Page 57 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“Shall we leave?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He gives me his elbow, and I loop my arm around it, laughing. As we walk toward his car, I glance at the house next door. The lights aren’t on. I don’t know what I expect to see, but Sean’s absence disappoints me. It’s not like I expect him to be waiting at his doorstep to watch Rick take me on a date, but I realize how much I was hoping to see him there watching. Guilt squeezes my heart, I catch myself frowning and make an awkward smile at the man helping me into the passenger seat.

“Thank you, Rick.”

“You’re welcome.” He closes my door and walks in front of the car and gets in the driver’s side.

“Where are we going?” I ask as the vehicle pulls away from the curb.

“The Loft.” Rick glances at me. “Ever been there?”

“No.” The Loft is another one of the five-star restaurants we have in town, and although I’ve never been, I’ve only heard good reviews. “But I hear their food is great.”

“I can confirm that,” Rick chuckles. “I had dinner there a few months ago, and their food was excellent.”

At the front of the restaurant, a valet handles Rick’s car while we walk into the chic and sophisticated restaurant. A uniformed staff approaches us at the door, takes our table number, and leads us to our reserved seats. Rick holds the chair out for me and ensures I’m comfortably seated before taking his seat across from me. Still nothing. My heart pricks with guilt again. He’s such a sweet man.

“I’ll direct a waitperson to your table to take your orders,” the hostess says. “Please, if you need anything, do not hesitate to call us.”

“Thank you,” we chorus as she leaves. She’s hardly gone when a waiter materializes before us. “What would you like to order, sir? ma’am?”

“Uhh…” I pick up the menu and eye the food list. There are many options, and after perusing for a few seconds, I don’t know what to choose. “Rick, I don’t know what to order.” I groan.

“Don’t worry. Let me surprise you.” He points at something on the menu and shows it to the waiter, who nods and disappears again. “What did you order?” I ask Rick.

“Ribeye steak,” he answers. “With asparagus and whipped potatoes.”

“Sounds good.”

“Good?” His eyes widen with mirth. “Trust me, it’s excellent. You’ll love it.”

“I guess I’ll have to trust you.” I inwardly groan, I really don’t want to be here.

Rick and I engage in a short conversation about the dating event until our food arrives. Like he said, the meal was excellent. I had to hold back the urge to wolf it down and eat like a lady. I think about how if it were Sean on the other side of the table, I would have devoured the dish, without worrying what he would think. Guilt slashes at me again, and I push Sean out of my mind and I feel a frown come upon my face.

After the main dish, we have dessert, and it is just as delicious. I’m impressed and would revisit this place a second time. After the waitress clears our table, Rick leans forward.

“You know the best thing I did this month?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Tell me.”

“Accepting an invite to attend a speed dating event,” he says with a smile that spotlights a dimple. “To think that I almost didn’t go because I didn’t think I wanted a relationship.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” he laughs. “But when you walked into the room, I was rendered speechless. I knew you were the reason I was there that night.”

“You saw me walk in?”

“Everyone saw you walk in,” Rick laughs. “You were quite the topic in our break room.”

“What?” I shake my head. “I didn’t know that.”

“I feel so lucky you decided to go on a date with me and I have an opportunity to get to know you better.”

I swat his arm with a gentle tap. “You’re a great guy.”

“Thank you.”

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