanwhile, Leighton perused the small leather-bound menu. “Shall we order a bottle?”
“I’d love that. You choose.”
Leighton handed the wine list to Jamie. “Absolutely not. You’re the wine expert here. I’m a dabbler who would hate to make an embarrassing choice.”
“I very much doubt you would.”
“But here’s the thing. I want to drink wineyoupicked out.”
Heat hit her cheeks. “You’re making me tingle,” she confessed.
“I want to make you a lot of things just so we’re clear, but I’m going slow.”
She blinked, holding on for the ride. “Fair enough.” Jamie studied the menu, attempting to focus. “I don’t know that I’m an expert, but I would love to flaunt what little I do know and impress you.”
“Please do. I think you’re full of good ideas tonight.”
“Really? Well, this is already the best date.” They exchanged a purposeful stare, the kind that felt like electricity had been unleashed and now ran the length of the room, crackling the whole way. She scanned the list. She didn’t plan to pick out the most expensive bottle, but her choice needed to be something worthy of the occasion. How often did a gorgeous woman walk into Jamie’s life and ask her out? “What do you think about a bourbon barrel reserve merlot?”
“What do I think? You had me at merlot. That’s what. Yes.” Leighton added a heaven-sent sexy smile that was worth every ounce of the intimidation that came attached to her.
Jamie squinted. “See, you don’t seem like the kind of woman to embrace a good old-fashioned pun.”
“Except I am. Stick around awhile. I’m incredibly proud of myself for that one.” She sat back and exhaled. “I also might be a little nervous.”
“You? Don’t try to pull that. No one would ever believe it.” Jamie certainly didn’t. Leighton had a calm energy about her at all times. She was this cool, beautiful cucumber who glided places and offered treasured smiles as gifts. Nerves wouldn’t dare encroach upon her in-control mellow.
“Well, then I’m excellent at faking it. What about you?”
“I’m nervous, too,” she said quietly. Jamie grinned, harnessing her bravado, the same energy she put on for her customers. “But I have a proposition.”
Leighton leaned in. Was it possible Jamie detected the delicate scent of watermelon? Intoxicating. Jamie could do a lot with a scent like that urging her on. And wanted to. “I’m listening.”
“We throw those nerves out the window and revel in good wine and good company because life is too damn short for anything less.”
Leighton didn’t move. She seemed to be measuring the words. “I’m on board and so impressed with that proposition. Not only is my answer yes, but I’m buying tonight. Decided.”
Jamie grinned. “Are you sure? We could split that sucker right down the middle. It’s fair.”
