“Yes,” he whispered into my ear, and his hand crept higher up my thigh.
I grabbed his hand, squeezing gently. “Maybe not while I’m driving, baby. I don’t want to explain to your brothers why you’re in a dozen pieces on the side of the road.”
Bailey chuckled and leaned back. “Surely I don’t have that much effect on you.”
I shot him a hot look. “You have no idea just how much I want you, do you?”
“You hide it well. I had to make the first move, and then…” He trailed off, biting his bottom lip.
Ah, damn. Was bold, brash Bailey having a bout of insecurity?
I reached for his hand and laced our fingers. “Well, that’s all it was. Me hiding how I felt, because I didn’t think Ishouldwant this. But I do, Bailey. Just as much as you. Maybe more.”
“Doubtful,” he said with a chuckle, but he relaxed as we cruised into Castleton, gazing out the window as I navigated to the Tipsy Turtle.
Bailey peered up at it through the windshield. “How did you find this place?”
“My brother helped me pick it. Have you ever been here?”
“Nope.”
I threw open the door. “Good. Wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.”
“Surprise.” Bailey unbuckled and got out of the car, following me to the door. “What surprise?”
I shrugged. “You’ll have to wait and see.”
He followed me inside, glancing around as if he expected a clown to burst out from behind the hostess stand.
“I don’t see anything crazy,” he said. “Just a pub. Maybe it’s something on the menu?”
“Maybe,” I said, giving away nothing.
A cheery, short-haired brunette named Cherry offered to seat us. We followed her to a large, sturdy booth with black faux leather seats.
She set down menus in front of each of us. “What will you have to drink?”
“Root beer,” Bailey said.
“That sounds good. Make it two.”
“You got it. Emilio will be along to take your food orders in a few minutes. Have a great evening!”
As she walked away, Bailey frowned. “You can have a beer. I’m used to it.”
“Nah, that’s okay. I have to drive us back to Thurston later.”
He picked up the menu and skimmed through it. “Looks good. Not sure what the surprise is?”
I smiled to myself. “Maybe the point was to keep you guessing.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t take you for a cruel man.”
I laughed. “I’m not. As soon as we eat, I’ll give you the big reveal. There’s been so much buildup now that I’m sure you’ll be very unimpressed.”
Emilio, the server, arrived—a young, smoky-eyed Latino hottie who gave Bailey more than one interested look—and delivered our drinks before rattling off the specials.
“I’ll take the smothered pork chops with mashed potatoes.”
