Pawliday Love

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

CHELSEA

“ T his is not a date,” I remind myself. But it could be… I shake off my wayward thoughts as I pull open the door and step into TG’s Happy Hour . My favorite diner has been transformed into a stylish bar with most the tables and booths removed to make room for pool tables and a dance floor. The few that remain are original, giving the space a blended atmosphere of past and present.

“There’s my coffee queen,” Tony says with a smile. “How ‘bout that Margarita?”

I haven’t had a drink in public since Ted’s accident, but… “That sounds great, but do you expect your patrons to stand at the bar while they drink?” I wave my hands at the empty space where I’m standing.

When he tells me he was looking for vintage bar stools to match the aesthetic of the refurbished diner booths, I tell him I still have the original stools from before I remodeled my shop. He grins excitedly as I take a sip of the best Margarita I’ve ever tasted.

I tip the glass, taking a much larger gulp and the deep rumble of Tony’s laugh makes my stomach clench with a craving for something else I haven’t had in the past decade. I’m not sure if it’s the tequila or the unexpected lust after so many years of celibacy that’s making it difficult for me to control myself.

Tony

“This is not a date,” I remind myself as I drizzle cheese sauce onto the party-sized platter of chips. Noticing how oblivious she seemed to be at my attempts to flirt with her yesterday, I pushed for a “business meeting” instead of a date.

I add the toppings to the nachos and carry them into the dining area. When I notice her empty glass on the bar, I look around until I see her standing at the juke box. She tilts her head in confusion as I set the platter on the table closest to the juke box before stepping behind her.

“It’s digital,” I explain. “It’s the original frame, but I had it converted to offer a bigger selection for the diverse crowd.”

Chelsea turns to face me and when her eyes widen at my close proximity, I take a step back out of her personal space. She’s skittish despite the attraction I know she feels and I don’t want to give her a reason to run.

“What you’ve done here is amazing, Tony.” She looks past me to the table and grins. “I just hope the food is as good as it looks.”

I let out a laugh as I guide her into the booth. “Help yourself to TG’s famous seven-layer nachos while I grab you another drink.”

I set her drink down as I slide into the seat across from her.

“I shouldn’t drink any more if I’m going to drive home.” Her eyes connect with mine in a silent plea.

“You could stay upstairs with me.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

“Is that something you’ll offer to all the customers?” The jealous bite in her voice makes me smile.

“No.” I lean toward her. “But I think we both know you’re not just a customer.”

Her face flushes as she reaches for her cocktail glass and brings it to her mouth, making a show of licking the salt from the rim before taking a healthy sip.

“I see you, Hellsy .”