Taking Shots (Assassins, #1)(22)

“I am not! I just want to get to know her,” Shea looked back up at him, glaring, “and this coming from the guy that stalking what’s her name.”

“Harper, but I love her.”

“Oh, my God, really dude? It’s been a week!”

“I know the one when I see her.” Shea stood up, wrapping a towel around his waist.

“You know what, before you try giving me advice on how to date girls, get your love life square.”

Shea shook his head just thinking about Jakob declaring love for Elli’s friend. It made no damn sense, but it really didn’t matter. He was going out with Elli in a matter of minutes.

Her house wasn’t hard to find. It was one of six on the road she had given him. He saw her truck before he saw the house. That damn truck, a girl shouldn’t be driving it, a man should. He shook his head as he pulled up behind it and got out. He was so mesmerized by her truck that he didn’t notice her sitting on the porch in a rocking chair. She stood up, looking as beautiful as ever in a light colored dress.

“Hey,” she said with a wave, crossing her legs. She was wearing some naughty looking boots that had chains on them.

“Hey, I was going to come to the door,” he said as he walked towards her. She looked nervous as she came down the stairs.

“Yeah, my dog jumps on people.”

“How high can a forty pound pug jump?” he asked with a laugh.

“Hey, shut up. Let’s go,” she said pulling him towards the car.

“You don’t want to show me the house?”

“No, I’m ready to go. Plus, I don’t want my dog to mess up your suit.” She took his hand in hers and started for the truck. He went along with it. If she didn’t want him in her house, fine.

For now.

He opened the door for her and she climbed in, grinning back at him. He returned the smile, and then went around, getting in himself. He pulled out of her driveway and they were off.

“I told you I should have just drove,” she said from beside him. He looked over at her.

“What?”

“You’re mad.”

“I am not.”

“Yes, you are. You get that tick in the side of your jaw when people irritate you.” He had to smile at that. That’s how he knew for sure she was a hockey fan. His tick was documented as a way for is opponents to watch the hell out.

“That doesn’t mean I’m mad.”

“True, but you are irritated. I’m sorry Shea. I’m just not ready to show you my house.”

“Can I ask why?”

“I’d prefer ya didn’t.”

“Okay,” he took a deep breath, trying to calm his irritation, “but I still want to pick you up and walk you to the door at the end of the night.” He looked over at her and she was biting her lip. He reached over, taking her hand in his. “You look beautiful tonight, Elli. Gorgeous.” She blushed and looked out the window.

“Thank you. I like your tie.” He smiled as he looked down at his pink tie.

“I thought you might.”

Nothing else was said as they drove; it was a nice, comfortable silence. With other women, he always felt like he had to keep talking, but with Elli, all he needed was her small soft hand in his and he was golden. Nothing in the world could bother him, except for the fact she wouldn’t let him in her house.



They arrived at PF Changs right before their reservations. After helping Elli out of the truck, Shea gave the keys to the valet and took her hand before leading her in. The hostess already had their table and they followed her to the back. Since he couldn’t wear a hat tonight, he asked to be in the back somewhere and the restaurant obliged. They were seated at a corner table where they scooted into the booth, next to each other.

“What’s good to drink here?” Elli asked as she looked over the menu. He looked over at her from his menu.

“I was going to get us a bottle of plum wine, it’s really good here.”

“Sounds good,” she said with a nod, and a smile. “Your hair looks extra spiky today.” She reached up and tapped his head with her palm, making him laugh.

“Yeah, when I don’t wear my hat, I make sure my hair looks good.”

“It does,” she said with a grin as the waiter came over to take their orders. Elli knew what she wanted and so did he, so they ordered their food, too. The waiter smiled thanks before leaving to put in the order.

“So how was your day?” he asked her as he took a drink of the wine another waiter had brought over.

“Good, not that busy. Next two days will be hell, though.”

“Oh really? No lunches?”

She had a sad smile as she shook her head, “No, I’m booked solid.”

“Well, that sucks. Who am I supposed to eat lunch with?” She smiled.

“I’m sure you can find someone.”

“Maybe I don’t want to eat with anyone but you.” She grinned before taking a drink, her cheeks a bright red. “What are your plans for the weekend?”

“I’m spending the day with my nieces and nephews Saturday, then that night I got a wedding. Sunday is free except in the morning, I got church and at night my friends will be coming over.” Her face lit up as she smiled. “My friends and I do this thing every month, where we get together, drink, eat, and play games, its fun.” He nodded as he took a drink and leaned back in the booth.