“No,” I mutter as he leads me up the steps. Just as we hit the landing at the top of them, he spots a table at the very end that’s empty. Fucking great.
“Let’s sit there.” His hand rests on the small of my back as he ushers me to it. He never breaks contact, and I both love and hate it at the same time.
Pulling out a chair, I take a seat and he sits down across from me. His eyes are firmly planted on me, causing me to squirm, both from the attention and to ease the ache building in my core.
“It’s fun to be out, just me and you. I’m hoping after tonight we can have more nights like this together.”
I’m saved by the waitress stepping up to the table and handing us each a menu. “Can I get the two of you something to drink to start with while you look at the menus?”
“Can I get a shot of tequila?” I blurt. A strong drink is definitely what I need to help me make it through this night.
“I’ll take one too, and a beer, anything on draft is good,” Jeremiah tells her. She gives him a flirty smile and wink before trotting off, her ponytail swaying with each step. My jaw hurts from how hard I’m clenching my teeth.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Jeremiah isn’t my man. He never will be. I have no right to be jealous.
“Tequila? I didn’t know you drank liquor, or drank at all, for that matter. Does Ryan know?”
I quirk my eyebrow as I lean back in my seat, crossing my arms across my chest. Really. He’s asking that?
“I don’t need my brother’s permission to drink. Unless you missed it, I’m over twenty-one and a grown woman.” My words come out more bitter than I intended. Mid-sentence I realized why he would ask. Ryan is very protective of me, and even though he knows I drink a glass of wine at special events, he doesn’t like it.
“Trust me, Amberlee, I know you’re all grown up.” His eyes are hooded as he looks at me, my body melting under his appraisal.
The waitress chooses that moment to come back, placing a shot in front of each of us as well as a glass of beer in front of Jeremiah.
“Did we want something to eat?” she asks, her attention solely focused on Jeremiah, but he doesn’t even notice. His eyes are on me.
Picking up the shot, I lift it to my lips and shoot it back. It burns as it travels down my throat and I hold back the squeal that wants to break free.
“I’ll have two more shots and a Liquid Marijuana. I’m not hungry, but please feel free to order some food if you are.” I’m not a drinker but tonight I am, it’s how I’m going to make it through it.
“You know what, I'll have the same as my girl here, and can we just get the chips and queso appetizer plate, please?”
“Sure thing. I’ll have that out for you shortly.” The waitress turns, but I feel a small amount of glee at the way her face dropped when he called mehisgirl.
I don’t say anything, making sure she’s well out of earshot before I do.
“My girl?” I shoot him a suspicious glance.
“Yes. Well, I’m hoping you will be. My girl, that is.”
My jaw drops. Did I wake up in the Twilight Zone? Is this some alternate universe or something?
“I’ve actually been waiting for the perfect moment to talk to you about it. About the way I feel about you.”
My heart races and I’m far too sober. Reaching across the table, I pick up his shot glass, still sitting untouched, and shoot it.
“You could’ve just asked. I would’ve shared.” His laughter is husky, and my nipples tingle with desire from the sound alone.
“Feel about me? What are you talking about?” My hand instinctively touches the back of my neck, rubbing it as I bite on my lip.
“You know what I’m talking about. But in case you don’t, let me refresh your memory.”
“Here you go, four shots, and two drinks. Your food will be out shortly. Can I get you something else?” The waitress places her hand on Jeremiah’s shoulder, and I see red. All I want to do is jump from this table and rip her heart right out of her chest.
“Yeah, you can start by removing your hand off my shoulder,” he says as he plucks her hand off like she is made of something gross. “And stop flirting with me. It’s disrespectful to my woman, and it won’t earn you a big tip. Quite the opposite.” His voice is direct, perhaps even a bit snippy.
My mouth forms a smug smile, and I love how her face turns red as she’s put her in her place.
