Page 23 of Broken Dreams

“I don't believe this.” She sat back in her chair and glared at him.

He frowned eyeing her warily. “What do you mean? What's wrong?”

“What's wrong?” She stood and swept her hand over her skirt. “Did you notice how I’m dressed? Do you remember asking me out to dinner because I deserve to be pampered after such a stressful day?”

Wordlessly, he nodded.

“Then why are you badgering me about Roland? Are you so blind that you can't see what's sitting right in front of you?”

“Amber.” He stood using the table for leverage instead of his cane. “Calm down. Of course, I see you. I told you how lovely you looked, remember?”

He had, but she couldn’t seem to find her usual calm demeanor and didn't care if they were attracting attention from the rest of the patrons in the restaurant. “I didn't come here tonight to talk about work. I thought you wanted to get to know me better. But apparently I was wrong.” She reached behind her to grab her purse.

“I—wait a minute, where are you going?”

“Home.” Maybe she was overreacting but she'd really thought this might be the beginning of something more. So much for her idiotic, romantic notions of thinking a guy like Nick might actually like her for herself.

“Don't go, please. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to focus on work. I—of course want to get to know you better.” He sounded confused, as if he truly hadn’t anticipated her reaction.

She stared at him for a long moment, unsure of what she should do. Staying was probably a bad idea. Even if they shared a nice evening together, where would it lead?

Absolutely nowhere.

Chapter Eight

“Please.” Nick held her gaze. “You’re right, I was trying to use work to keep you at arm’s length.”

She blinked as if stunned he’d admitted it. “Why?”

His chest tightened, but he wouldn’t lie. “Because I like you, too much. And I know you’re leaving town in a few short weeks.”

Her shoulders slumped as her flare of annoyance appeared to fade away. She nodded thoughtfully, lowering her gaze to the table. “I see.”

Did she? Because he wasn’t so sure he did. Especially now. Seeing her dressed up and looking more stunning than ever had hit him hard. Maybe if things were different…

But they weren’t.

He was far too aware of the curious glances they'd garnered from the others in the restaurant. He wasn't sure what to do. Take her home? Convince her to stay?

Their waiter hurried over, his expression anxious. “Is something wrong? Have you changed your mind about having dinner?”

Nick held out a hand toward her, palm upward. “Amber? Will you please stay for dinner?”

Her cheeks flushed, she nodded and returned to her seat. He almost laughed when he heard an audible sigh of relief from the waiter. Crisis averted.

“Some wine? Champagne perhaps?” The waiter asked as if hoping to soothe the tension between them.

“No thanks. I'll stick with water.” Her tone was casual, and he couldn't quite figure out what she was thinking.

“I'll stick with water too.” He eyed her carefully across the table. “Thanks for staying.” He would have followed her out, but his body would have suffered for it. For the first time in a long time, he was physically hungry. “After losing so much weight in the hospital, I don't like to skip meals. I need every ounce of protein I can get.”

A tiny frown puckered her brow as she digested his words. “I wouldn't want to be responsible for making you skip dinner, so you’re welcome.”

“I’m glad.” Their antipasti arrived in less than sixty seconds. Almost as if the waiter thought that speed would help keep them there for the entire meal.

“This looks amazing.” She smeared a bit of sweet tomato relish on a cracker then daintily took a bite. He averted his gaze so he wouldn’t think about kissing those sweet lips. He tried their appetizer too and couldn't help but agree. One thing about DiCarlos’s cuisine, he didn't have to remind himself to eat. Focusing only on taking in enough protein to repair his injured muscles.

“Tell me what made you decide to work in Fort Meyers, Florida?”

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