Loyal Lawyer - Jeannine Colette Page 0,17

showing off that dimple.

He calls the waitress over and gets us another round. We continue our talks and jokes. When I’m halfway through my second drink, I get the liquid courage to ask the question I’ve secretly been wanting to ask.

“How is a man as handsome, successful, and captivating as you single?”

“You think I’m captivating?”

I like that he called out that adjective instead of the others. He clearly knows how he looks in the mirror, and his reputation precedes him. But his personality … that is what makes him feel good.

“Devilishly charming. And swoonworthy. You have a way about you. Sorry if that comes off strong. I merely meant to pay you a compliment.”

“Don’t apologize. I love how authentic you are. You say what you feel.”

“Too much so sometimes, unfortunately.”

“Only because you asked, I’m recently single. I was seeing a woman, but we called it quits about three months ago. Our split was amicable though. It just didn’t work out. No love lost. I wish her the best, as I know she does me.”

“Couldn’t have been a long relationship.”

“About six months. But it wasn’t like what you had with Hardin. We dated and had fun, but the relationship ran its course. She said she wanted to see other people, and I was okay with letting her go.”

“That sounds so simple.”

“It is when you’re not in love.”

“Have you ever been in love before?”

“Yes. At least, I thought I was. We all do when we’re young. As you get older, you stop looking for the insta-love—lust that comes with an incredible high. I don’t want the kind of love that comes with conditions. Places we need to go and people we need to be with in order to be a couple. I work too hard in the office to have to work for my relationship image. I just want to meet someone I can sit at a table with, alone, have some drinks and great conversation, and even share a few laughs.”

“That sounds wonderful. But that sounds more like a friend.”

He shrugs. “Maybe that’s what I’m looking for. A woman who is my best friend, who lets me take her home when the sun goes down and ravage her in the bedroom until the sun comes up.”

My cheeks heat, and my belly tightens just as the waitress brings us the bill, breaking our little trance.

I look at my watch, suddenly more nervous than I should be. “It’s getting late. I have to get up early and put a favor order together. A hundred boxes for a wedding at the library.”

“I’ll get you a car,” he says as he pulls out his card, slides it in the billfold, and hands it to the waitress.

“No, it’s okay. I can walk.”

“It’s cold, and you’re alone. I’ll call you a car,” he insists as he pulls out his phone and taps something on it.

After the waitress brings him back his card and he signs the slip, we walk out to the curb, where a black town car is waiting. He opens the back door, and the scent of leather rolls out of the luxury mobile.

“Thank you for the drinks. This was a great idea.” I smile as I fidget with my purse.

“Thank you for dinner. You made my day.”

I step into the car, but he says my name, halting my movement.

“Amy, can I call you? I mean, not as your attorney?”

“You’re not on the clock anymore, so yes, I would like that.”

The smile that crosses his face is like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Good night, Amy.”

“Stay well, Mr. Blake.”

Chapter Six

When Sebastian said he’d call, I didn’t expect my phone to ding the next day, so I’m pretty surprised when I get a text message from him while packing up my wedding order.

I’m sitting here with a gorgeous box of chocolate and wondering if ten a.m. is too early to indulge. Thought I’d ask the expert.

I pick up my phone, my heart beating faster all of a sudden. I can’t help the grin on my face as I turn around, lean on the counter, and text back.

It is never too early for decadence.

You have my permission. ;-)

I’m officially spoiled.

You’ve ruined chocolate for me for eternity.

I’m happy to support your habit.

Just don’t tell anyone who your dealer is.

My lips are sealed.

I had a great time last night.

Me too.

I believe there’s man code that states I should wait three days before asking you out, but I’m not one to follow such rules. Have dinner with me.

Are you asking or