Rushed (Adventures in Love #1)(3)

“Hey, Tanner.” A megawatt smile curves her full lips, making her even prettier than she already is. “Are you wanting a table?”

“Yeah, thanks,” a deep voice rumbles behind me, and I turn to look over my shoulder, narrowing my eyes when I see it’s the guy who stole my parking spot earlier. Not that he notices. Like most people today, he’s staring at his phone like it has the answers to life and barely looks up from it when he follows the hostess to a small table.

“Jerk.” I glare at him as the redhead hands him a menu, which he accepts without even a thank-you. Not that she cares—her smile hasn’t faltered once.

“Are you waiting to be seated?”

At that question, I focus on the older gentleman now standing behind the podium.

“Yes.” I force a smile.

“Just one?” He looks down at the laminated table layout in front of him.

“Just one.”

“It looks like it’s going to be about ten more minutes for a table, but you can eat at the bar if you don’t feel like waiting.”

Instead of complaining, like Jade would do if she were here, I let out a breath and nod. “I’ll just do that, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” I head across the room, taking off my hat when I reach the bar. I find an empty seat at the end and climb up onto one of the stools, smiling at the bartender when he starts walking my way. Excited that I’m finally going to get something to eat, I turn to set my bag on the stool next to me, and when I spin around, Tanner—with his broad shoulders and thick hair—is leaning into the bar at my side, holding a ten-dollar bill between his fingers.

“Mason,” he calls out, and the bartender lifts his chin in acknowledgment. “Let me get a Miller.”

“Are you kidding me right now?” I bite out, not even attempting to hide my annoyance, and he turns his head my way. When his hazel eyes lock with mine, he blinks. “Am I invisible?”

“Pardon?” He shakes his head, causing a chunk of hair to fall over his brow.

“Am I invisible?” I repeat, ignoring the way my fingers twitch, wanting to push that piece of hair away from his forehead. “I’m just asking because this is the third time you’ve cut me off, so either I’m invisible, or you’re just a jerk.”

“I haven’t cut you off,” he denies, standing to his full height, which means I have to tip my head way, way back to keep our eyes locked.

“You did! You stole my parking spot, you stole my table, and now you’re stealing my bartender.”

“Your bartender?” he repeats, and I narrow my eyes.

“I was here first, so yes. My bartender.”

“I didn’t see you.” He runs his fingers through his hair.

“So I am invisible.” I roll my eyes and grab the menu from the little holder on the bar . . . and get more annoyed when I see it’s nothing but drinks.

“Everything okay here, Tanner?” the bartender asks, handing him the beer he asked for as his gaze pings between the two of us.

“Just a little miscommunication,” Tanner says. “Can you put whatever she wants on my bill?”

“I’m not drinking. I’m eating.” I glare at him, then look at the bartender and plaster a sweet smile on my face. “I don’t want him to pay for my food, but can I please see a menu?”

“Sure.” He smirks at Tanner as he reaches under the counter, pulls one out, and hands it to me. “I’ll give you a few minutes to look it over. Just shout for me when you’re ready. My name’s Mason.”

“Thank you, Mason.”

“Anytime.” He winks and I sigh, dropping my eyes to look over the menu while ignoring the man at my side, who I can feel still watching me.

“Look,” Tanner says, resting his elbows on the bar and bringing us closer together. “I feel bad about what happened. I was distracted, but I swear I didn’t do any of that shit on purpose.”

“It’s fine,” I mumble, wishing he would go away, because the scent of pine, leather, and him is starting to play with my head.

“You’re saying it’s fine, but I’m getting the feeling it’s not. Please, let me buy you dinner.”

“No, thank you.”

“A drink then,” he says, and I turn, coming face to face with him. Damn, up close, he’s seriously difficult to look at he’s so perfect. “One drink.” He holds his hands together like he’s praying.

“You can pay for my lemonade,” I say, giving in, and he grins, showing off straight white teeth and a dimple in his scruff-covered cheek.

“You ready to order?” Mason comes back, and I’m more than a little thankful for the distraction.

“I’ll have a lemonade, the vegetable quesadilla, and a bowl of pumpkin soup.”

“You got it, babe.” He goes to the computer on the counter to type something in, then pours my drink from the machine on the back wall.

“I’m covering her drink and my beer.” Tanner hands him the ten he’s still holding while Mason gives me my drink along with a straw. Ignoring the straw, I start to take a sip but end up looking at Tanner over the rim of the glass. I raise a brow when I find him still watching me.