eyes and feel the defeat eating up my defenses. “Fine. I’ll call.”
“Yay! Okay, don’t order anything with onions or garlic.”
I frown. “Why not?”
“In case he kisses you!”
I shake my head. “Do you ever listen? Business dinner.”
“So you’ve said a hundred times. Cam and I hooked back up because of our business relationship. It happens. Oooh, and I hope it happens to you. All that big beautiful hunk of Native American hotness. His dark to your light. Gawd! A match made in heaven. Predestined!”
I can hear her clapping through the line.
“You’re insane.”
“But you love me.”
“Miss me,” I say, forcing her to end the conversation.
“Miss me more!” she squeals in what can only be sisterly delight.
“Always. Now I gotta head out.”
“Remember, no onions or garlic, and if he gives you the go sign, slip him a little tongue action!”
“Sweet mother, you cannot help yourself.”
“Never! Love you. Bye!” She hangs up and I straighten my shoulders when my phone rings again. I’m just about to nail my sister thinking it’s probably her with something she forgot to say when I note the caller ID says that it’s Dad calling.
“Hey, you!” I answer with a smile.
“Hiya, sweetheart, how’s my best girl doing?” His voice is deep and filled with warmth.
“Good, good. I’m actually on my way out to a business dinner so I only have a few minutes. I’m so glad you called. I’ve missed you. When are you coming home for a visit? It’s been ages, Dad.”
He sighs. “I know, sweetheart, but things are heating up here. You know how it is. Duty calls.”
“And you always answer,” I tease.
My father chuckles and it’s music to my ears, so much so it lifts my spirits. “Still, Dad, you deserve some time off. You couldn’t even make it for Suda Kaye’s wedding.” I grind down on my teeth. Not that she minded. To her it was all the same if he were there to walk her down the aisle or not. Our grandfather performed that honor.
“You’re right, as usual. I’m burning the candle at both ends and I definitely need a break.”
“You need to retire! You’ve given the military most of your life. When will it be your time to do what you want?”
Another hearty laugh comes through the line. “When will my thirty-year-old baby settle down and get married and give me some grandchildren? Maybe then I’ll be more motivated to retire and move back to Colorado.”
“I see what you did there, turning it around on me.” I laugh. “Someday, Dad. When the right man comes calling...”
“And he will. I’m certain of it. My girl is beautiful, smart and her father’s daughter.”
“Absolutely!” I smile and grab my purse, setting it on my desk. “Dad, I really do have to go, though. Can we chat again soon?”
“I’d love nothing more. Be good. And get out and have some fun once in a while, will ya?”
I grin. “Sure, Dad. I promise. Love you.”
“I love you, Evie. Tell your sister I love her, too, and to give her dad a call sometime.”
“Will do.” Though I know in my heart she’ll agree and just forget.
“Bye, sweetheart.”
“Bye, Dad.” I toss my phone into my purse, grab my leather blazer and put it on. I glance in the big, rectangular mirror hanging along the wall in my office and assess my outfit. I think it looks hip, if not business edgy with the shoes and the blazer.
I groan and fluff my hair. “Why do I care about my looks? It’s business. So, I’m going to dinner one-on-one with the only man I’ve ever wanted to be with. He’s off-limits. Business only.”
Firming my spine, I loop my purse over my shoulder and offer myself an air kiss.
“You’ve got this, girl.” I give myself a little pep talk and head out the door.
3
Bryant Brews is hopping when I arrive at quarter to seven. When the hostess approaches, I wave her off, planning to go directly to the bar. Less date-like, more noise. Unfortunately, there’s only a booth available in the bar and nothing else in the rest of the place. Sighing, I head for the single booth and pick up the drink menu. Booze will be necessary if I’m going to get through a business dinner with Milo.
While I scan the menu, I feel a familiar presence tap on my shoulder. I glance up at the smiling face of Porter Bryant, the owner and a longtime family friend.
I stand up and he pulls me into his arms for a hug.
“Hey, it’s been