Page 56 of The Lessons

Brad nodded. “Never mind. I shouldn’t have said anything. So, what are you up to after this?”

“Are you guys done with those?” a busboy interrupted.

We looked down at the empty cups in front of us.

“Saved by the bell,” Brad whispered and then turned to the busboy. “Go ahead.”

The busboy made quick work of clearing the table.

“I think they’re closing soon,” I said as soon as he’d left. “We should probably head out.”

Brad nodded, and we both stood up. He slipped his arm around me like it was the easiest thing in the world, and we wandered a few yards down the sidewalk in silence.

“Natalie,” he started.

My heart was pounding. I looked up at him, and he pulled my chin up, surveying my lips with his eyes. I liked how I felt in his arms. It felt surprisingly natural. So why did Ryan Andrews’ disapproving face suddenly appear in my mind? What the hell?Get out, I silently scolded him.I’m on a fucking date.

“Natalie?”

Oh, shit, I hadn’t been listening to what he was saying. “Sorry?”

He looked down at me. “You’re not going to come home with me tonight, are you?”

I paused, considering how to deliver my response. Something deep inside me screamed NO. Because I couldn’t. Not yet. Not only was I not allowed to, but…I also couldn’t get Ryan off my mind.

I swallowed. “No, Brad. I’m not.” He didn’t need to know why. Heck, he probably thought I was simply playing hard to get. Hopefully, he was okay with that game.

“You know, Natalie, I don’t bite.” He looked at me, his eyes hooded. “At least not on first dates.”

I offered a half-hearted smile.

“You’re going to make me work at it, aren’t you?”

I nodded.

“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” His eyes were dark with desire.

“I’m old-fashioned,” I said with a shrug.

“Good old-fashioned seduction?”

“Yep.”

“Very well, Ms. Reese. You’re on.” He paused. “But first you need to tell me when I can see you again.”

“Tomorrow, at the office.” I smirked.

He shook his head at me. “Not like that. Saturday. Are you free Saturday night?”

Of course I was free on Saturday. I was free every-fucking-day. “Saturday’s good,” I agreed, since I didn’t have a good reason to decline.

He moved his hand along my face and gently brushed my lips with the pad of his thumb before leaning in and planting a chaste kiss. “Very good. Saturday it is. Get home safe, Ms. Reese. I’ll see you at work.”

Chapter Eighteen

Natalie

It was Thursday, and for once, I knew unequivocally that Today Was The Day.

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