Page 155 of Tempting All The Way

Besides, I have a date tonight. Daisy set me up with one of her brother’s friends. I have no idea what this man looks like, but I do know he works in finance and is very well established. A proper grown-up is what Daisy called him. And I also know his name is Bert Taylor. Which I admit I cannot imagine myself being in the height of passion and calling out the name Bert, but I’ll give it my best shot.

Maybe. Depending on how tonight’s date goes.

“You look like you’re a million miles away.” Bentley’s voice comes from my open office door. She’s one of the first-year associates here. She’s also engaged to Nathan, one of the partners.

“Oh, sorry. Just thinking,” I tell her. “What can I do for you?”

“Shar and I are going out for a drink after work. You want to come with?” she asks. Shar is Xavier’s secretaryandgirlfriend.I wonder if HR even has a policy on office relationships in this place. My guess is probably not.

“Oh, I would but I can’t. I have a date.” I smile.

“A date?” she parrots with a shocked expression. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“I have no idea, just someone a friend set me up with.”

“Oh, well, enjoy. Hope it goes well.” She nods.

“Thanks, me too.” And I really do. I want to cure myself of this infatuation with Alistair. I want to forget about all the emotional turmoil caused by Hunter. Although, something my bosshas doneright… is distract me from looking and obsessing over my ex’s honeymoon snaps.

It was meant to be me. On that honeymoon. Hunter literally took her on the exact same trip I planned for us. I wonder if she knows she’s got a hand-me-down. Scratch that, because I don’t care if she knows or not. I know, and even though I’m aware of how childish it sounds, that knowledge also makes me a tad bit happier.

Bentley leaves my office and I try to focus on work for the rest of the afternoon. As soon as the clock hits six, I’m packing up my bag and heading to the restroom. I run a brush through my hair and fix my makeup. I don’t want to look like I’ve just worked ten hours. Even though I have. Satisfied enough with my appearance, I walk out of the bathroom and straight into a waiting Alistair. I attempt to ignore him and step to the side to manoeuvre around him. He reaches out and grabs hold of my wrist.

“Going somewhere?” he asks.

I snatch my arm away. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I’m going somewhere. A date actually.” I smile as sweetly as I can.

A thunderous look passes over his eyes. “No, you’re not,” he grunts out.

“Yes, I am. Now let me pass before I scream bloody murder and cause a scene,” I threaten him. The office is still full of lawyers, his staff. The last thing he’d want is everyone looking at us.

Alistair steps aside. “We’re not done with this conversation, little girl,” he says as I pass.

I try to conceal the shiver that runs through me at his words. Judging by his smirk, I don’t hide it well. I practically run out of the building like my pants are on fire to get away from him.

I make it to the restaurant early and order a glass of white wine. I need something to calm my nerves. This whole dating thing is completely new to me.

When a guy approaches the table with a huge grin, I know it must be my date and I silently thank Daisy for setting me up with someone that is at least easy on the eyes. Shallow, I know. But, hey, if there isn’t attraction, then it’s not a good start.

“You must be Danielle. I’m Bert.” He smiles while holding out a palm to me.

“Just Dani. It’s nice to meet you, Bert.” I stand and shake his hand.

He takes a seat and glances at my glass. “Have you been waiting long?” he asks.

“No, not long at all.”

“Oh, good.”

I look at him. Golden skin, blue eyes, sandy-blonde hair. He is pretty, probably too pretty. “How was your day?” I ask. I have no idea what I’m meant to say.

What do two strangers talk about?

My mind drifts to Alistair. There has never been an awkward silence between us. Our conversations happen organically. Nothing is ever forced.

Blinking away those thoughts, I return my focus to my date.

“Hectic, the market is crazy at the moment. What about you? Daisy tells me you’re a lawyer,” he says.

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