To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,25

together as Jason made his way closer.

“You two heading to the pub?”

Going to the pub after an AL meeting was a habit that Joseph learned many of the members followed. Often, their wives and friends would meet them there. Part of him wanted to go home, hide away in his apartment, and wish that he could roll back the hands of time before he opened his mouth and insulted Samantha. Instead, he nodded. After all, maybe a beer and some laid-back time with his friends would help erase his embarrassment. “Sure, that sounds great.”

Thirty minutes later, he was finally relaxing while ensconced in the bar. Aiden placed a beer next to his, and a small, feminine hand with short, blunt fingernails reached past him, fingers curling around the mug. Twisting his head, he was surprised to see Samantha. He immediately slid out of his seat, offering it to her. She hesitated, her gaze going from the tall barstool up to his face, then nodded her thanks as she placed a sneaker-clad foot onto the rung and hauled herself up into the chair. It didn’t escape his notice that he was still taller than she was, even in the chair.

“I want to—”

“I’m sorry I—”

They both began speaking at the same time, and while he wanted to get his apology out, he said, “Please, go ahead.”

She sucked in her lips and pressed them tightly together for a moment, then sighed. “I wanted to apologize for snapping at you earlier. Your assumption isn’t unusual. Most people I meet are surprised that I was in the military. I definitely shouldn’t have responded so rudely.” Her face contorted with a grimace. “I’m usually a decent person, Joseph. I have no idea why I’ve been so prickly lately.”

Already shaking his head, he said, “Samantha, I’m the one that needs to apologize. I stuck my foot in my mouth… big time. It seems to be a habit around you.”

Her head tilted to the side and she held his gaze. “A habit just around me?”

“Yeah, it seems to occur mostly around you.”

Her brow furrowed as her top teeth landed on her bottom lip, thoughts working behind her dark eyes. “Why me?”

He shrugged and looked down at his beer, the room growing hotter as the conversation made him nervous.

She sucked in her lips again, then placed her hand on his arm. “You were really good with that older veteran… the one in the wheelchair. Some people aren’t so comfortable with the elderly.”

He tried to ignore the feel of her touch on his arm burning like a hot brand. “It’s nothing.” He didn’t want praise for being a decent human being. He held her gaze longer, hoping she would keep talking to him and that he’d manage to have a conversation that didn’t involve pissing her off.

Just as he opened his mouth again, she jumped and pulled her vibrating phone out of her pocket. Answering, she said, “Dr. Collins.” She dropped her chin to her chest, her eyes closed slowly, and a sigh escaped her lips as she listened. “Okay, I’ll be out.” She disconnected, and he could swear there was regret in her eyes when she turned her gaze back to him and said, “I’ve got to go. Call out to the clinic. A client’s dog tried to jump over their barbed wire fence. Unsuccessfully, I might add.”

She slid from the barstool but halted as his hand jerked out toward her, landing lightly on her arm. “You shouldn’t go out by yourself so late at night.”

A soft smile slipped over her face as she shook her head. “I’m the only vet… veterinarian. I’m pretty sure there are no such things as set hours. Anyway, I’ll be fine.”

She smiled at him, and he felt a deep longing to see her lips curve upward more often. Especially if it was directed toward him. Her face appeared even younger. And more beautiful. Little crinkles emanated from her eyes and a few tiny freckles were more noticeable as her cheeks lifted slightly with her smile. Christ, I want to see that smile more often.

She turned and started toward the door when his attention was snagged by two young women stepping into his line of vision. One was wearing a plastic tiara with a sash that proclaimed Almost Hitched while the other’s sash proclaimed Best Maid of Honor.

Giggling stupidly, the one who seemed the most trashed tossed her hair over her shoulder. “The guy over at the bar said you do tattoos. I want