Her heart began to sputter. The more surly he got with her, the more she wanted him. Contrary of her? Yes. But she couldn’t help it. Men were the ones who normally were all about the chase, but she couldn’t help but question why women couldn’t chase a little too.
Of course, she was willing to start the chase and then lethimcatch her.
Chris smiled in greeting as they took seats at the bar. “This is a pleasant surprise. A company outing?”
“We’re celebrating,” Jamie said, pulling out a stool for her. “Lottie took her first client.”
“Congratulations,” Chris said with a genuinely delighted smile. Then his gaze went past them, as if looking for someone. “Is it just you guys tonight?”
“Alice and Rachel are meeting us here in a bit,” Jamie said with a knowing wink.
The bartender crossed his arms. “I’ll be happy to see Rachel,” he said pointedly.
She laughed. “You’ll be happier to see Alice.”
Chris pretended to frown at her as he took a couple glasses out. “Watch out or you won’t be served.”
The boy had it bad for Alice. She didn’t think he’d made a move yet. If he didn’t soon, she figured she’d have to step in and give him some pointers. Love was in the air, after all.
She glanced at Otto, willing him to look at her.
He lifted his head and met her gaze.
Be still my heart. His green eyes always cut through to her soul. She gave him a jaunty smile. “Join us. Maybe you’ll celebrate with us?” she asked hopefully.
He stared at her for so long she thought he was going to let go of his loner ways and do it, but then he shook his head and stood up. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his wallet and dropped a bill on the counter. “I have to get going tonight.”
She tried not to deflate but it was hard.
Didier put his hand on her back.
She looked at him, surprised to see the awareness in his eyes.
“What can I get you?” Chris asked, wiping down the counter. As they ordered their drinks, she watched Otto shuffle out of the bar, half his drink untouched.
She frowned.
Didier patted her hand. “We will take care of this,” he said in a low voice.
She squeezed his hand. “Thank you,” she whispered back. If anyone could tell her how to seduce someone, it was Didier. She’d heard about his prowess on and off the field. Also, he was French. Romance flowed through his veins.
When they all had their drinks, Jamie raised his glass. “To Lottie Morgan and her new client.”
Didier made a dismissive noise. “To Lottie, but I don’t know that I can drink to Osei.”
Taking a sip of her wine, she shook her head. “I think you have it wrong about him.”
The Frenchman just raised a skeptical brow.
“I think Danny has layers,” she said.
“Like an onion,” Didier said.
She couldn’t help laughing. “As long as he doesn’t make anyone cry. Especially Jules.”
“What is this about Julianne?” Didier asked, suddenly alert.
“I have a feeling that Danny and Jules are attracted to each other.”