Page 32
I chuckle, then cover it by clearing my throat. “I’m not afraid of your dad.”
“Then why wouldn’t this be a good idea?”
With any other girl, I would think I was being challenged or pushed into being belligerent. With Juliet, all I sense is pure curiosity.
“I just didn’t know if you were waiting for someone.”
“Like, who?”
There’s no way I’m going to bring up the Walker boy. Then she’ll know I’ve been thinking about their relationship status since Friday.
“No one,” I lie. “It’s just not every day I see a woman looking that comfortable eating by herself.”
She shrugs, leaning her chin on her propped-up fist. “I do it all the time. I did at my dad’s party.”
Well, since she brought it up. “Didn’t look like you were alone.”
“I guess I wasn’t. I just meant I went alone.”
“Right.” She was way too cozied up with Luke to not be more than friends with that kid.
Kid. He’s probably Juliet’s age, and Juliet is no ‘kid.’
The bartender Hal takes our orders, then asks if he can start us off with a drink. We both get waters, though Juliet gets a lemon with hers.
She watches me, still leaning her chin against her fist. It’s unnerving, that unwavering gaze. I’ve never met a woman with this level of confidence before.
I motion to the box beside her. “What’s that?”
“Maple bars. They’re for you.”
Expecting my presence at the bar. Bringing my favorite pastry. This screams of treachery. “You’ve been talking to Sadie.”
She grins. “Impressive deduction skills, cowboy.”
There she goes again with that cowboy talk. I have to ignore the way it makes my chest open up and reach toward her with ravenous grasps.
“So why the pastries?” I ask.
“I hear it’s the best way to get you to do something.”
“And what is it you want me to do?”
“Answer the six questions I’m owed.”
“You’re still on that?”
“Yup.”
“And you want to know more about my association with your dad?”
“I do.”
Her hair is down today in dark, silky-smooth waves. She tucks a strand behind her ear, though it’s so thick and long, it just falls forward again.
“Have you asked him?” I question.
“I’m working on it. I want both sides of the story, but he’s not as easy to crack.” She motions to the box. “So what do you say? Six maple bars for six questions.”
