16 Lighthouse Road - Debbie Macomber [119]
Because they were close to D.D.’s, Justine suggested they walk over to the waterfront restaurant.
“Let’s drive.”
It seemed ridiculous to drive to a restaurant less than two blocks from the bank, but Justine didn’t want to start the evening with an argument.
Warren held open the car door for her and she discovered a small wrapped package on the passenger seat. “What’s this?” she asked.
“Open it and see.”
“Not another gift. Warren, please, this isn’t necessary.”
“Says who?” he joked. “It’s the only way I can prove to you that I’ll be a generous husband.”
“Warren.”
“All right, all right, no pressure.” Chuckling, he hurried around to the driver’s side.
Justine waited until he was seated before she opened the jeweler’s box. Inside was an oblong-shaped black pearl in a gold oyster clasp; it was suspended from a fine gold chain. The pearl was exquisite.
“A friend of mine picked that up for me in the South Pacific,” he told her.
“It’s lovely.”
“You deserve to wear diamonds and pearls.”
“Oh, Warren.”
“Come on,” he said, grinning. “Let’s get to the restaurant. I could use a drink.”
Justine enjoyed a glass of wine now and then, but she wasn’t a heavy drinker. Warren often overindulged and when he did, she drove them both home and spent the night in his spare room. She knew what people thought and was content to let their assumption stand. Warren appreciated her discretion. Evenings of this kind happened often enough that she kept a spare set of clothes at his house.
The parking lot at D.D.’s was already almost full, and they were fortunate to find a space. Instead of requesting a table for dinner, Warren led her into the cocktail lounge, where they sat at a circular booth overlooking the water.
Warren had two double scotches in quick succession. He’d just ordered his third when Seth Gunderson walked casually into the lounge.
Justine’s shocked gaze clashed with his. She’d had no idea he was still in town. The last place she’d expected to run into him was here.
Seth looked slowly from Justine to Warren, a disgusted expression on his face.
Since it would be rude to ignore Seth completely, she attempted a smile. He acknowledged her briefly by inclining his head in her direction, then made for the bar. He took a seat with his back to her.
“What’s wrong?” Warren asked.
“Nothing,” she assured him, staring out over the waterfront and the marina.
“Who’s he?” Warren asked, glancing at Seth and then, as if he’d figured it out, he reached for his drink and tossed it down in one swallow. “Damn,” he said, shaking his head.
“Don’t worry about it, Warren. I’m with you, not Seth.” Agreeing to marry Warren right then and there would reassure him, but she couldn’t make herself do it.
“You want him, though. Don’t you?”
“Of course not.” How easily the lie came to her lips.
“Who do you think you’re kidding?” Warren said scornfully. “It’s written all over both of you.”
“That’s not true.” She repulsed Seth. Everything he did told her as much. He sat at the bar with his back to her, letting her know that he couldn’t bear the sight of her.
“You can’t take your eyes off him,” Warren commented and oddly, he sounded amused.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’m going to clear the air here and now.”
“No! Warren, no.” She tried to grab his arm as he slid out of the booth, but he was too fast for her.
Horrified, Justine watched as Warren walked over to the bar. She could only speculate about what he said, but he appeared to be inviting Seth to join them. Seth declined, and obviously Warren persisted, encouraging him. Justine wanted to crawl under the table when Seth finally gave in, picked up his beer and followed Warren back to their booth.
“Sit down,” Warren said jovially.
Seth hesitated. The option was to sit next to Warren or to slide into the booth beside her. He chose to sit by her, so she was trapped between the two men.