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“Ashley,” she says. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Carrie.” I motion across the table. “That’s Rook.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ashley.” Again, he directs his words to her but keeps his focus on me.
“It’s good to meet you both, too.” She flashes me a smile as she skims a hand over her short brown hair.
“We will have exactly what you and your husband had on your first date,” I say.
“I agree,” Rook adds.
“Perfect.” She claps her hands together. “Get ready for a first course that will rock your worlds.”
She walks away with a spring in her step.
When I look back at Rook, his water glass is perched at the ready at his lips. He takes a small swallow before his tongue darts over his bottom lip. “I sensed a little hesitation when she asked if this is our first date. Did I neglect to make that clear?”
My hand cups my glass, but I don’t pick it up. “I thought it was a meeting to discuss the rules.”
“It’s both.” He sets his glass down. “That works for you, doesn’t it?”
I don’t have to think about that long before my head is nodding up and down. “Yes.”
“Good.” He glances past me. “So, let’s get down to the rules, Carrie. What exactly do I need to do to get you into my bed?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Rook
“Condoms.” She sits straighter in her chair. “I am on birth control for some cramping issues, but still…”
“I always use a condom,” I say to save her from having to further explain anything. “I carry one with me.”
She pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Always?”
I pat the front of my suit jacket. “My wallet is in my inner pocket. I always keep one in there.”
Her gaze drops to where my hand is. “That makes sense.”
She doesn’t prod any further, and I’m grateful.This isn’t the first time a woman has asked me if I use protection. I have a daughter, so I fully understand the curiosity surrounding that. A broken condom gave me the greatest gift of my life. Kirby wasn’t planned, but she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Ashley is back with a basket of bread and herbed butter. She sets it on the table between us. “How’s the first date going?”
“Fine.” Carrie gifts her with a smile before she changes the subject. “If you don’t mind me asking, how far along are you? My sister is expecting, too.”
“No way.” Ashley squeezes Carrie’s shoulder. “I’m five months. When is your sister’s baby due?”
I reach for a slice of still warm focaccia and slather it in butter before I take a bite.
The two women discuss Abby’s pregnancy before another diner catches Ashley’s eye.
“I need to run,” she says to Carrie. “I’ll be back with those first course plates right away.”
I finish off the slice of bread and clear my throat.
“She seems sweet.” Carrie glances at the bread before she meets my gaze again. “Where were we?”
I skate past that and get to the heart of the matter. I now see why she wanted to eat out instead of at my apartment. Calling her out on it may not be the best approach, but from what I’ve witnessed, she appreciates honesty and transparency, so I go for that.
