Page 57 of David's Proposal

“We need to talk. It’s about Sabina.”

“Too late. She’s here already.”

“Where?”

“At the bar.”

I run my eyes down. Julie wears flared pants, a cropped top that exposes her midriff, and a dozen necklaces.

“Where were you?” I ask suspiciously. “Weren’t you supposed to be home?”

“I’m not five. I can go wherever I want.”

“It’s Wednesday night.”

She waves me off.

I can’t help myself, and look over my shoulder, hoping to see that damn cab move away and the young dude heading wherever he was supposed to be heading.

“Who are you watching?” Julie asks.

I shift my eyes back and catch her looking in the same direction.

Our eyes connect, and she gives me that questioning look I know so well––an eyebrow lifted, her eyes cutting through me like razor blades.

That usually precludes some heart-to-heart talk, and I have a feeling tonight is no exception.

The reality is she couldn’t work as my assistant and clean up the occasional mess if she didn’t know a lot of stuff about me.

“Let’s go inside,” I say, having no choice but to talk to her.

I show her to the door, hoping to make her move.

The cab was still there when I looked, although the valet was gone.

Reluctantly, Julie turns around, still very much curious about the people I was spying on.

I shift my eyes behind her and notice the cab finally pulling away.

When I turn my focus back, Julie looks at me disapprovingly.

“Were you and that redhead together tonight?” she asks, and my jaw tenses.

“Inside,” I say sternly.

DAVID

“Not at the bar,”I say, grabbing her by the elbow and nudging her past the reception desk.

She shoots me a sharp look.

“May I ask why?”

“Sabina is waiting for me there,” I mutter, showing her to the corridor leading to the events rooms.

“So, she talked to you?”

“Of course she talked to me. Somehow, she knew I’d be here. How didyouknow she was here?" I ask as we walk down a quiet corridor.

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