Page 115 of Claimed By The Other Brother

I stop at the edge of her desk, close enough to see the faint flush on her cheeks.

"I was thinking we could discuss it this evening. Over dinner."

Her eyebrows raise slightly. "Dinner?”

"Yes. There are some elements I'd like to review in a more... relaxed setting."

She leans back in her chair, a small smile playing at her lips.

"I'll have to check my calendar. I might be tied up."

I stare at her. "What?"

She's playing with me. Toying with me. And she knows exactly what she's doing.

Her fingers move to her keyboard, clicking through her calendar with exaggerated slowness.

"Let me see... oh, it looks like I'm free this evening after all."

"Perfect. Seven."

"That sounds good."

"I'll make the reservation and send youthe details."

"Looking forward to it, Mr. Blackwell."

I turn to leave, then pause at the door. Turn back. She's watching me, her blue eyes bright with challenge. The air between us crackles. Then I open the door and walk out before I do something that would be very unprofessional.

***

I arrive at Amata fifteen minutes early. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the city—intimate, excellent food, and the owner, Marco, is a friend.

He greets me at the door.

"Dax. Good to see you."

"Marco. Thanks for accommodating on short notice."

"For you? Always." He leads me to the private booth in the back, tucked away from the main dining room.

"Your usual?"

"Please."

He brings a whiskey neat, and I settle in, checking my phone. Scarlett hasn't texted, but she'll be here.

Ten minutes later, she arrives. The maître d' walks her through the restaurant, and I stand as she approaches. She changed. The conservative work dress is gone, replaced by something dark green and fitted that hugs every curve.

I move to pull out her chair, leaning close as she sits.

"You changed."

"I figured it might be agood occasion to look less like a corporate consultant and more like a woman at dinner." Her voice is low, teasing.

"You succeeded."

She smiles as I sit across from her. The server brings water and menus, then disappears.