Page 37 of Love In Hiding

“Are you ready to order or do you need more time?”

“We’re ready,” she said. “Can we get the hot crab dip, and then I’ll take the lobster roll special?”

“Same with the special,” he said.

“We’ll bring that right out with your drinks.”

“I didn’t ask if you liked crab dip. You could have gotten anything else you wanted.”

“Thanks for letting me know,” he said, his tongue in cheek.

Funny, considering he had the corporate card and was paying for the trip.

She was just so used to calling the shots.

She looked at him. “Go on, say it.”

“Say what?”

“That I can’t let someone else make decisions for me. I can’t let another person drive. Not even stand up for me when I’m getting dismissed.”

“Why is that?”

“You’re not going to dispute it?”

“I don’t know you well enough to dispute it,” he said.

She let out a breath. She started this so might as well continue. “I think it comes from being the oldest girl. It’s like my DNA to be the strong one. The one to protect my twin and other sisters.”

“I’m pretty sure Paris can handle herself. I think it’s more that she doesn’t do it the wayyouwant.”

“Guilty.” She sighed and settled into her seat more.

“Then why do you continue to do it?”

“Why do you continue to have so much patience? I’m sure you know it rubs people the wrong way.”

He laughed. “I’d rather rub people the wrong way being polite and considerate than abrasive enough they need a doctor’s appointment for ointment.”

11

BRING THE WORST

Probably not the best comeback earlier.

London had been quiet until their drinks and dip came. Even after, they said little.

By the time her glass was empty, she was willing to talk more.

Spencer wanted to apologize, but told himself he’d be doing it every day if he did it now. It wasn’t like she was apologizing for insulting him.

And he was only stating facts. Not even sarcastically like she had through dinner.

When the server came out with their food, they were asked if they wanted a second drink. “Water is good for me.”

He’d have a beer in the room and didn’t need more than two tonight. Even if he wouldn’t have minded it to get through his time with London.

“The same,” she said, pushing her empty glass away. Their water glasses were topped off now that their lobster rolls and fries were set in front of them.