Page 50 of Dex

I sit up.“Raquel?”

“She’s my childhood friend.My wing woman.”

I chuckle.“So… what are we going to tell her?”

Daniela hesitates.“I told her about you.”

“Already?”

“She’s inquisitive.”

“Her reaction?”I ask.

“She’s shocked.”

“Why?”

“Because I haven’t mentioned any guy in a long time and—”

I arch a brow.“You haven’t been dating?”

“Not for a while.”

“Why?”

She shrugs.“I dated in college.Had a couple of boyfriends.But I was more focused on my studies.”

Studious, too.The more I get to know this woman, the more I’m starting to see that Daniela Oliveira is the dream package.

“After college, I went back home to Brazil,” she continues.“I didn’t really date after that.Just focused on helping my father with the business.”

She hesitates.Just slightly.Like she was about to say something else, but held back.I lean forward.“You’d tell me, right?”

She frowns.“Tell you what?”

“The real state of your father’s company.”Her eyes flick to mine and we just stare at each other.I don’t know what it is, but something shifts in my stomach and I force myself to look away.“More champagne, or another cocktail?”I ask.

“Another cocktail would be nice.Champagne goes straight to my head.”

I almost tell her we could order food.This wasn’t supposed to turn into dinner, but… it really isn’t such a bad way to spend an evening.

“We haven’t decided on our proposal story.We should, because people always ask that question.”

She’s right.“We do need to figure that out.”

“Do we need to take this back to your place?”This is the second time she’s hinted at that.Maybe she’s testing me.

I glance at her.“Are you coming on to me again, Daniela?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

I chuckle lightly.I really do love her humor.“Let’s say we met through a friend.”

“That won’t work.Raquel has the nose of a bloodhound.She’s a corporate lawyer and she’ll find holes in our story.”

“Will I have the pleasure of meeting this friend?”

“Of course you will.I’ve known her all my life, and she’ll be at the wedding.”