Page 42 of Not the Plan

As they slid into the booth, a waitress appeared. Isadora hesitated.

“Wine?” he asked.

“Okay.”

“Two glasses of Riesling, please,” he said to the waitress. She nodded and walked away.

“I’m not familiar with Riesling,” Isadora said. “Is it red or white?”

“White.”

“Oh.” He caught the flash of a side-frown she tried to hide.

“You don’t like white? I’m sorry, I should have asked. I’ll get something else.” He slid to the edge of the booth, headed to the bar.

“No, it’s okay. I’m up for trying something new.” She smiled.

He had trouble believing his eyes. Isadora, this sensual, beautiful creature sitting at a table with him, alone.

“It’s dangerous when you do that,” he said.

“When I smile at you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” she laughed, breathy, sexy. “I’ve smiled at you before.”

“You have, but not like that. And we’ve never really been alone before.”

The waitress returned, placing two glasses of chilled white wine on the table.

“Willing to give it a shot?” he asked, raising his glass.

“Here’s to new experiences,” she said, tapping her glass to his.

Maintaining eye contact with her as he sipped, he was curious to know if she liked it, but his heart started pounding too quickly for him to speak. Thankfully she spoke first.

“It’s really good,” she said, smiling broadly.

He relaxed, letting out a chuckle.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I do,” she said, nodding. She took another sip, then scooted a little closer to him. “Back to what you were saying before. About being alone—we were alone just the other day, in Julian’s office.”

“You’re right. But we were at work, could have been interrupted any time.”

She shrugged and nodded, her gaze flitting from the table, to the dance floor, to the hem of her dress, until she risked a glance at him again.She is nervous. Maybe if I’m open with her…

“Can I be honest?” he asked.

“Sure.”

“I’m nervous. It’s not the work thing. I think we’re safe here.” He waved a hand at the rest of the club. “I’ve been through some…stuff lately and when it comes to women, I’m kind of out of the habit.”

She chuckled. “I haven’t been through anystuffin a while, and I’m definitely out of the habit. I kind of make it a point not to be in the habit. But…”

“But?” he asked.

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