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A sense of unease comes over me when Marlow touches Eric’s arm, laughing at something he said. When Eric puts his hand over hers, all rational thoughts leave me and I’m storming straight for their table to save her from him because I—well, I don’t know why. But he’s not right for her.
Marlow’s eyes widen when she sees me coming. “Dylan? Wh-what are you doing here?” she stutters.
I stop next to their table, my gaze locked on hers. “I saw you were here and thought I’d stop by and say hello.”
Her brow furrows at my unusual behavior. “Don’t you have your own speed dating partner you should be talking to?”
I glance down at Eric’s smarmy face and can’t imagine why Marlow would find him attractive.
“I’m much more interested in how yours is going.”
She shifts in her seat. “I was having a nice conversation with my friend Eric here before you interrupted.”
Eric seems less than enthusiastic about being labeled as herfriend.
“Why do you care so much?” he demands in a whiny tone. God, this guy is grating on my nerves.
“Marlow is my daughter’s nanny, and I’m looking out for her. Why don’t you leave, or better yet, go find someone you’re more compatible with.” I glare at him.
Eric’s chin jerks back to his thick neck. “Excuse me?”
Marlow lets out a nervous laugh as her gaze ping pongs between us.“Our time is almost up, so if you could—”
“Look, man,” Eric interjects, which is another reason he’s wrong for her. He won’t even let her speak. “You’ll get your chance with Marlow later. It’s my turn now, so get lost.” He jerks his head toward the exit.
I’m not sure why this situation is getting under my skin so much. Like I said, Marlow is Lola’s nanny and I have no claim to her. Still, an intense blaze of jealousy sparked to life when I saw Eric touch her hand. The idea of her talking with him for another second creates an unexpected storm of emotions raging inside me.
Luck is on my side when a timer goes off, concluding this round of speed dating. The moderator instructs the men to move to the seat to their left so they can begin the next round.
“I think that’syourcue to get lost.” I practically shove Eric out of his seat.
He stands there gaping at me, but finally takes the hint to leave, moving on to his next victim at another table. Luckily, Marlow’s next would-be date doesn’t attempt to approach us after I shoot him a baleful glare.
I sit in the chair Eric vacated. “Hi, I’m Dylan.” I feign an introduction as I extend my hand out to Marlow. “Why are you here, sunshine?” The nickname comes out unintentionally, but I rather like it.
“Don’t call me that,” she counters, ignoring my gesture.
“Why not? It suits you.” I lean forward.
“Maybe you should leave.” She motions to the exit.
I rest my elbows on the table, drawing closer. “I didn’t know you were looking for a boyfriend,” I say, ignoring her comment entirely.
“Who said I was looking for a boyfriend?” she retorts.
“The whole point of speed dating is to find someone you’re compatible with. So, if you’re not looking for a date, then why are you here?”
I can’t help but wonder if she’s interested in someone here. If it’s Eric fucking Schultz, I can’t be held accountable for decking him in the face for touching her.
I draw in a deep breath while tugging at the collar of my shirt.
“You okay, Dylan? You seem a little tense.” Marlow’s gaze searches my face, probably looking for the answer as to why I’m acting this way.
“I’m fine,” I say as I flex my hands. “Now why don’t you tell me why you’re here if it’s not to find a date.”
She fixes me with a hard stare. “My personal life is none of your business. Besides, even if I were looking for someone to go out with, I hope you’re not putting yourself in the running.” A teasing smile passes her lips.
I raise a brow. “And why is that?”
