Page 56 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

“Thank you for your help,” I say sincerely. “I guess we can wrap it up for today and—”

“Thank God,” he mutters under his breath, sighing heavily. I eye him sharply.“I’m starving.” He gives a boyish grin, and it never fails to make my stomach flutter.

“You should have told me. I would’ve—”

“No. I wanted you to finish.”

“Well, I’m finished now.”

“Good. Then you should come with me,” he says, watching me intently.

“To go have lunch? I’m not hungry.”

“We’ve been working on this for hours. We both could use a breather. Well, I could use some food, but some fresh air would be nice too.”

“Oh, no, I’m fine. I’ve got a lot to do, like—”

“Going back home to your office to continue slaving away on this project?” he asks.

How did he know that’s exactly what I was going to do?

“It’s just lunch, Lila. Besides, I’m going to need you to give me all the details about what you need from the band for their performance at the gala. I’m sure they’ll want a very detailed contract if they’ve gotten as big as you say,” he says, already getting out of his seat and adjusting his suit.

The decision is obviously already made for me.

“Fine, but I’m not staying long,” I mutter, trailing behind him and through the door he holds open for me.

It’s just lunch, Lila. Relax.

Chapter 21

Reluctant Allies

Lila

The bell above the door chimes as we step into Jo’s cozy restaurant. It’s peak lunch hour, and the place is buzzing with chatter and the clink of utensils. The savory scent of homemade food wafts over us, wrapping me in a nostalgic warmth. Jo, the owner—an upbeat woman in her fifties—spots us and waves from behind the counter.

When Cole asked me to recommend a good place to have lunch, this was the first place that popped into my head.

“Lila! It’s been a while, love. How’ve you been?” she calls out with a radiant smile.

“I’m good,” I reply, grinning as I cross the room to hug her. “You look fantastic, Jo. It’s so good to see you.”

She beams at the compliment, then her gaze shifts to Cole. Her smile grows sly as she looks him up and down. “I see you brought someone with you, a very handsome someone too,” she waggles her eyebrows suggestively, and I can’t help the blush that rises to my cheeks.

“He’s just a colleague,” I state matter-of-factly. “Jo, this is Cole. Cole, meet the incredibly nosy owner, Jo.”

“Sure,” she winks, obviously amused by the flush I can’t seem to get rid of.

Cole steps forward, extending a hand. His voice drops into that smooth, charming tone he seems to pull out effortlessly around women. “Pleasure to meet you, Jo. Lila’s been raving about your food. I’ve been looking forward to this.”

Jo blushes and smooths her hair back, giggling like a teenager, clearly pleased at the compliment.

Jeez, does he have that effect on every woman?

“Best in town. Why don’t you two have a seat, and someone will be with you in a moment.” She gestures to the corner table to the far right.

Cole places a hand lightly on my back, guiding me to the table, and pulls out my chair for me, only seating himself when I’m settled in. Somehow, that little gesture sends a warmth through me, my heart fluttering lightly.

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