"Mind if I sit here? Looks like you've got the best seat in the place."
She blinked. Her heart hammered in her chest.
A dozen answers fought to come out at once, but all she managed was a mute nod.
How could she ever say no to a larger than life man like Ross Oakley.
Ross chuckled under his breath and slid into the seat opposite her, setting his tray down.
He took a sip of his Coke as if nothing about this moment was unusual.
For him, maybe it wasn't. For her, it was surreal—dreamlike, almost absurd.
She sat frozen for a moment, burger half-eaten in her hands, unsure if she should say something or just let the silence stretch.
The sound of her own heartbeat filled her ears, drowning out the chatter and clatter of the restaurant.
Ross glanced at her, an amused smile tugging at his lips.
"Relax. I don't bite. Not unless it's a burger." He held one up, grinning, before taking a bite.
That broke the tension just enough for her to laugh—softly, nervously.
