Slow No Wake - By Dakota Madison Page 0,31

I mean.”

“I really don’t think it’s a good idea for her to sleep with both of them,” Serenity said.

“I’m a firm believer in the old saying that you shouldn’t put a down payment on a car until you’ve taken it for a test drive,” Trinity said.

“You may change your opinion when I tell you that Daniel’s roommate is Mr. LaRoche.”

Both Trinity and Serenity gasped. “You’ve been seeing Mr. LaRoche?” They asked in unison.

“I didn’t actually know he was Mr. LaRoche until Saturday night,” I said in my defense, although technically, he kissed me after I found out.

Trinity shook her head. “That changes everything. As gorgeous and charming as he may be, he’s nothing but trouble.”

“How did we not know that Daniel lived with Mr. LaRoche?” Serenity added.

“Daniel doesn’t like to talk about it, for obvious reasons,” I said.

“So, it’s settled then,” Trinity said. “You’ll date Daniel and tell Mr. LaRoche to kiss your lovely butt goodbye.”

If only it was that simple.

I smiled and stood. “Thanks for letting me vent,” I said as I headed to the door.

“We just want to see you happy,” Serenity said.

“And we’d love to see Mr. LaRoche get knocked down a few notches,” Trinity added.

***

When I got back to my office, I was still teeming with emotional energy and just as confused as ever. But maybe the twins were right and I should let go of the idea that anything of substance would ever materialize with Eddie. He was obviously just a player, who wanted to add me to his list of conquests. Better to head down the road with Daniel to see if there was any chance of a real relationship developing between us.

I heard my cell phone beep and saw a new text from Daniel.

I need to see you. Can we have lunch together?

I texted back, Sure.

I’ll come to your office.

***

A few minutes before noon, Daniel entered my office. “Are you ready for lunch?” he asked.

I nodded and rose from my chair.

“I’d like to take you to a restaurant instead of eating here,” he said. “If that’s okay.”

“That would be great,” I said as we headed out the door. I was glad there would be no chance of accidently running into Eddie.

The downtown place was a little hole in the wall.

“It’s better than it looks,” Daniel whispered to me as we entered the rundown diner.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

There were only ten tables in the entire restaurant and only three of them were occupied. Not very good business for the lunch hour. We took a seat in the back corner, where it was a little more secluded.

“A buddy of mine owns the place,” Daniel said. “I try to support him whenever I can.”

He handed me one of the menus that was sitting on the table and opened the other one.

“What’s good here?” I asked.

“My favorite is the grown-up grilled cheese sandwich with coleslaw.” He grinned. “It comes with a pickle.”

“The pickle really sold it.” I smiled as I closed the menu.

Daniel grabbed both of my hands in his and looked into my eyes. His expression was serious. “I know we haven’t known each other very long, but I want you to know that I really like you. I hope you’ll give me the chance to get to know you better.”

“I’d like that,” I responded.

He squeezed my hands. Then he gave me his smile that lit up the room. I didn’t think I could ever get tired of his smile.

He looked like he had more to say, so I waited. He bit his bottom lip and it just about drove me crazy. All I could think about was kissing him again. I hoped I’d get the chance. Sooner rather than later.

“I know I can’t ask you not to see Eddie. I wish I could. But it’s your decision.” His expression turned more serious. “I realize I can’t compete with him. I never could. Whatever Eddie wants, Eddie always gets, especially when it comes to women. I know the first person you’ll always see is him. Every woman sees Eddie first. But when you look further into your future, I hope you’ll see me.”

My chest tightened and my heart skipped a few beats. At that moment, Daniel was the only guy I saw. He was the only guy I wanted to see.

He drew my hand to his lips and placed one of his soft kisses on my knuckles. When our eyes met, my breath hitched.

“Will you go out with me Saturday night?” he asked.

“I’d love