Audra gazed around the restaurant again. Ean and Megan sat at a nearby table. Quincy and Ramona were dining together at an intimate booth. The couples were absorbed in each other. Did they even remember where they were?
“This seems to be a big date spot. What are we doing here, Jack?”
“Having dinner.” He didn’t look at her.
Audra arched a brow. “Don’t get cute. Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“There’s no harm in two friends going out to dinner.” Jack eased back onto his bench seating.
Audra leaned forward. Friendship. The word left her wanting more. “Is friendship all we have?”
“That was our agreement, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was.” Audra searched Jack’s onyx eyes. There was no emotion, no uncertainty.
Is it that easy for him?
“I’ve wanted to try this restaurant.” Jack allowed his gaze to travel the dining room. “It’s a new place, only eighteen months old. But I didn’t want to come here by myself.”
Were his choices coming alone or inviting her? That wasn’t very flattering. But could she blame him? They’d agreed to a no-strings-attached relationship.
So why am I looking for strings?
Audra swallowed a sigh. “I’m glad I could keep you company.”
“Me too.” Jack’s smile didn’t distract her, as it usually did. “Besides, you needed a break to help clear your mind before getting back to work.”
“Maybe.” She wasn’t as sure about that.
Audra refocused on the restaurant’s menu and her dinner selection. It wasn’t an easy decision. The descriptions were enticing, and the entrées carried to other patrons were mouthwatering: salads piled high with colorful vegetables and well-seasoned entrées that reminded her that she was starving.
When their server returned, they accepted their drinks and ordered their entrées. Audra narrowed her selection to the roasted chicken. Jack chose the New York steak, with long-grain rice.
“How’s your songwriting coming?” Jack asked the question as their server left.
Audra squeezed her lemon garnish into her iced tea. “It’s going really well. I’m almost done with two of the three songs.”
“That was fast. It’s only been two weeks.” Jack drank his iced tea.
Audra was momentarily distracted by another diner’s dessert tray.
“I’d started one of the songs last month before my writer’s block hit. Benita suggested a change of venue might help. It seems she was right.”
“Don’t tell her that.” Jack chuckled. “She’ll never let you forget it.”
Audra nodded. “I’ve heard she’s always been a know-it-all.”
“Probably since birth.” He drank more iced tea. “What caused your writer’s block?”
Audra’s humor was forced this time. “This is a big change from the Jack I met, who wouldn’t string five words together.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your curiosity has developed with a vengeance.” Audra sipped her drink. “First you wanted to know what this restaurant is like. Now you’re asking about my writing progess.”
“I’ve been curious about you since you walked into the main cabin wearing a garbage bag.”
“You’re not going to let me forget that, are you?”