Page 30 of Back in Black

He reached across the table and took her hand. Smoothing his thumb over her knuckles got her to relax her fist.

“Drew was harsh, but Audrey, you have to admit that Millie got more than a few minor things wrong.”

Audrey’s jaw loosened. “You’redefendinghim?”

“Not what he said, but his reasons for saying it, yeah. Millie put the SBC in the worst possible light, and she accused Drew of unethical business practices.”

“That’s not how she intended it!”

“That’s how it came off.” He kept her hand when she would have pulled away. “Drew Black’s temper is legendary. The thing about Drew, though, he doesn’t really attack first. But if anyone wrongfully criticizes the SBC, as Millie did, he goes rabid.”

She was not in the mood to hear anyone explain away Mr. Black’s faults. “Millie has always been shy in large groups, and how he treated her . . . she’s still in WAVS, but never again will she be a spokesperson for us. In fact, I have to do all the interviews now myself because no one else is willing to risk the wrath of Mr. Black. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a foul-mouthed bully and a complete jerk.”

“Foul-mouthed, yeah. No one can deny that.” Appearing frustrated, Brett let out a breath. “But you’d have to know Drew to understand—”

Aghast, Audrey freed herself of his touch. “Doyouknow him?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Brett sat back in his seat and scrutinized her. “I’ve met him a few times, yeah. And like most, I’m familiar with him and his role in the SBC.”

As his tone sank in, her eyes widened. “You actually like him.”

“I respect him. And the sport.”

He caught her before she could push her chair back and bolt. Audrey struggled for only a second, but relented when he wouldn’t release her. She didn’t want to cause a scene. “Let me go.”

“Come on, Audrey. Give me five minutes, will you? Please.”

She saw no point. “Youknowhow I feel about it, Brett.”

He made a display of releasing her hands and holding his up. “Yeah, I do. But I don’t knowwhy. Stay for dinner, talk to me about it. Make me understand your angle.”

“I don’t have an angle.” But she didn’t want to leave. Brett Bullman was the nicest, sexiest guy she’d ever met. And he wanted her.

Millie had insisted that she needed more of a social life. She’d encouraged her to get to know Brett, to add balance to her life of work and WAVS. Not since her brother passed away had she dated anyone, and while she hadn’t summoned the interest to find involvement, she did miss the romance, the comfort of wanting and being wanted.

Brett was not only nice, he was by far the most gorgeous man she’d ever met. And he liked her. Should she really let a difference in perspective get in the way?

Maybe if she stayed, she could convert him to her way of thinking. If she walked out, he’d never see the SBC for the brutal, bloody street fighting that she knew it to be.

The waitress brought their drinks and flipped open a pad to take their orders.

Brett watched Audrey, leaving it up to her. As he promised, he didn’t pressure her.

She took a calming breath—and asked for a burger and fries.

Relaxing, Brett ordered grilled chicken and a side of steamed veggies.

When they were alone again, they sat in silence for some time. Finally Brett leaned forward and propped his elbows on the table. “I’m glad you decided to stay. After dinner, maybe I can talk you into a game of pool.” He took her hand. “And then dancing?”

Not since college had she danced with a guy. “I’d like that.”

“And what about the mechanical bull?”

She laughed with him. “Now you’re pushing it.” No way would she attempt that bone-jarring feat. But if all went well, she wouldn’t mind kissing him again. Imagining it made her stomach jumpy, and her toes curled in her boots.

Brett’s expression sharpened. “I know what you’re thinking, Audrey, because I’m thinking it, too. Soon as you’re ready, just say the word.”

She couldn’t help herself. Brett Bullman was walking, sweet-talking temptation. She drew in a breath and said, “Now would be good.”

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