Page 28 of Let Me Show You

“Make that six…” She grins, then lowers her voice. “I saw the way Brittany was giving you bedroom eyes.”

Nearly choking on my coffee, I cover my mouth. “Bedroom eyes? What the hell are you talkin’ about?”

“You’re so out of the game, you don’t even know when someone’s flirting with you.”

“That’s not true…I mean, yeah, it’s been a long time, but she wasn’t.”

“You mean like she’s not right now?” Gemma snorts. “She just flipped her hair and tried seducing you.”

“Christ, you watch too many romance movies.”

“Prove me wrong then. Invite her over here.” Gemma arches a brow, but it doesn’t matter because Brittany’s already on her way.

“Hey,” Brittany greets, smiling wide. “How’re y’all doin’?”

“Doing just fine, thank you. How about yourself?”

“I’m good, thanks. Just wanted to say how nice it was to see you last weekend.” She stares at me intensely, and I wonder if Gemma’s right. “Anthony’s been talkin’ about you nonstop. He’s hoping to take you up on the offer to play baseball with him sometime.”

“Of course. I’m a little rusty, but I’m sure it won’t be a big deal.”

“Okay, great.” She pauses, and the silence between us grows awkward. “Well, I’m sure I’ll run into you again soon, and we can figure out the details.”

Before I can respond, Belinda walks up with our plates. “Alright, kids. I’ll get y’all a Coke refill and be right back.”

“Oh, I can do that.” Brittany grabs our glasses, then returns a minute later.

“Hope you two enjoy your lunch.” She gives me a wink, then walks back to the counter.

I take a large bite of my sandwich and find Gemma smirking.

“What?”

“I think I just witnessed the start of something…”

“Huh? What’re ya talking about now?”

“Jesus, Noah. What’d she have to do for you to ask for her number? Skywrite a message?”

“Why would I ask for her number?”

“Uh…to ask her out. Didn’t you see all the signs? The flirting, the eye batting, the giggling. Then the way she brought up her son playing baseball with you. Could it be any more obvious she’s interested? I’m only shocked she didn’t lean over and touch your bicep.”

I furrow my brows. “You think she was hinting for me to ask for her number?”

“I was two seconds away from giving her my number. That’s how thick she was laying it on.”

“Well, I’m not looking for a relationship anyway, so it’s best I don’t give her the wrong idea.”

“You gonna stay single forever?”

“I hope not, but…” I shrug, not finishing that thought.

“Look, I’ve always rooted for you and Katie, you know that,” she says, which is true. Gemma knew I had a crush on Katie and encouraged me to tell her, but I refused. “But Katie might need a little…push of encouragement.”

“A push? What do you mean?”

“Goodness, Noah. Did they not have enough oxygen circulating in prison or something?” she scolds, and I roll my eyes. “Perhaps if she saw another woman pining over you, she’ll remember what an amazing guy you are and what a great friendship you two once had. Maybe she’ll be scared to lose you and finally admit her own feelings…” She shrugs with a devious look on her face.