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Vanessa narrows her eyes playfully at him. “One of these days I’m going to get through your tough exterior, pretty boy.” She gives him a wink, then says, “I’m in the mood for a gin and tonic tonight, with a dash of a smile from you.”

Owen prepares the drink and sets the highball glass down in front of her.

“No smile?” she asks, giving him a pleading look. When he doesn’t respond, she nods. “Fine, I’ll make you a deal. Just smile once, and I won’t flirt with you for an entire week.”

Everybody’s attention is on their interaction, and when the corner of Owen’s mouth lifts, cheers break out around the bar.

Vanessa throws her arms up in the air as if she won the lottery. “Yes, pretty boy. I knew you could do it.” She grabs her drink and gives him another wink while walking to the booth where Derek and another regular are sitting.

Owen shakes his head lightly, then he suddenly looks at me, catching me red handed staring at him like a stalker.

Unlike every other instance where we’ve made eye contact and he just carried on working, he surprises the hell out of me by giving me a full-blown smile.

Holy crap.

I’ve been quietly crushing on my neighbor, living for every second I get to see him. So, having Owen smile at me for the first time, I stand rooted to the spot, shocked out of my ever-loving mind, intense warmth spreading through my chest.

Just as quickly as the smile appeared, it fades from his face, and he continues working.

“Hmm . . .” Vanessa sidles up beside me and nudges her shoulder against mine. “Do you have the hots for Mr. Serious?”

“No,” I gasp way too fast, my eyes widening while my cheeks flame up. “No way. Of course not. Pfft.”

By the time I shut up, Vanessa’s giving me a knowing look. “Don’t worry, Annie. Your secret is safe with me and everyone else who’s seen you staring at Owen.”

“Oh God,” I groan, my eyes darting around the bar, and when I notice quite a few patrons are looking at us, I wish the floor would open beneath my feet and swallow me whole.

Mortified, I swing around and rush to the safety of the kitchen while Vanessa calls out, “I’m joking, Annie. Don’t stress. Shit, I’m sorry. Come back.”

When the door smacks shut behind me and I jog toward the metal one that leads to the alley, Harlan gives me a questioning look. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I mumble, pushing through the heavy door.

“Annie,” I hear Vanessa call behind me, and it sounds like she’s following me.

“You can’t be in the kitchen, V,” Harlan chastises her.

“Oh, hush.” The door mutes the rest of her response, and a couple of seconds later, it opens again, and she joins me in the alley. “I’m sorry, Annie.”

When she pulls me into a hug, I ask, “Is it really that obvious? Does everyone know?”

“No, I was only kidding around. Every woman who comes into the bar thinks Owen is hot and stares at him.” She pulls back to look at my face. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

My shoulders slump, and I push my glasses higher up on my nose.

Then Vanessa tilts her head and raises an eyebrow at me. “So, is it safe to say you have feelings for Owen?”

“Ugh.” I roll my eyes while wrapping my arms around my middle. “It’s just a stupid crush. Nothing will come of it.”

“You don’t know that.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze. “I’m sure he’ll see how wonderful you are.”

“What are the two of you talking about?” Harlan suddenly asks. We didn’t even notice he’d opened the door.

“Nothing that concerns you,” Vanessa says, her tone a little tense. “Just girl stuff.”

Harlan narrows his eyes at her. “Why do you flirt with everyone besides me?”

“Because you’re in the kitchen most of the time,” she replies while heading for the door.