“So, yeah, that’s where I hope to be in my career in ten years. Of course, I’ll have to get out of Misty Peak to do that. This small town doesn’t offer much in the way of career progression. Have you thought about leaving?”
Her brows rose. He was asking her a question? Would she get a full answer out before he cut her off this time? “No, not really. I like it here. I like the mountains and my job.”
“You said you work in a café making coffee?”
Why did he say it like that? Like working in a café was something to be ashamed of? “Yeah, I work in the café connected to the visitors center. I’m good with people, and I’m good at making coffee, so it makes sense.”
He seemed to think about that for a second before leaning forward. “You know, I could probably get you a job at the firm if you want?”
Okay, he was definitely throwing shade on her profession. “No, thank you. Like I said, I enjoy what I do.”
His nose scrunched. “Really?”
Jesus, where was the food?
She took another gulp of wine as the waitress finally stopped at their table.
“One seafood pad Thai, and one green chicken curry with steamed rice.”
Thank the Lord. She breathed in her pad Thai as it was placed in front of her. At least the food looked good. “Thank you.”
She’d suggested they share a few dishes, but Art had said something about food sharing being unhygienic. Apparently, sharing was aboundaryof his. He’d actually used the word boundary.
The server left, and Art wrinkled his nose for the second time. “Argh, I hate it when they use shredded chicken instead of whole thighs.”
“Isn’t it still the same?”
“Not even close. Next time, I’ll choose where we eat.”
Oh, there would not be a next time. But she’d let Art know that at the end of the meal…if she made it that far.
Honestly, she probably should have left by now. Why hadn’t she? Just because she wanted to prove Jace wrong?
Damn her stupid stubborn streak.
She looked longingly at the door. How quickly could she down this pad Thai and get home to her comfy bed and pajamas? Ten minutes? Fifteen?
She was still mentally calculating her escape when the door to the restaurant opened and Jace walked in.
Her back straightened, the air catching in her throat.
What in the ever-loving hell was he doing here? He scanned the room and when his gaze collided with hers, it felt like a kick to her midsection. But…he didn’t look surprised. Had he known she was going to be here?
When he started toward her, she almost felt like she was in a dream. One of those nightmares you wanted to wake up from but couldn’t.
Jace stopped at the table. “Elle. Fancy seeing you here.”
“What are you—”
“Funny you should ask. I was just down the street getting ice cream when Sadie let it slip that you were here, on adate.”
Her jaw dropped. Sadie told him? And his immediate reaction had been to come andcrashher date?
Jace looked to the other side of her table, his smile so wide she wanted to slug him. “You must be Art. I’m Jace.”
Art frowned. “Uh, hey. You know Elle?”
“Really well, actually. We’re best friends.”
