Page 63 of Hot Momosa

“I don’t get it. I mean, I know his family has power, but how did the media not get ahold of any of this?” Julia spoke in a high, uncertain voice that reminded me of her young age. “I’m sure there are more women out there. I’m going to keep digging.”

“Make sure you cover your tracks.” The last thing either of us needed was Harrison finding out someone was looking into his background. “Where you able to find out when he arrived in New Orleans?”

“Not yet, but I’m working on it.” She sighed. “Please tell me you’re going to make him pay.”

I’d love to sweetheart, but that’s not how the world works. Justice doesn’t always prevail.

“Sorry that took so long. The hot water felt too good to—” Dahlia noticed the phone in my hand and covered her mouth.

“Thank you, Ms. Carpenter. I’ll be in touch tomorrow, after I’ve had a chance to read the reports.” I disconnected before she could reply.

“Everything okay?” Dahlia tilted her head.

I had two choices. One, tell her what I knew about Harrison-fucking-Meriwether and ruin our evening. Or two, tell her tomorrow and give her one night in the middle of the shit-storm to relax. I chose the latter.

“Nothing either of us needs to worry about tonight.” I pulled her chair out. “Ready to officially start our second, first date?”

“So ready.” She seated herself and pressed her hand to her stomach. “Everything looks delicious.”

Dahlia wore jeans and a form-fitting black sweater that made her breasts look amazing. She’d taken the time to blow dry her dark hair. I couldn’t be sure without tasting her mouth, but I suspected she’d applied a little lip gloss.

Filling our wine glasses, I said, “You look beautiful.”

“You’re just saying that because I put on something other than yoga pants and a baggy T-shirt.”

“No, I’m saying it because it’s true.” I ran my hand through her silky hair. “No jelly.”

She laughed and leaned into my touch. “I had to wash it twice to get it all out.”

I motioned to her plate. “Dig in.”

“This smells amazing.” She took a bite, moaned, and closed her eyes. “I’ve missed Enzo’s cooking.”

“Why deprive yourself? You can get it six nights a week.” Rather than stick my foot further into my already-full mouth, I glanced away. Sure, she could go to Enzo’s most days, but she wouldn’t go to my brother’s restaurant if she was avoiding me.

“I shouldn’t have stayed away.” Dahlia laced her fingers with mine. “It seems silly now. We could have avoided so much pain and frustration had we run into each other sooner.”

Kissing the back of her hand, I said, “Maybe, but I think I needed the time away from you to realize how much I loved you.”

“I’ve always loved you, but you’re right. I think we both needed to grow up before we came back together.” Her chin quivered for a split second. Had I not been staring at her gorgeous face I would have missed it.

She pulled her hand free and turned her attention back to her food. I didn’t mind, in fact, I understood. We’d planned the date to give us a break from the craziness in our lives. We’d promised to keep it fun. Nothing heavy. A get-to-know-you-again meal.

However, my mind drifted back to Harrison. I had a hard time believing Dahlia knew anything about what he’d done to his ex-wife or the other women. I knew her. She wouldn’t befriend a guy like that. Not to mention, her father and his watchdog, Robert Becker, would never have given the green light to the relationship without conducting a thorough background check.

Dahlia stopped eating. “Are you okay?”

Don’t do it. Don’t bring it up. Say yes, and get on with the evening.

“I got some information on Harrison while you were in the shower.” I braced myself for her to freak out that I’d had him investigated.

She sighed. “Did Shanna call you?”

“Shanna? No…why?”

The proverbial lightbulb clicked on above her head. “You had someone look into him, too?”

Stunned, I sat back. “Yeah, I did. I guess great minds think alike. What did Shanna find out?”

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