Page 44 of Maid For Each Other

Was it weird that I was a functioning adult who still didn’t know how to respond to someone when they expressed their condolences about my dad who died a very long time ago?

Yes.

“I know CrashPad started here,” I said to change the subject. “So I’m assuming you grew up in Omaha, too?”

“I did,” he said, nodding as he scooped up another bite of pasta. “Born and raised here, graduated from Creighton Prep,went to college on the East Coast but came back to settle down and work.”

“Where on the East Coast?” I asked.

I’d always been obsessed with that part of the country. I’d never been farther east than Florida, and there was just something about places like Boston, Manhattan, and Philadelphia that called to me.

“Cambridge. Massachusetts,” he said.

“So you went to Harvard.” Something about the fact that he didn’tsayhe went to Harvard irritated me. It felt like he was trying to get something past me; maybe I was just paranoid.

“I did,” he said, giving a nod and setting his fork on his now empty plate.

“It’s an okay school,” I said, “if you’re into that kind of education.”

His lips slid into a smirk that was hot in the way it was playful. “What kind would that be?”

“Excellent, I guess you might say,” I said. “If not slightly overpriced.”

I cut another piece of steak, fully aware that he was finished with his meal. Dexxie might be done, but I wasn’t walking away from this filet until my plate was clean.

“Yes, I guess you could say I was into an excellent-yet-slightly-overpriced education.”

I nodded. “I can see that about you.”

“Is there anything that makes you less of a smartass?” he asked, his eyes all over my face.

“Shots of tequila, but that doesn’t seem like a good move on jewelry night.”

He was quiet for a second before asking, “How do you hold your liquor, Mariano?”

“Very well, Powell.”

“Then let’s do a shot and try to sweeten you up before the event.”

I raised an eyebrow. “If you’re shooting for sweet, you better make it two.”

16

Jaques

Declan

“Let’s go look at engagement rings.”

Normally I’d be sweating if my date said that, but before we’d left the restaurant, Abi had called her shot. “An event at a jewelry store is the perfect opportunity to show your colleagues that you’re as good as married. Leave it up to me, Dexxie, and you won’t be disappointed.”

“Okay,” I said, taking her hand and leading her to the other side of the massive showroom. “But keep it low-key.”

“I’ve got this, Declan Connor.”

The store was all decked out for the event, with music and hors d’oeuvres and trays of bubbling champagne being passed around every few minutes.

They’d done a great job, and the turnout appeared to be fantastic.

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