Page 55 of Indiscretion

“Did I ever give you the impression I was anything else?”

“Actually, yes.”

“When?”

It was my turn to fold my arms across my chest. “When you took the time to look up local vegan restaurants and read reviews. That wasn’t crass. It was thoughtful.”

He bit off another piece of bread. “Or…I’m trying to butter you up.”

I narrowed my eyes. “They don’t serve butter here.”

He smiled. “It’s a good thing you aren’t a DA. Arguing with you turns me on. I wouldn’t be able to focus across the aisle from you with a hard-on.”

I acted appalled, but also…the man made me a little insane. Because the thought of himhardwhile in court sort of turned me on.

I took a deep breath and attempted to shake it off, then rounded our conversation back to business and had Dawson fill me in on the other charges Mr. Fanning had been indicted on. It was nice to talk shop again. When our food came, Dawson asked if he could run his defense for another case by me. Before I knew it, our plates were clean, and two hours had gone by.

“Are you going back to the office?” I asked on the way out.

“For a little while. I need to tie up a few loose ends, but then I’m going to head home and crash for a few hours. I didn’t sleep last night.”

We walked out to the street together.

“What about you?” Dawson asked. “Any plans for the rest of the weekend?”

“I was invited to an art opening tomorrow night. But I’m not sure if I’m going.” I left off that Simon had also mentioned having dinner before.

His eyes narrowed. “With who?”

“Nosy much?”

“It’s with Sam, isn’t it?”

I rolled my eyes. “I know you know his name isSimon, and not that it’s any of your business, but yes,Simoninvited me to an art exhibitbecause we’re friends.I think you’ve become a little obsessed with my personal life.”

“Why aren’t you sure if you’re going?”

The truth was, I’d let Dawson’s comments make me question whether Simon might be interested in more than just friendship. He had said some sweet things last night, and I’d probably read into them because of the stupid stuff Dawson had planted in my head. Simon was just asweet guy. Though there was no way in hell I’d be telling Dawson he’d made me question Simon’s intentions.

“I’ve been a little tired lately.”

Dawson opened his mouth like he had a retort on the tip of his tongue, but then shut it and stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets. “I’ll see you Monday?”

“Yep. Monday.”

He caught my eye. “Thanks for your help today, and enjoy your platonic friend tomorrow tonight.”

I lifted my chin. “I will. You know, not every man has a one-track mind and is incapable of being friends with women.”

Dawson offered a two-finger salute. “If you say so.”

Chapter 15

NAOMI

Sunday morning, I went looking at apartments. It wasn’t much fun, especially when I saw up close and personal what I could afford with my depressing new budget. I’d either have to settle for a small studio, or I was going to have to get roommates. The latter did not appeal to meat all, so I waited in line with all the other broke people to see yet another tiny apartment, only to be turned away when I finally made it two people from the door because someone had already taken the overpriced place. After the third time that happened, I gave up and called it a day.

“Honey, I’m home!” I tossed my keys in the basket Frannie kept on the table near the door and collapsed on her couch dramatically. Leonardo jumped on my lap and started licking my face.

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