Page 5 of The Love Bargain

Making emotional decisions leads to trouble. That’s why I bury my nose in legal books and complicated paperwork, where I can hide in the labyrinth of rules and regulations.

There, I can mask the undeniable truth that my heart only wants one woman.

Sabine.

Chapter3

Elite Connections

Sabine

Following the incident with the press and us hiding out in the stairwell, Ryland gives me the once-over, checking to make sure I’m not hurt from the scuffle.

The way he looks at me makes me feel secure and protected, but when he tips my chin to meet his gaze, I think I’ll spontaneously combust from the heat in his eyes.

I doubt we have much more time to talk and will need to face those people again soon, but I’m content to hide out in the stairwell for now.

“What are you doing tonight? Do you want to catch up at dinner?” Ryland asks, drawing me out of my idle reveries.

A soft, fluttery feeling rushes through me like agentle summer breeze, calming my soul.

“Tonight?” My hand moves to my throat, and my pulse picks up at the thought of seeing him again so soon.

Suddenly, I’m nervous, and all thoughts of Margo Raine, the reason for my visit, flee from my mind. I shouldn’t be this excited to have dinner together since it’s only business, but my pulse picks up at the thought of seeing him.

“Yeah. I’ll need to unwind after a day in court. If it’s okay with you, I’ll order pizza, and we can eat in the office.”

Oh.My feelings are ridiculous, silly, and inappropriate.

I’m in my head again, imagining things that don’t exist, like maybe he’s asking me out on a date. Of course, he isn’t, because we are just friends, and more importantly, we’re working together.

Good lord, what is wrong with me? How did I forget my entire reason for being here?

“Sure,” I reply, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my voice. I smile to mask my disappointment, but it seeps into my body and settles in the pit of my stomach. “Pizza in the office sounds great.”

“Kidding.” He smirks, making my heart flutter. “I’ll pick you up from your office, and we’ll go to Ironbark.”

“Awesome. That sounds great.”

Ironbark is a chic new eatery downtown run by an Australian chef and features authentic food inspired by the flavors of the outback.

I’m curious to taste what that means in real life and have been meaning to try it.

“I could use some coaching before my big date with Margo…” Ryland snaps his fingers as he tries to remember the actress’s name.

“Raine.”

Is he for real asking me to coach him? How would I know what it feels like to be a glamorous Hollywood actress or what he should do to impress her?

He nods. “That’s the one. Thanks. Are you okay with helping me out?”

“Of course. It’s part of the service at Elite Connections,” I reply, desperately trying to sound casual but feeling like a dork.

He rakes his gaze over my face, but his expression is unreadable. “I’d better let you get back to work, but thanks for taking the time to talk to me.”

“Anything for you, Bean. I’ll see you tonight.” Ryland grips my upper arm and leans in to kiss my cheek.

He’s more than just a crush. His approval means everything, and that’s why he’s my kryptonite.

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