Page 6 of Vengeful Vows

My personal life has become somewhat mundane and more than a little boring. I love my work as a communications specialist for the prestigious Fallon Group. To the outside world, we appear to be a law firm. It’s an image that its owner, Celeste, has carefully cultivated. Our clients, however, are among the country’s elite. We’re paid a lot of money to solve problems, even more to make them go away.

In my not-abundant free time, I’m training to eventually take over as executive director of the foundation, though I’m in no real hurry. Ellie, our current CEO, is doing a marvelous job, which is allowing me to hone my PR skills at Celeste’s company.

“You’re hoping to meet that stranger.” Amelia grins.

In silent protest, unsure whether I’m trying to convince her or myself, I shake my head.

“Yes, you are! And I couldn’t be happier. You need to stop obsessing about the past and live a little.”

Amelia makes it sound so easy. Maybe for her it is.

“Oh my God. He’s drumming his fingers on his thighs, waiting for me to go away. And now he’s checking his watch. I wonder how long until he interrupts us?”

At this point, it’s been months since I’ve done anything really exciting, and I’m restless, yearning for a hint of adventure.

“Be spontaneous,” Amelia urges. “I dare you.”

I shouldn’t.

The last time I did, it hadn’t ended well, and I wince when the painful memory of the way Brad dumped me stings me once more.

“He was a jerk.”

Amelia knows me so well, it’s scary. At times, she reads my mind.

“Oh, oh!” One of her perfectly sculpted eyebrows lifts. “Mr. Tall, Dark, and Determined is on the move. He’s just grabbed two glasses of champagne.” She looks at me intently. “Do you want me to get lost? Or are you going to chicken out like usual?”

I bristle. “I’m not a coward.”

“Sorry,” she apologizes instantly. “I didn’t mean to touch a nerve.”

The breakup with Brad was years ago. Even though I tell myself I should be over the hurt, I’m not. Emotional pain, it turns out, is a powerful teacher.

“If you want to go home, I’ll walk with you to the elevator.”

Amelia is loyal through and through, which is my favorite trait in a friend.

“This is your chance, if you want to escape.”

My heart thunders wildly.

Years ago, when I still believed in happily ever after, I’d been in love with Brad. Madly. Deeply. I believed we’d be married and spend our lives together.

But even with him, I didn’t have the kind of physical reaction I’m experiencing with this mysterious stranger.

What is wrong with me? He’s not even my type. I prefer men who are a little softer, blond, solicitous, kind.

“What’s it going to be?”

Right this moment, I have to make a decision, or he’ll make it for me.

“You’ve got about twenty seconds.”

Quickly I open my tiny purse and refresh my lipstick.

“Woot!” Amelia grins triumphantly, as if she’s personally arranged the meeting.

My hand shaking, I drop the tube back into my evening bag and allow the magnetic lock to seal it closed.

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