Page 85 of Hate It with You

“Hmm.” I hum, processing his words. “So when the two of you showed up together the other night, that was just business then?” I ask, suspicion over taking my tone.

Beth squeezes my thigh again, a silent question for me to stop, but I can’t help myself. If something is going on between the two of them, I wouldn’t be sure how to feel, considering Graham has a reputation for being a player, and Leo is the most hopeless romantic person I know.

“Yes, now shut up and eat your salad or I’ll make sure the main course is a hearty plate of fish.”

Beth gasps next to me, our shared dislike of fish threatening to ruin our first date. “Alex, no,” she whispers dramatically enough to make me laugh.

I playfully smack Leo in the chest. “I’m fucking with you. If you were dating Graham, of all people, I know you’d tell us.” I shrug him off, though I don’t miss the way he doesn’t respond to my comment as he heads back into the kitchen.

If something is going on between them, then maybe Beth is right, and I need to leave it alone for now.

Beth moans next to me. “Oh my god, who knew a salad could taste so good.”

“Hey, I made a great salad for you the other night,” I say, loading up my fork with a bite.

“Yes, but try this one,” she says.

I bring the fork to my mouth and take a bite. The tangy vinaigrette blends with the egg yolk and lettuce, creating a savory blend in my mouth. “Fuck, that’s good.”

Beth nods enthusiastically beside me as she brings the fork to her lips again. I can’t help but watch her brighten each time she takes a bite of the food she’s enjoying. Only hoping that she feels the same when she’s with me.

Beth and I are both stuffed by the time Leo brings out the homemade ice cream, drizzled in chocolate and decorated with strawberries on the side of the bowl.

“Can I ask you a question?” Beth asks as we both dig our spoons through the ice cream.

“I think you just did,” I say, smirking at her as I bring my spoon to my mouth. I’m only brought pleasure when she watches my tongue dart out to collect the remaining ice cream lingering on my lips. Those siren eyes locked in on the motion, hungry for anything but the ice cream.

She looks at me with a pointed look before I say, “Go ahead.”

“How’s the gym doing? I can’t help but notice it’s empty. When I visit, though, I don’t exactly stop by at the busiest times.”

I shrug. “It’s had better years, but I’m sure we’ll bounce back. Why do you ask?”

She sighs. “I’m trying to figure out how to keep the bookstore afloat. I know most businesses run at a loss their first year, but I’m deep in a hole. Any funds from my business loan will run out in the next couple of months. I’m trying to figure out if it’s me, or the area.”

My heart picks up at the thought of her leaving. If she thinks the area is the reason her bookstore isn’t doing well, she’ll have no reason to stay.

I place my spoon down and twist toward her. “The gym isn’t doing well.”

She turns toward me, wide-eyed. “What?”

I shake my head. “I’m losing clients left and right to the big-name gym that opened up at the end of last year. I’m still confident we’ll bounce back, but I’m having a hard time figuring out how.”

She looks down at the ice cream. The way her eyes dart around, I can tell her mind is running, and I can’t help but pry.

“What are you thinking about?”

She looks back at me. “Whether or not I should give unsolicited advice where your business is concerned.” She shrugs. “Trying to figure out if it’s my place.”

I place my hand on her waist, my fingers brushing the bare skin of her back as I lean in closer to her, my voice lowering. “Maybe I haven’t made myself clear. It will always be your place to have an opinion where my life is concerned.”

Her cheeks redden again, and I squeeze her hip before continuing, “Now tell me, what’s your idea?”

Her eyes brighten as she lights up. “I know I’ve said it before, but you should offer self-defense classes.”

I purse my lips, mulling over the idea as she continues, “I can’t help but notice that the majority of your clientele are men. I rarely see women visit, and I know self-defense classes can be hard to find. Especially in a place where a woman would feel safe. And…” She stops herself from continuing.

“And?” I’d give anything to be inside her head at this moment.