Looking both ways before crossing, I strolled across the street to the restaurant. And as I pulled open the heavy wood door, I was greeted by yet another McCormick boy. Bennett was standing at the front of the restaurant, talking to one of his waiters. He was wearing black dress slacks and a dark blue button-up shirt that hugged his broad shoulders and showed off his muscular build. He looked over at me when I walked in, giving me a double take. When he saw it was me, a dashing smile that could have lit up Times Square spread across his face as he excused himself from the guy he'd been chatting with and made his way over to me.
“Can't get enough of our BBQ chicken, can you?” he asked.
“No, it's amazing. But, actually, I'm here to see your brother,” I said. “Quinn called and asked me to stop by.”
“Of course he did,” Bennett said, shaking his head, not able to hide the hint of annoyance in his voice. “He's just finishing a couple of things up in the kitchen, give him a few minutes, will ya?”
“Sure,” I said. “I don't mind waiting.”
“Come, sit at the bar,” he said.
Without waiting for me to respond, he took my arm and led through the restaurant. Half the tables were empty as people began trickling out. Lunch hour for most folks was drawing to a close. He patted a seat for me to take and then slipped behind the bar.
“So, what can I get you to drink?” he asked, flashing me that million-dollar smile.
“Oh, I'm good,” I said. “But, thank you.”
“I insist,” he said.
“Well, if you insist,” I said, giving him a little smile. “I'll just have a Coke then, please.”
He poured me a Coke and handed it to me, refusing my money when I handed him a few dollars.
“It's on me,” he said.
“I still owe you for my dinner last night,” I said, taking a sip.
“That was on me too,” he said. “But, if you were to insist on paying me back, I was hoping you might be free tonight?”
“I can't,” I said, cringing at having to reject yet another invitation for the evening. “I have plans.”
“Let me guess, Quinn?”
“No, actually not,” I laughed, shaking my head. “Cason.”
“That little shit,” Bennett said, shaking his head and stroking his chin. “Well what about tomorrow night then?”
“I don't know if I should.”
“Why? Because you're seeing my brother tonight?” he asked. “Afraid of how that might look to the townies? Or are you afraid that you might like me more than him?”
He gave me a flirty little smile, showing off that dimple once more, and I swear, it made my heart skip a beat. He was a beautiful man, there was no denying that. But, I scolded myself, I needed to get my head on straight. I didn't need these complications.
“I'm only now just getting back into town and I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about me. I don't want to be the subject of gossip down in the hair salon.”
“Would it change anything if I told you that you already were?”
“What?” I asked, my eyes wide. “Are you serious?”
“No,” he said, chuckling. “I was just hoping it'd help get you to change your mind.”
“Listen, aside from not wanting to be gossip fodder, I'm really not looking for anything serious,” I said. “And I'm especially not looking to cause drama between brothers.”
“Who said anything about drama?” His dark brown eyes drank me in. “If you're honest, up front, and aren't playing us, there won't be any drama.”
The kitchen door swung open and Quinn walked out, his eyes scanning the room for me. As soon as they landed upon me, he smiled – then he shot a dark look at his brother. Bennett caught the look and shook his head, a sly grin on his face. Quinn walked over to us at the bar, looking absolutely irritated and obviously cursing under his breath. Running a hand through his shaggy hair, he stepped up and leaned against the bar, trying to look casual.
“Ready to go, Hailey?” he asked brightly.