Page 13 of Tangled Hearts

You’re welcome

I turn my phone off and hold my hand out to Natalie. “Ready?”

“Sure. Where are we going?”

“The Plate.” I haven’t called Brooks, but I know he’ll fit us in.

Natalie’s eyebrows shoot up. “That place is impossible to get into.”

“There’s a table in the kitchen. If it’s full, Brooks will put us there.”

“You know Chef Brooks?” Frankie’s mouth is half-open.

“Yeah, and so does Kaden. He’ll take you there if you text him.” I take Natalie’s hand and lead her across the street. “Thanks for not kicking me in the balls for following you here.”

“I’m not sure what I’m doing,” she admits.

“You’re giving me a chance.” I open the passenger door and help her inside.

“You were dating someone like five minutes earlier.”

“Technically, Julie dumped me at least a month ago, maybe two.” I shut the door.

“There should be at least six months between each relationship,” Natalie informs me when I climb into the driver’s seat.

“What happens if we break these unwritten dating rules?”

“The relationship is doomed, then. Bad juju around it.”

“Can we burn some sage and call it a day?” I swing out into traffic.

“I’m not fully up on Wiccan theology, so I don’t know, but I’m guessing that a simple herb burning can’t get rid of negative auras.”

“Two smart lawyers like us should be able to figure out a solution. It’s a good thing we’re having dinner. We can map out a battle plan to fight any resistant forces.”

Chapter Ten

NATALIE

“Are you sure I’m dressed up enough for this place?” I ask when Dylan offers me his hand stepping out of the car. If I had known I’d end up at one of the most exclusive places in town for dinner, I would have dressed up a little.

“You’re fine, perfect in fact.” He gives me a charming smile. That's the word that keeps coming to mind with Dylan, even with the few red flags that have popped up.

I always told myself I’d never be that girl, but here I am, ignoring those red flags. But there is something about him that keeps drawing me back. Not a single hour goes by when he doesn't cross my mind. Not even when I'm sleeping. He’s invaded my thoughts there too.

Dylan locks his fingers between mine, leading me into the swanky restaurant. “Mr. Wolfson,” the hostess greets us.

“Lauren. How are you doing this evening?”

“I’m good.” Her eyes bounce over to me. A smile plays on her lips. “You brought someone with you.” She sounds a bit surprised, which only makes me more curious about Dylan.

“I have. This is Natalie. I had to bring her here to get her to agree to a date with me.” Lauren’s brows lift almost to her hairline. I’m guessing Dylan doesn’t have to talk dates into anything. I’m sure many would fall at his feet. I don’t care for that thought, so I push it to the back of my mind.

"Well, you should know he's never brought a date here before." Lauren winks at me before clicking away on the tablet in her hand. Little does she know with her words, she’s just earned herself a spot on my favorite people list.

“I’ve got them. Dylan only just messaged me,” a man in a chef's jacket says, coming to the host stand. "I had to come out and see this for myself," he says. Now this man is smiling too. I'm beginning to suspect there's a joke going on that I'm not aware of. “I’m Brooks.” He offers me his hand. I go to take it, but Dylan's hold on my hand tightens, making Brooks throw back his head and laugh.

"Her name is Natalie," he informs Brooks.

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