Page 45 of The October Arrangement

“It’s a surprise.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

“That is untrue.” He stared at me. “You drove around the country in an RV without a plan.”

“For God’s sake. That was almost ten years ago,” I said.

“Okay. You flew to New York for a temporary job without a plan.”

“I had a plan.”

“You did not. Admit it.”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” I narrowed my eyes.

“Maybe.” He smiled.

“Can I ask you something?”

“You usually do whether I give you permission or not.”

“Have you ever been on a normal date?”

“What do you consider a normal date?” His brows furrowed.

“You know. Dinner, drinks, getting to really know someone.”

“I’ve had dinner with women before, Bella.”

“That isn’t what I asked,” I said.

“Yes, I’ve been on dates.”

“How many?” I was curious to know.

“I’m not answering that.”

“Why?” I frowned.

“Because it’s none of your business.”

“Ah, that means there were too many to count.”

“No. It means I’m not answering your question. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“How many dates have you been on?”

“None of your business.”

“Convenient,” he sighed.

“But if you must know, this is really my first date in over a year since Grady and I broke up.”

The car pulled up to the curb not too far from the restaurant. Simon climbed out first and extended his hand. I placed mine in his, and he helped me out. I stood on the cement for a moment as thousands of volts of electricity soared through me.

We stepped inside the restaurant and were immediately taken to our table. The place was gorgeous. It was small and intimate, with low lighting that cast a warm glow over the restaurant’s dark, polished wood.