Just then, we heard the clitter-clatter of high heels, and when we both looked over, the blondes from the counter were standing next to our table.They both had their phones in their hands, looking like they wanted to get a picture of Dalton, and I could hardly blame them.
“Sorry to interrupt you with your sister and all, but we were hoping that we could get a picture of you for our social media followers,” the taller one said.“We’re influencers, and your ink is incredible.”
“And what is it that you influence?”Dalton asked, and I almost winced because I recognized that tone.
“Oh...you know,” she hedged.
“No, I don’t know,” he replied coolly.“If it’s not animals or tattoos, I stay away from internet bullshit.Also, she’snotmy sister.”
“Oh,” the second blonde tittered.“We just...assumed...”
“Well, keep assuming whatever you want, but please do it from back over there,” Dalton replied rudely, but I knew better than to try to rein him in.
“Well, you don’t have to be an asshole about it,” the first blonde huffed.
“Actually, I do,” he fired back.“Otherwise, people like you won’t take the hint.”
I watched as they stormed back to the counter, and when I looked back over at Dalton, he didn’t look remorseful at all.“What?”
“You know, there’s a fine line between brooding and being a jerk, Dalton.”
“I’m only a jerk to people who are rude,” he countered.“And those two were rude.”
“Dalton-”
“Even if you hadn’t been here, I’m eating, minding my own damn business, and so they should have been observant enough to respect that I wasn’t here for fucking autographs or selfies.”
I leaned back against the booth.“Being an influencer is a completely acceptable way to make a living these days.”
“Which is fine,” he replied evenly.“But since I’m not an influencer, no one has any business wanting to take pictures of me for clout or whatever it is that those people do.Plus, you and I both know that it was rude as fuck for them to assume that you’re my sister.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time,” I pointed out as I went back to eating my bacon burger and spectacular fries.
“And I respond the same way each and every time,” he reminded me.
I let out a deep sigh.“I think they just ruined my buzz.”
Dalton just grinned.“Which will save you from a hangover in the morning.”
“You can also drive me back to the bar to get my car,” I suggested.
His grin just widened.“Are you sure you want to go back to get your car, or are you hoping that Casanova might still be there?”
“We’ve already talked about that,” I drawled out, looking at him pointedly.“He’s a Wilder, and if that doesn’t put the brakes on any future possibilities, then I don’t know what does.”
“If the guy is interested in you and is decent enough, his last name shouldn’t matter,” he replied as he reached over, turned my plate around, giving himself easier access to my fries.
“You know, you can ask the waitress for another order of fries.”
“Hey, you were the one talking about weight-loss drugs earlier,” he huffed.“I’m just trying to help you lose weight naturally.”
“How noble of you,” I laughed.
“Well, I am your best friend for a reason,” he replied shamelessly.
Seeing the writing on the wall, I flagged down our waitress to ask for another order of fries, and I just laughed again when Dalton offered to pay for dinner, something that he always did anyway.While he wasn’t exactly swimming in hundred-dollar bills, his two jobs earned him a lot more than just the one job that I had, so he was always willing to treat, though he didn’t need to.
When we finally finished eating, I was sober enough for Dalton to drive me back to the bar, and though the parking lot was nearly empty, I didn’t want to think about the few cars that still remained.Even though I was a realist, I wasn’t immune to fanciful thoughts of Koen Wilder being interested in me.
