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“It was.Stephanie didn't go on to college as she had to nurse her sister through years of rehab.”
Laura’s eyes widened.She dipped a piece of veal into the sauce before putting it in her mouth."Hey, I bet she'd make a wonderful nurse.Caring and all that."She wouldn't look at him."Hmm.This is so good!"Her tone was overly bright.
He hadn’t meant it to be a comparison.Would he always do so?His prime rib lost its flavor—something else that was Stephanie's fault.
He peeked Steph’s way, but the waiter blocked his view by an unnecessary flourish as he placed her dinner on the table.She spoke to the waiter for a few minutes then turned her attention to her meal.
Jason felt a little sorry for her, sitting alone at this excellent restaurant.But she could have been here with him—if she would get off her high horse and give him a break.
"You've gone all quiet suddenly."Laura cocked her head and gave him an anxious look."Everything all right?"
He reached over and linked his fingers through hers."Yes, great meal.Great company."
"Thank you.That's so nice to hear."
He resumed eating although he'd lost his appetite.
"I might take the rest of mine home," Laura said, pushing the remains into one corner of her plate."It's delicious but I stuffed myself on that garlic bread."She wiped her hands on her napkin."You'd think I'd have learned."
"I might do the same."Jason gave her a cheery smile."Leftovers are a bachelor's best friend."
She snickered."That doesn't sound appealing to me.What about a home-cooked meal from a loving wife, and a gaggle of kids eager for attention?"
"Nice picture until the gaggle part came along."He raised a brow."Is now the time to ask if I'd like to get married someday, and have children of my own?"
Her cheeks turned pink."You must get that a lot.Smart, handsome, single, doctor."
"More than I like, unfortunately.”Jason shrugged.“The answer is yes, when the right woman comes along."
"And I'm not her?"Laura stared into his eyes as she asked.
"I never jump into anything," he said, as polite as he could."Slow and steady is my course."
"And I prefer fast and now," Laura teased.
"Ah, now that's intriguing."He leaned over to brush Laura’s cheek, half hoping Steph was watching.
She caught his finger and put it in her mouth.
Silently he begged her not to suck on it.
She did.
Red-faced, he glanced over at Stephanie who nodded and put two thumbs-up.Probably thought he was going to get laid.
Not a chance.He wanted a lady in his life, not a seductress.As nice as Laura may be, their chemistry didn’t mesh, and he knew he wouldn’t ask her out again.
He flagged down their waitress and asked if she could box up their meals.
"Happy to," she answered, removing the plates.
"We'll also take the check when you're ready?"
"No dessert?"the waitress asked with a flirtatious tone.
"Not tonight.Long day."
The waitress walked away with an extra sway to her hips.
