Page 4 of Regards, Mia

He crosses his arms over his chest, drawing my attention to the rounded biceps straining under his long-sleeved shirt. “What bad news?”

I feel the urge to confide in this handsome stranger, but there’s nothing he can do to help me with my problem.

“Nevermind,” I say. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

He nods tersely. “I can believe that.”

I crush my cigarette under the toe of my boot. “I should get back inside,” I say, gesturing around the corner to the sidewalk. “I’m on a date at The Vine.”

He cocks his head at me. “You must not be that into him.”

My spine stiffens at the way he reads me so easily. I’ve been told I’m the Queen of Ice, my thoughts impossible to decipher, but this guy has sliced through all my walls in mere minutes. “Why do you say that?”

“Because you’re out here with me, instead of inside with him.”

A laugh escapes my mouth. “True.” I take off his jacket and hand it to him. “I should go.”

“I’ll walk with you.” He falls into step beside me. “I’m going the same way.”

“Are you on a date with a woman you’re not into?” I ask, feeling the blunt edge of jealousy stab my chest for absolutely no reason.

“I don’t know yet,” he says. “It’s our first date.” He checks his watch. “And I’m late.”

“I guess that’s my fault. You felt compelled to lend your jacket to a stranger.”

His brow furrows. “I’m Jay,” he says, offering his hand.

“Mia.”

His strong, firm handshake sends a message to every cell in my body.This man is good with his hands.

“Now we aren’t strangers.” He opens the door to the restaurant for me. “Ladies first.”

I step inside the warmth of the restaurant and turn to him with a reluctant smile. “Goodbye, Jay.”

“I’ll walk with you,” he says, following closely behind.

“No need.”

“There is for me. I want to see the lucky bastard who’s having dinner with you.”

My heart races, and a blush heats my cheeks. He’s flirting with me, and God help me, I love it. I shouldn’t. He’s on a date with another woman, and I’ve kept Harrison waiting long enough.

With a guilty start, I see Harrison at our table, looking in our direction.

“Is that your date?” Jay asks.

I see Harrison through Jay’s eyes. Fresh haircut, trendy suit, and perfect posture—he’s the opposite of Jay.

“Yes. Why?”

Jay laughs softly. “Because that’smydate sitting with him.”

CHAPTER 2

No More Phones

My feet come to an abrupt halt. “Emily is your date?”

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