“Greyson’s in Colorado.”
Her eyebrows rose. “What’s he doing out there?”
“A couple of his buddies moved out there and convinced him to come out. He owns a little pastry shop, and he’s doing his thing.”
She nodded. “Have you seen Anna? She’s working some with her dad. She always was a daddy’s girl.” She was stalling.
“Not in a few days. I’m sure I’ll see her soon. And you’re right. She’s definitely a daddy’s girl.”
We finished our dessert and pushed the plates to the edge so Mark could pick them up. I leaned back and put my arm around her chair, then crossed my right leg over my right knee.
Leaning into her, I whispered, “Stop stalling and spill it. What’s going on with you and Greer?”
Eliana laughed and leaned into me. “We’re taking things slow, just enjoying each other’s company. We’re really just good friends. I’m a little lonely without Anna around, and my hours at the hospital are crazy. Then there’s the whole working for him thing.”
I hugged her and placed a kiss on my friend’s cheek. “I’m sorry you’re lonely. I haven’t been a very good friend since I’ve been here. I’ll do better.”
She smiled. “You’ve always been so good to me, Preston. When Alejandro and I split, you never took sides. And I appreciate that.”
I tightened my arm around her. “It wasn’t my place to judge. Both of my friends made an incredibly difficult decision. I just want you to be happy. And if Greer is the one who does that for you, then I’m happy for you. Alejandro will be too.”
“Thank you. Now tell me about you. Anyone special?”
“There might be. I’m working on that. Might see him tonight after we close up.”
Eliana narrowed her gaze, and I knew she was putting the pieces together. “You’re going to the bar after you close. Is it Alejandro?”
I barked out a big laugh. “Fuck, no! But you’re right. I am going to the bar.”
She grinned and patted my cheek. “It’s one of his bartenders, isn’t it?”
I nodded. “Yes. I’m finally going to ask him out. We’ve only been flirting with each other for about a year.”
Her eyes went wide. “Which one? They’re both so handsome. And I think maybe one of them has a thing for Alejandro.”
Ben. Yeah, he did.
“It’s…”
“Him,” she said, motioning to the bar.
I looked over my shoulder in time to see Nick handing theMacallanto my bartender. He looked at me with his blue eyes and met my gaze.
I straightened and smiled, but Nick frowned.
Shocked that he was here, it took me a minute to realize what he was seeing.
And what he must be thinking.
There I was in a very intimate embrace. We looked like we were together.
Nick steeled his expression, and I watched as the light in his eyes faded. Every step forward we’d made evaporated as he walked out the door, taking my hope he’d say yes to a date with him.
CHAPTER5
NICK
It wasa beautiful October afternoon and perfect weather for the Fall Pub Crawl. The temperature was in the low 60s and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. People who enjoyed bars and pubs loved the event since we offered reduced prices for a featured local product during the Crawl.
