She had done it for years, and she just couldn’t do it anymore, wouldn’t do it anymore. Of course, she still wanted Abe in her life, but the way she attached herself to him wasn’t healthy.
Hunter sat at one of the bistro-style tables to her right. There was a chill from the air conditioner, and she shivered slightly. He spotted her and smiled broadly while he stood. A smile curved her lips, and she made her way over to him.
Because he was sweet, he held her chair out and pushed it in when she was seated. The fact that he brushed his fingers along her shoulder wasn’t lost on her, but she liked it. It was a nice, gentle touch that maybe could grow to more when she was ready.
“I hope I didn’t come off pushy or anxious when I called you last night.” He sat in the seat across from her and smiled again.
When she’d gotten off work last night, she was surprised to get a call as soon as she stepped through the door. Despite the late hour, she felt like a silly schoolgirl when she saw it was Hunter.
“No, I didn’t think you came off pushy at all. In fact, I was excited you called.”
“Yeah?” His grin was positively blinding, and she felt her own smile widen as well. Hunter made her feel comfortable. She had always felt that way around him, but now that she looked at him as more than just her boss, that comfort bloomed inside her.
The waitress came by and eyed Hunter with clear attraction, but Sophia didn’t let that bother her. For one thing, he was very good-looking, and any woman could see that. They ordered their meals, and after the waitress left, Sophia couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“What?” There was laughter in his voice.
“Nothing.” At his raised brow, she caved. “I just think it’s funny that the poor girl was flustered. You really made an impression on her.” It was cute that the young girl had to ask him twice what he wanted. His chuckle was rich and deep, and she let herself admit she liked it, a lot.
For the next two hours, they ate and talked about anything and everything. She found out he purchased the bar when he was twenty-nine, just ten years prior. Yes, he was seventeen years older than she was, but she didn’t feel like she was so much younger.
He had started out with nothing, but the bar had prospered. It wasn’t the only drinking establishment in Northon, but it was the cleanest and most popular by far.
“So, I guess ‘no fraternizing with the employees’ doesn’t apply here?” She was only teasing and was thankful he grinned at her comment.
“Well, I’ll be honest, I have never asked one of my employees out. Ever. I do take that policy to heart, but I won’t lie. I’ve always seen you, Sophia.” His voice had dropped an octave on the last part, and she felt a tingly sensation travel through her body. The way he said it seemed to mean so much more. “I’m willing to break the rules for you.”
The fact that someone was willing to break anything for her sent a giddy, girly feeling through her. It was stupid, but whatever. She always thought of herself as just another girl, a plain Jane, but the knowledge that someone noticed her, even if it wasn’t Abe, made her feel really good, like she was worth something.
“So if you’ve noticed me, why wait until now to ask me on a date?” Was she so desperate for praise that she’d fish for more from Hunter?
He glanced down and for a moment he looked a little uncomfortable. “To be honest, I always thought there was something going on with you and Abe. I mean, the two of you are inseparable. I’ve seen you carry his drunken ass out of the bar too many times, and it’s hard not to wonder what happens after that.”
Sophia averted her gaze and started messing with the hem of her shirt. She really didn’t want to talk about Abe, especially after their conversation that morning, but if she was going to move on, then she would have to get used to it.
“Yeah, well, he has been my friend for a long time.” Hunter nodded and brought his iced tea to his lips to take a drink.
He didn’t prod her for answers, just let her explain at her own pace.
“For a long time there wasn’t anyone else but Abe in my life. He helped me get through a lot growing up.” She shifted in her seat, a lot of emotions swarming through her. “He’s my best friend.”
She lifted her gaze and stared at Hunter.
“But that’s all we are, just friends. You see how he is, know how many women he picks up in your bar. There are absolutely no feelings for me when it comes to him, aside from friendship.” Hunter didn’t say anything for a long while, and she wondered if he caught the way she didn’t admit that she didn’t have feelings for him. If he did catch it, he was kind enough not to call her out on it. “That doesn’t freak you out, does it?”