Marry Screw Kill(14)

We don’t have anything like Central Park or Times Square. But we do have one thing that makes this small, sleepy town stand out: the best medical center in the world. Kings and leaders come from all corners of the globe for care. Without The Clinic, this place would be a ghost town.

“We’re almost to the restaurant. The Clinic is a couple blocks north of here, Sinclair.” I point ahead to two tall buildings popping up in the twilight sky ahead of us.

“Do me a favor. Please, call me Sin. I hate the sound of my full name. It fits a guy wearing a bowtie and smoking a pipe.” He gestures over his body, highlighting he’s the furthest thing from a bowtie guy. “I do clean up well, though.”

I bet you do. I wonder if he shaves that scruff on his jaw. It looks like the planned kind … the sexy-as-hell kind.

I take a peek at his face and see him grinning back at me. Is he flirting? It’s second nature to a guy like him. He probably has women lined up back in New York City.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” Oh, crap. I can’t believe that slipped out of my mouth. He laughs next to me as I wait for his answer.

“Nope. No girlfriends. Too busying trying to be a doctor.” I can’t stop the silly smile from forming on my lips. I should want him to be with someone, but oddly, I don’t.

“I’m sorry that was none of my business.” I shake my head at my stupidity.

“No problem. Speaking of business, there isn’t a lot going on downtown for a Friday night,” he says while scanning the nearly deserted roads.

“Welcome to lively Rochester, Sin.” I add a nice dose of sarcasm with the comment and call him by his preferred name. It fits the devilishly handsome man sitting next to me.

“We’re here.” I let out a long sigh of relief as I park on the street. I need some fresh air. His scent hits me the wrong way for someone getting married in four weeks.

Before I can climb out of the car on my own, Sin’s there to open the door for me. Fast on his feet would be an understatement. I can’t remember the last time James did this simple act for me. Maybe back when he was still working to get me in his bed. How I miss those attentive days.

“Thanks.” I bite my lip as I try to suppress the warm feelings his attention brings. It’s the attention I miss, not Sin giving it to me. I repeat this to myself, but I’m not convinced.

We begin to walk toward Rogue’s entrance on the concrete sidewalk. He touches me right at the curve of my lower back and sirens go off in my head. Anyone watching might think we’re a couple. I pray no one James knows sees us. They have no idea Sin is James’ nephew and rumors fly at the speed of light in this version of Pleasantville.

“You said this is a new place?” Sin frowns as he assesses the old bricks and not so clean windows. Blinking signs for beer greet us as we walk by.

“Maybe new in Manhattan means opening night. Here,” I stop at the front door and gesture to the other buildings across the street, “things are a bit different, as you can see. We probably don’t do shiny and new like New York City, but we know how to cook.”

“Very different.” He doesn’t speak to me in a condescending tone, more a teasing one. “But different in a good way.”

“I hope so.” I look up at him and he smirks at me. My heart reacts with a tiny flutter, and I bet my face matches the color of my shoes. It’s like I’m a schoolgirl getting attention from my crush. What magic switch has this guy flipped in me?

Sin acts and I respond. Everything about him draws a physical reaction from me. I wish James had picked him up from the airport, but as I feel the gentle caress of his hand on my back, I know that wish is a big lie.

Sin ushers me inside the restaurant and my eyes take a minute to adjust. The brightness of the early evening sky contrasts harshly with the dark interior of wood and dim lighting. I blink a few times as we walk to the hostess station. A tall blonde I recognize from high school eyes us as we approach. We had a few classes together, but I haven’t seen her since graduation.

Sin steps up to her. “Table for two please,” he says.

I glance at her nametag and remember her name. Stephanie. Her gaze lingers on Sin for longer than it should before answering him. I think he’s having the same effect on her as he does me. I realize it’s him. I should be relieved, but instead, I want to tell her it’s not nice to stare.

“Sure.” She retrieves a couple thick menus from under her station while glancing up at us, me in particular. “I remember you from high school. Harlow, right?” I nod and she ushers us deeper into the restaurant. We pass a few empty tables until we reach a shadowy corner in the back. “Thought you two might like a little privacy.”

She thinks we’re here on a date. It’s our closeness that gives her this impression. Sin continues to touch my lower back like it’s hard for him to stop. I might’ve leaned into his hand a couple times, too. Might have …

I want to tell her to sit us up front in a safer place, but Sin’s already pulled out a chair for me to sit in. I guess this will do. After all, I can’t say no to his kindness. Liar.

“This is perfect. Thank you,” he confirms to Stephanie and sits down right next to me. We’re so close, our legs instantly touch, but neither of us pulls away. I blame our inaction on the lack of legroom and his long, muscular legs. Another lie.