Chapter 5 #2
Ian looked away, wished he could think of something intelligent to say or add to the conversation.
Even agreeing would be better than nothing.
But what did he know about thinking of someone other than himself?
He’d never wondered what his parents thought or if they were stressed.
And he definitely never considered ways to relieve the “stress” especially since he might be responsible for it.
Why would he do that when his life had always been about him and what he wanted?
He stuffed a hunk of pizza in his mouth, chewed so hard his jaw hurt. And still he said nothing.
“I don’t expect you to understand, but you asked, and for some strange reason, I told you the truth.
I never admit the truth to anyone. I usually dance around and say all the right things until the questions stop and the person pats my shoulder, gives me a hug, and tells me how great I am…
kind and selfless.” Her whiskey-colored eyes turned bright as she held his gaze.
“I do that because sometimes it’s just easier to pretend. ”
Later, he would realize they’d shared more than pizza that night. They weren’t so different from one another, hiding their true feelings from everyone, pretending around the truth…
Katie was working the morning shift at Lina’s Café when Ian Finnegan walked in.
They hadn’t spoken in two days since the night they shared pizza and more information than she’d intended.
It wasn’t like he had her phone number, though he could have gotten it from Dolly.
But that would have started all sorts of gossip.
Still, she’d enjoyed his company and wouldn’t have minded seeing him again.
Maybe beneath the good looks and arrogance was a decent guy who preferred to keep his real feelings hidden.
She knew all about keeping your feelings to yourself, displaying a calm outward demeanor…
Acting like you didn’t need anyone. She and Ian Finnegan had connected, and it had been easy—and that bothered her. A lot.
Was he so skilled that he knew every line to use to make a person comfortable?
He wasn’t interested in her…was he? He’d seemed genuine when they talked, but what did that even mean?
She’d thought about him too much these past two days and didn’t like that the conversation from that night blasted through her thoughts at random times.
Or that she recalled those blue eyes. The deep voice…
“Katie?” She glanced up to find Ian Finnegan three feet away. Blue eyes and a smile that made her jumpy. “Hey, Phyllis told me to sit wherever I wanted, so…” He pointed to an empty booth near her. “Can I sit here?”
“Of course.” Stay cool. Ignore the smile. Question the sincerity in those words and the smoothness in that voice. Question everything. “Would you like coffee, extra cream?” Darn, why had she mentioned that? I only drink coffee with cream, he’d told her. Black stuff bothers my stomach…
The smile spread. “Sounds perfect.”
Katie sucked in a breath, made her way to the counter, where she poured a coffee, and grabbed the cream.
“I see you’ve got the looker today.” Phyllis nudged her arm, let out a laugh, followed by a long sigh. “That wavy hair belongs on a girl. He sure is nice to listen to…and those are some eyes.”
“I couldn’t say. Asking for a cup of coffee isn’t exactly swoon-worthy.” Why was everybody obsessed with Ian Finnegan? Sure, he was great to look at, and who could ignore that mesmerizing voice or the sky-blue eyes? But he was still just a guy.
Another laugh, this one deeper, the sigh even longer.
“I think just about anything coming out of that young man’s mouth could be swoon-worthy.
And if he sets his sights on something or someone…
” The headshake made her bun flip-flop. “All I can say is look out. She’s never going to see it coming, or if she does, she’s going to jump right in.
” A snap of her gum and then, “Know what I mean?”
Katie cleared her throat, concentrated on the coffee mug and cream. “No, I don’t.” Phyllis loved solving puzzles and wasn’t shy about pulling someone in if she thought they held a missing piece. Well, she wasn’t getting a response, no matter how many times she tried.
Katie made her way to Ian’s booth, set his coffee and creamer on the table, and pulled out a pad and pen. It wasn’t like she needed to write anything down because he’d already told her he loved Lina’s blueberry pancakes and sunny-side eggs. “What can I get you today?”
He poured cream into his coffee, added a little more, picked up his spoon, and stirred. “I think I’ll have…” His eyes crinkled at the corners, his voice dipped. “Do you remember what I told you I’ve eaten every time I come here?”
She would not admit to that. “I don’t think so. I’m guessing from the time of day it’s going to be a breakfast item, but… I could be wrong.”
His gaze narrowed the tiniest bit as if he were trying to determine the truth of her words. “Okay then. I’ll have blueberry pancakes, sunny-side eggs. Extra syrup.”
“It shouldn’t be long.” As she turned away, she caught Phyllis watching her with a look that said You’ve got the hots for him. Don’t even try to deny it.
Fine, she’d never met anyone like Ian Finnegan. Cool, self-assured, way too handsome, with clothes that cost more than her computer. But there was something about him that hinted he might be more than looks, money, and attitude, and that was the person she wanted to get to know.
Was it foolish?
Unwise?
Of course.
Did it stop her from being drawn to him?
Absolutely not.
She didn’t like the way he made her feel, as though she were teetering on the edge of a cliff.
No guy had ever made her feel that way; uncertain, confused, restless.
She couldn’t open her heart, especially to someone she didn’t know…
couldn’t figure out…and didn’t exactly trust. Of course, the best way to control the unwanted emotions was to avoid the guy.
But right now, he was her customer, and there was no avoiding him.