Page 86 of Marrying Off My Husband

“Thanks. But I don’t need it. If this one’s meant to be, we’ll know it.” With a wink, I left him behind, climbed into my car, and headed to The White Horse to meet whatever my date’s name was.

A twinge of guilt shot through me as I drove there, plotting for how to get rid of him, but I brushed it aside. I had a job to do.

I found him already seated and waiting at a booth in the back. As I approached, he rose a little awkwardly–something I’d normally find charming–and smiled as he held out a rose.

He was doing well so far. It was almost a shame I’d have to ditch him, but I knew he’d make some other woman very happy.

“Hi,” he said with a smile, “you must be Louise. I’m Justin. Wow, you look fantastic.”

“Thank you, darlin’,” I said as I tossed the rose aside and slid into the booth. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

His cheeks turned red, highlighted by the candle glowing between us. We studied the menu before placing our orders.

Justin offered me an awkward smile before he launched into his icebreaker. “So, you’re from Savannah. How do you like Newport?”

I wanted to grab my phone and text Eve to see if Spencer had surprised her with the soup yet, but I resisted the temptation. “Oh, I love it. Of course, I’m not sure how I’ll feel at the end of the summer.”

“First time through the weather change?”

“Something like that,” I answered. My read on him was that he was a nice guy looking for a committed relationship. I had to send him screaming from me…and I knew just the way to do it.

“Well, the fall can actually be quite warm. So, you may enjoy it more than you think.”

With a huff, I settled my chin in my palm. “Well, it’s not so much the weather, it’s more the…scenery.”

“Oh, the leaves will be beautiful.”

“I meant the…outflux of tourists and…so on.”

His brow furrowed as he stared at me. “Oh, you…you like the bustle?”

“I like the bodies,” I answered coyly.

His features devolved into more confusion.

I chuckled. “You know, all those hot young men who come to the area.”

He laughed nervously. “Uh, I guess it helps with the dating, yep.”

“Dating?” I said with a chuckle. “Yes, I guess so.”

“Were you meaning something else?”

“Well, I don’t…it’s not so much dating that I’m looking for.” I leaned closer, sliding my hand across the table and rubbing his.

He glanced down at it before his gaze rose to mine, his forehead creasing. “Wh-what are you looking for?”

I couldn’t help letting a little smile curl my lips as I eyed him, one eyebrow arching. “A little of this…a little of that.”

“I’m not sure I’m following.”

I let my thumb rub across his skin. “You know…a little of you…a little of Joe…a little of Tom…a little of…well, everyone.”

“You…you want a one-night stand? I thought you were looking for a long-term commitment.”

I threw my head back with laughter. “No, sugar, I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I’m looking for long-term.”

The nervousness on his features only dissipated a little as he huffed out a chuckle. “Oh, good. Because I’m after a committed relationship.”

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