Something Real (Whiskey Men, #2)(13)

“Sure thing,” she says before walking off.

I turn in my seat, but no matter what I do, if I look at Ty, my eyes are drawn to Ford across the room. It’s not helping matters that his eyes are still glued on me.

I’m trying not to be obvious, but Ty waves his hand in front of my face. “Lilian, everything okay?”

I nod with a jerk of my head. “Yes, yes, sorry. What were you saying?”

He leans across the table, and instinctively I lean back. “So your boss… he’s pretty intense.”

I shrug and am saved when the waitress comes back with refills. I pick up the glass. “You think so? I’ve never noticed that.”

I take a drink of water as Ty continues. “Yeah, he seems protective of you. Like an older brother or something.”

I start to choke on the water, and I set the glass down with a bang. “Older brother?” I squeak.

He pats me on the back. “You okay?”

I nod, and he shrugs. “Yeah, exactly like an older brother. I mean, he’s too old for—”

I cut him off. “He’s forty-five. He’s not old.”

He seems taken back at my defensive tone. “Yeah, but you’re what… thirty… uh in your twenties?”

I tsk him. “Women don’t like to talk about their age, Ty.” It never bothers me. Any other time, I’d tell him I was thirty years old and not think anything about it, but not if he’s going to insinuate Ford is too old for me.

I let my gaze travel across the room again, and Ford’s watching me with a tense look on his face. He looks worried, and I know exactly what he’s asking me by the look on his face. He’s wondering if I’m okay. Damn, could Ty be right? Does Ford think of me like a little sister? Did he come here tonight just to make sure I’m okay? I suck in a breath and force a smile to my face, letting him know I’m okay.

At that moment, Ty looks over his shoulder. Ford doesn’t even seem upset to be caught staring at me. Ty turns to me. “So it’s like that, is it?”

My face heats. “Like what?”

He points at me. “You and your boss?”

I don’t even know what to say. I can’t tell him that I kissed my boss the other day and haven’t stopped thinking about him ever since.

Ty leans closer with a smile on his face. He doesn’t look mad. “So… you and your boss?”

I shake my head. “No, we aren’t together, if that’s what you’re asking.”

He laughs. “I’m thinking he may feel differently.”

“Ty—” I start, but he cuts me off by holding his hands up. “It’s okay. Hey, this is a first date. I didn’t expect your boss to be here, obviously staking his claim—”

I shake my head. “It’s not like that.”

He laughs. “I think it is, and I think if you were honest with yourself, you may be feeling the same way.”

He gets up from the table, and I reach for him. “Don’t leave, please. At least eat your dinner.”

He runs his hands down his shirt. “Oh, I’m not leaving. I have a feeling this is going to get good. I’m running to the men’s room. I’ll be right back.”

He walks away, and as soon as he’s gone, our food is being delivered.

Our waitress stops next to the table and looks unsure. “Lilian, right?”

I nod, surprised. I’ve only been in here a few times, and that was when Isabella had me come here to sing karaoke. “I’m sorry. I’m horrible with names. You’re…?”

She nods nervously. “Tina. I’m Tina and this is so awkward, but I have to ask… uh, I’m wondering… oh gosh, I’m just wondering if you and Ty are together… like a couple?”

I shake my head and scrunch my nose up. “No, this is our first date, and I think we just agreed to be friends.” I laugh as I realize how true my words are. Dating is not panning out like Carrie had hoped. “Why? Are you interested in Ty?”

She blushes, holding the tray against her chest. “I’ve noticed him a few times he’s been in here, but I’d never talk to him if he’s with someone.”

“Well, we’re not together, so don’t feel bad about talking to him. Maybe even give him your number.”

She gasps. “I couldn’t do that, no way.”

The curvy waitress is beautiful, but she obviously doesn’t know it. “I can feel things out for you.”

Her eyes about pop out of her head. “You would do that?”

“Absolutely. Here he comes.”

She immediately puts her head down and starts walking away. I’m bouncing in my seat as Ty gets back to the table. I feel like I’ve sort of ruined things tonight, and at least one of us should have a good time.

“What are you smiling about?” he asks as he sits down.

I take a bite of my sandwich and chew slowly. When I swallow, I take a drink of water. “So we agree that this is not going to go anywhere, right?”

He pops a French fry in his mouth. “Right. I try not to date women that are into other men.”

“Har. Har. I’m not dating my boss—” He starts to talk, but I stop him. “Anyway, I have good news. While you were in the bathroom, the waitress asked about you.”