He raised his brow. “The sort of friend that comes with benefits?”
“Maybe.” She hung her jacket on the back of her seat.
Chris set a coaster in front of her. “For what it’s worth, I like Jamie. He’s a good guy to get back in the game with.”
“Why do you think that?” she asked.
“Because you know he’s leaving in a couple weeks, so there’s no question where you stand.”
She frowned. “I’m not sure I like that perspective.”
He shrugged. “Then do something about it. Wine?”
“Please.” She’d left her bag at home, tucking the essentials into her coat pocket instead. She pulled out her phone, checked to make sure she had no messages, and set it next to her just in case.
She also noted that it was nine o’clock two minutes ago, but she wasn’t concerned. She was with Chris, and she knew Jamie wouldn’t stand her up. She wasn’t sure how she knew it, but she didn’t believe he’d promise something he didn’t intend to deliver.
“It’s not very busy tonight,” she said to Chris as he set her glass of wine in front of her. “I’d hoped the speed dating would have attracted younger people in here.”
“It did, but just for the event.” He frowned, surveying the room. “The younger crowd is going to the hipster bar where they’re building that new complex, with the shops and restaurants, close to campus.”
“Maybe we should just plan to start having more events.”
“That’s more work for you.”
“At least I like doing it.” She took a sip of her wine, perking up when she remembered earlier. “I asked Alice if she could come look at your books, and she said yes.”
“When can she come?” he asked, perking up too.
“Weekends are probably best for her, but I’ll ask.” She wrinkled her nose. “Actually, I’ll give her your number and have her text you directly to arrange it.”
“Great.” He nodded, his cheeks a little flushed. “Thanks, Rach.”
“I’m late,” a deliciously accented voice said behind her.
Gosh, his voice was sexy. She looked over her shoulder.
Right as she was going to say something exceedingly clever, Jamie put his hand on her back and kissed her cheek. Her tongue twisted in her mouth. She counted it a miracle that she didn’t choke.
He pulled the stool closer to her, his hand still on her back. “Didier sends his regards. I’m sure Erik would too, but he seems to be tongue-tied where women are concerned.”
She felt for him. “That bothers you,” she realized.
“It makes finding him a girl a bit difficult, yes.” He grinned ruefully at her. “It’s okay. I have an idea on how to help him.”
“What?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“Practice. We just need to put him in front of girls and have him talk to them.” He nodded at Chris as he set a glass of whiskey in front of him. “Thank you.”
Chris leaned on the counter. “I overheard what you said about Erik. Let me know if you want my help. He’s a good kid.”
Jamie smiled slowly, obviously touched. He put his fist out. “Thanks, mate.”
Chris bumped it as Otto piped up from down the bar. “The tall blond kid, right?” the older man asked.
Chris nodded. “Yeah.”
“He’s a good kid,” Otto said. “I have a granddaughter at the university, and George and Sean have granddaughters too. I’ll ask and see if they’d want to show him around a little.”