Headlines (Prime Time #3) - Ella Frank Page 0,43

thinking, and you need to stop thinking like that too. I wouldn’t have cared what you turned up in tonight, as long as you turned up.”

“For you, always.”

“Good. Now let me get myself together so I’m decent enough to walk out of here.”

I headed around my desk to grab my briefcase, and when I looked up to see Sean watching me, my heart thumped a little harder. Wow, I was one lucky guy to have him as my date tonight.

JULIEN WAS A relatively new restaurant in Chicago, and had fast become one of my favorites. Named after its owner and manager—the world-renowned chef Julien Thornton—the place had become an instant hit and was known for its exquisite cuisine, wines, service, and charm.

The place was more difficult to get a reservation at than it was to get a personally delivered Mont Blanc from Angelina’s…in France. But luckily for me, Henri had an in with the owner, and after my first night here and an introduction with the famous chef, I’d been given similar privileges.

Sean and I stepped out of the revolving door and into the front entrance of the place, where we were greeted by an elegant woman dressed in a pristine uniform of black and white. She flashed us a brilliant smile.

“Good evening, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation with us tonight?”

“We do,” I said. Sean remained silent, looking over our hostess’s shoulder to the main dining room. “I believe the other guests in our party are already here. It’s under Xander.”

She scanned the reservation book and then nodded. “Ah yes, there you are. If you’ll follow me.”

I glanced at Sean who was still busy soaking in the stunning architecture of the dining room, and reached for his hand. We were led past several round tables with pristine white linens set to perfection; the small wall sconces in little alcoves gave off an intimate glow that made the place feel sensual and romantic.

If it had just been Sean and myself out for dinner tonight, I might’ve slipped our hostess some cash to find us the most private booth out here. As it was, she was weaving us past the bar and toward a table, where my mother spotted us and immediately got to her feet.

“Alexander!”

As the hostess left us, my mother stepped out from her chair and rushed over, then cradled one of my cheeks and placed a kiss on the other.

“Oh, honey.” She took a step back and gave me a thorough once-over. “You look so well. So very, very well.”

I took her hands in mine and returned the kiss. “Thanks, Mom, I feel well. You look fantastic, as always.”

She was wearing an elegant black dress for the evening, her silver hair cut pixie short, and highlighting eyes the same color as mine. She was a beautiful lady, even now as she entered her late sixties.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, even off the hook after taking so long to invite us out here after your…incident.”

I shook my head and stepped aside for Sean, and her eyes widened.

“Sean Bailey? My, my, is that really you?”

Sean, who’d been silent up until now, cleared his throat and leaned forward to offer his hand in greeting. But my mother wasn’t having any of that. She walked forward and drew him into the same embrace I’d just received.

I couldn’t help but laugh at Sean’s shocked expression, but after the somewhat awkward exchange, Mom let him go and ran a hand down the lapel of his jacket.

“As I live and breathe, I would not have recognized you, mister. He sure does clean up nice, doesn’t he?”

Way to be subtle, Mom. “You know he’s right there. He can hear you.”

“Oh, I know. I just can’t believe I’m looking at Bailey’s oldest brother. What a strapping, fine man you grew into. Well, come on, then, Sean. Sit down over there by Ray and we’ll order some drinks.”

Sean nodded and then grabbed my hand, halting me. I turned back to see him glancing past my shoulder. “Don’t you dare leave me alone with them tonight.”

I lowered my gaze to his mouth. “Or else…what?”

“Xander…”

“Hmm.”

“Stop it.”

“Stop what?” I smoothed my hand down his lapel, much like my mother had. But his reaction to me was much different. His eyes darkened and fell to my mouth. Oh yes, payback could be so much fun. “I’m not doing anything.” Sean’s jaw twitched as I licked my lower lip, then I winked and said, “I’m really hungry. Better feed me.”

I smirked and turned