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“Is this…” I started to ask the open-ended question, waiting for him. I wasn’t aiming to be rude although I was executing that like a pro. I wanted to know the situation exactly before I reacted.
Being sober taught me that knowledge bred calm reactions in my case.
“My business partner, Tammy. Tammy, this is Noa.” He stepped aside, and when her eyes brightened, I felt self-conscious; there was recognition there.
Had he…?
I couldn’t let myself hope. Her hand shook mine, my arm feeling like jelly, and I didn’t hear anything she was telling me. His eyes were still on me and Istillfelt naked.
“Tammy, would you mind taking the car back to the hotel?” Dexter asked, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Oh, no—you don’t have to. Dexter,” I scolded him, “she doesn’t have to be put out for me. Please.” I chuckled lightly. I felt guilty that I’d hated her for a few long seconds.
“I’ll call the driver,” she said. “Trust me, Noa, there’s no way this man is leaving your side.”
She walked away, her heels clicking the beautiful granite and her smart suit leaving me feeling underdressed. I typically was at any given time, but I didn’t care until that moment.
I looked back at Dexter, whose eyes pierced my shell with too much intensity. His own suit fit like it was made for him, and his hair was pulled back, away from his chiseled face. God, I still felt thatzingof his presence.
“I…would you like to sit?” I asked, gesturing to the empty table a few feet away from us. I was entirely too calm, like I was dreaming and would wake up in my apartment at any moment.
“Reservation for one?” he asked.
When I sat down, I breathed easier until he folded himself directly across from me. For all the times I reminisced about my time with Dexter, I’d forgotten those eyes—the ones that saw right through my bullshit.
“No reservation. But, yes. Only myself.” I tucked the loose strands of hair behind my ear.
“Do you own this place, Blue? Know the owner?” He wasn’t saying anything out of the ordinary. He wasn’t even staring at me inappropriately.
And yet I was wearing a perpetual blush.
“You can’t call me that anymore, Dexter. The blue is gone.” I tugged at my brown braid. I’d grown out of the blue. But somewhere, deep inside, there was the same girl with the fire in her soul and the boy she’d always love.
“You will forever be Blue, Noa. And you didn’t answer my question.” His smile was quick, sharp enough to prick me right in the chest.
“Probably because I’m flustered. We both know I tend to be a little spastic when flustered.” I took a deep breath. “I don’t own this restaurant. I just eat here often. They always let me in, no matter what. So, yes, I know the owner.”
“Do you always eat here alone?” There was a twinkle in his eye. The subtle dancing around wasn’t something I’d ever been good at, but it seemed Dexter had become well-versed in my absence.
“When did you get to be such a chicken shit?” I asked, bothered that he wouldn’t ask me exactly what he wanted to know.
He barked out a laugh. It was the same as it had always been, only sexier.
I knew Dexter the boy. This was Dexter the man.
“I forgot how raw you were. I missed it, but I guess not being around it for so long has me unprepared for it.” He leaned forward the way he always had. “Are you single, Noa Cruz? Or is there a lucky son-of-a-bitch waiting for you at home? If there is, I’d have to question his sanity, letting you have dinner alone.”
“What’s wrong with eating by myself?” I asked, trying the bullshit route on for size.
“Answer my question.” It was a quiet demand, and I blinked away briefly before looking at him again.
Time had given Dexter a great deal more confidence.
“No one is waiting for me. Not since you,” I said.
Time gave me open honesty. The kind Dexter would’ve killed for back then.
“The men of Washington aren’t as smart as they think, then.” He sat back, eyes on the tablecloth. “Aren’t you going to ask me?” As quickly as his confidence appeared, it wilted away. He was nervous. At least I wasn’t alone in that.
