With a Hitch by RC Boldt

Author:RC Boldt [Boldt, RC]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RC Boldt Publishing LLC
Published: 2019-03-18T18:30:00+00:00

29

Dax

When Darcy tips her head on a little laugh, amused by whatever Watson said, I can no longer deny the nausea that’s been plaguing me. It grates on my nerves that he’s making her laugh.

The hell of it is, I have no fucking clue why it bothers me.

My eyes flick between Monica and the cell phone in her hands. “Is everything okay?” She doesn’t have any kids or anyone she’s responsible for, so I’m sure my question leaves the implied can you not be on your phone right now? hanging between us.

Already distracted by her cell phone, she raises her eyes to mine for a split second before refocusing on whatever the hell she’s doing on that thing. ”Absolutely okay…” She draws the words out slowly, obviously distracted.

I clear my throat quietly and attempt to subdue my rising irritation. I toy with the flat handle of the butter knife neatly laid on the linen tablecloth. “I always do my best to be present when I’m with someone else, you know?” I force a casual laugh. “Not be a slave to technology.”

“Mmmhmm.”

That’s it. That’s her response in its entirety.

I stop fiddling with the knife. “I never want to miss out on any moments because I’m too busy trying to take just the right photo or send a text that can wait at least a few hours.” My lips twist wryly. “Life’s better when you live in the moment.”

When nothing but silence greets my comments, I lift my gaze and discover her immersed in whatever is on her phone.

I drag in a deep breath, hoping it will calm me as I try to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Is it work?”

“Hmm?” Her gaze finally meets mine. “Oh! No. Sorry.” A sheepish smile forms, her red lips curving upward, as she—finally—sets her phone aside. “I was caught up in a crazy barrage of texting with my mother, who, first, didn’t believe I was on a date instead of working and, second, didn’t believe me when I told her you weren’t an escaped convict.” She laughs, and it’s easy and warm. Genuine. “I apologize. She still treats me like I’m eight and just got skinned knees from being pushed down by the neighborhood bully.”

A fraction of my agitation subsides, and I quirk an eyebrow with a teasing smirk. “And do you normally go on dates with escaped convicts?”

Monica’s smile widens. “Definitely not. I’d have some issues with my job if I did since I have certain security clearances.”

Something draws my attention over to Darcy’s table. Darcy and Kyler. At that exact moment, he catches sight of me, and the edges of his mouth turn up into a knowing smirk. When the waiter blocks my view of them while delivering their food, I find myself rising from my chair and offering a polite smile to Monica with the excuse that I’d like to say a quick hello to someone. She responds with both an understanding smile and an, “Of course.”

I stride over to their table.

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