Conflict of Interest - By Allyson Lindt Page 0,20

upper crust held their business lunches here. It was always a good place to point out how they behaved and see how her apprentice showed up without coaching so she knew how much work she had left to do.

Some of the other groups waiting for tables—she’d been told at least forty-five minutes, and these men who were supposedly on their lunch hour were mingling and waiting anyway—were glancing at them and frowning as they muttered to each other.

Maybe she should have at least warned him what kind of a place this was. Those jeans were horrible. It was a good thing there wasn’t a dress code. But this was what she’d needed to see.

She forced her smile to remain pleasant. “They put my name on their list. I guess we have a little while to wait still.”

Scott looked her over, dark eyes lingering on her face for a moment. The corner of his mouth pulled up. “Your hair still looks better down.”

He turned away before she could reply, which was fine with her. It gave her a chance to hide the flush on her cheeks. She hadn’t left it down for him. She just hadn’t had time to pull it back that morning. She tucked a strand behind her ear and suppressed a growl when she realized he was making his way to the hostess’ podium.

“Scott.” She tried to keep her voice low, but threatening. “What are you doing?”

He glanced at her. “You really should have called ahead.” He turned back to the brunette, who was studying her nails. “Becca, how’s my favorite girl?” His greeting carried through the lobby, drawing more than a few nearby glances.

Kenzie resisted the urge to find a plant to hide behind. What was he doing?

“Hey, hon.” Becca’s demeanor shifted in an instant when she saw him. Her shoulders straightened, and she stopped leaning on the nearby wall. “Haven’t seen you in a while. You look good.”

Kenzie pursed her lips and watched the exchange in silence, realization dawning on her. He knew the woman, but how?

“You know how it goes.” Scott leaned in on his arm and rested his weight on the podium. “My boss is an asshole slave driver.”

Becca giggled—actually tittered and covered her mouth with her fingertips while Kenzie bit back a gag—and grabbed two menus from their hiding spot. “Your table is ready if you are.”

“Always.” Scott’s smile was warm and genuine.

Amazement tempered Kenzie’s inappropriate memories as she followed them through the crowded restaurant. He nodded, waved, or smiled at half the staff. Not only had he been there before, but he was on friendly terms with almost everyone. He was a little loud and under-dressed, but he seemed friendly enough. She still didn’t understand why his board was complaining.

Their table was near the back, away from most of the din. Before taking his own seat, Scott held out her chair for her and scooted it in while she sat. She tried and failed to ignore the warmth in her chest at how flawlessly he’d done it.

Their waitress was with them within seconds, filling their water and setting a bread basket on the table.

“Tanya. New haircut? It looks good.” Scott’s voice was distinct, even in the chatter-filled room, drawing more glowers from around them.

That kind of attention was bad, and it pushed away some of the lingering lust. Kenzie didn’t know if she should shush him or sink farther in her seat.

“Thanks.” The redhead fluffed the short bob. “Got tired of the baby wrapping sticky fingers in it.”

“At least she’s outgrown the spitting up, right?” Scott asked.

“Totally.” Tanya pulled a pad and pen from her apron pocket. “Getting milk puke out of these black button-downs is murder.”

Someone nearby coughed, and voices died down, the entire section growing quiet. Kenzie grimaced at the mental image invoked by the conversation and the attention they were drawing.

“I’m going to take your word for it.” Scott didn’t look fazed. “Is the special any good?”

“Fresh prosciutto-wrapped chicken with roasted cauliflower. Dessert’s a surprise.”

Scott looked at Kenzie. “You’re not vegetarian or anything like that, right? You like a good, thick slice of meat every once in a while?”

She should have seen that coming. Kenzie felt more heads turning in their direction, and the heat in her face grew. She took a long swallow of ice water, intentionally ignoring his second question. “I’m not vegetarian.”

“Sweet.” Scott looked pleased. “We’ll both have the special, and the calamari to start.”

Tanya looked at her. “Anything to drink?”

She’d have the strongest anything in