Page 9 of Worth the Risk

“I appreciate the vote of confidence and while I was a very unhappy little girl at the time my dad told me that, I’m glad I ended up going into law. I can honestly say my career makes me happy.”

“So besides practicing law and running, Mia…” I take a sip of my wine and lean back a little in my chair. “What else makes you happy?”

She tilts her head as if she’s thinking through the question and I take the time to try and push away the niggling feeling that’s begun to gnaw at my gut. The feeling I don’t want to face… especially not right now.

“Spending time with friends and family. I love a good night out and, of course, traveling.” Her eyes light up as she tells me about some of her favorite places she traveled. “Oh, and this adorable place I stayed at in Milos once was just amazing. We had our own private beach and the host’s cats would come sit me every morning. It was magical.”

“Sounds like it.” I smile to myself at her affinity for cats, something else she and Taylor would have in common.

“So, enough about me. What made you ask me out?”

“I mean, look at you, why wouldn’t I?” I try not to sound too much like an asshole but her looks certainly had something to do with it… actually, they had everything to do with it. Not just because she’sknock you on your assbeautiful or because every head turned in this restaurant when the host walked us to our seats. But because she looks like Taylor. As much as I wantto pretend that isn’t what caught my eye or what’s caught my eye about the last five women I’ve taken out, that’s the truth no matter which way I try and spin it.

“Okay, so looks first, I can respect that. It’s the first thing I noticed about you.” She smiles coyly. “Well, I noticed all of this”—she points toward my body—“since you were shirtless, but then I saw your face and that was the cherry on top.”

“Glad we can both appreciate one another. That being said, I’m not trying to sell you short; you’re obviously an extremely smart and successful woman as well. I’m attracted to that. I like a take charge kind of woman.” I wink. “Preferably with a smart mouth.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.” She laughs again. “My ex wasn’t a fan of me being a lawyer or having opinions.”

“No?” I take a sip of my wine. “Sounds like he’s an ex for a reason.”

She shrugs, her eyes drifting down to where she’s started to fiddle with her napkin. “Yeah, I mean, he isn’t a bad guy; he just has a few things he needs to work on.” I can feel the excitement about this date start to leave my body the more she starts to defend him. “And it’s not that he didn’t necessarily mind that I was a lawyer. It was more the hours and lifestyle of it.”

I nod, pretending to be engaged in the conversation that has suddenly taken a sharp turn. Gone is that smiling woman from a moment ago. Now she sounds sad and desperate to get her ex back.

“How long ago did things end?”

“Two weeks ago,” she says, confirming my suspicions that she’s most likely not over this guy.

I glance at both of our glasses that are now empty, the waiter nowhere in sight, most likely busy with another table. Getting a sense of where this date is about to go, I do the least shitty thing I can think of besides leaving… getting drunk.

“Hey, why don’t I go up to the bar and grab us another drink?”

“Okay.” She nods as she reaches for her purse. “I need to go to the ladies’ room so I’ll meet you back here in a few moments.”

I stand and pull out her chair, making my way toward the bar once she excuses herself. I motion toward the bartender, ordering two more glasses of wine. My eyes drift, along with my thoughts. It’s clear there’s an attraction between Mia and me, and if I had to guess, I wouldn’t even have to try to take her home tonight. I’ve been on enough rebound dates with women to know that an anger fuck with a stranger is probably exactly what she’s looking for, but it’s not what I want.

I scan the row of patrons on the other side of the bar, my eyes drifting listlessly down the row when they land on Taylor. I squint, leaning forward as if I’m not actually sure I’m seeing her sitting across from me, her head down, focused on her phone while she has her hand shielding her face.

“What the fuck?” I laugh, walking around the bar toward her. “Are you seriously trying to hide from me right now?” She lifts her head, her eyes growing wide when they meet mine.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Her brow is furrowed in confusion.

“Probably the same thing as you. Eating.” I laugh again. “I told you I have a first date tonight.”

“I mean, why here? This is yourthirddate restaurant.” She lowers her voice as if my date might hear her and glances over my shoulder. “Also, why are you talking to me when you’re on a date?”

“It is?” I cock my head. “I guess I didn’t realize that.” I flash her a grin, one I know will send her eyes rolling to the back of her head. I know damn well what my date routine is; I just think it’s cute she does too.

“Yes, you did. First dates with you are always sushi, second is Italian, and this is third.”

“Hmm, guess you’re right.” I turn and lean back against the bar, taking a second to glance around. “Are you here alone?”

“Order for Taylor?” the bartender says, handing a bag to her over the bar. “Grabbing your wine right now, sir.” He nods toward me, then turns away.

“I was just grabbing something to go so go enjoy your date and stop talking to me. It’s weird to be talking to another woman when you’re on a date with someone else.” She attempts to shoo me away, but I stay put.

“Relax.” I roll my eyes. “She had to run to the restroom and I’m waiting on our drinks.”

---