AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I move forward toward the smiling hostess. I feel Sebastian’s hand on the small of my back, guiding me. Normally, this type of presumptuous behavior would set me on edge, but with Sebastian, I strangely find myself liking it.
We approach our table and Sebastian pulls my chair out for me. “You smell incredible,” he says as I lower myself into my chair.
“Thank you.” I wait for him to be seated. “You’re looking good, Petrosky. How are you feeling?”
He unbuttons his jacket. “Most of the pain is gone, nothing that some ibuprofen won’t cure.”
“Glad to hear it,” I reply. “But don’t miss your regular checkups. The recovery process requires that you maintain constant….” I trail off reading his expression. “You don’t want me playing doctor tonight.”
“We’ll discuss whatever you’d like,” Sebastian replies. “But tonight, I’d like to get to know the lovely Madison, not Dr. Graham.”
“What is it you’d like to know?”
“Everything.”
I grin. “You’re going to have to be a little more specific or we’ll be here all night.” I’m amazed at how, despite being in a crowded restaurant, it feels as if we’re the only two people here.
“Are you seeing someone?” he asks and watches me closely. “You mentioned no social life, but that doesn’t mean no…playtime with a friend.”
I chuckle. “Friends with benefits.” I shake my head. “No, afraid no time for those either.”
“Good,” he says and glances up as the waitress approaches. Sebastian looks at me. “What will you have to drink?”
“Pear martini,” I reply.
“Whiskey, neat, and a pear martini, please.”
“Coming right up,” the waitress says with a bright smile and then seems to forget to leave for a second. That’s the effect Sebastian must have on women all the time. And why the hell not? He’s a wealthy, smart, and a particularly delectable piece of eye candy. The women must be lining up to throw themselves at him. No matter what, I must keep these truths in mind tonight.
Under no circumstances are you to fall for this guy! Enjoy the fine dining, do a little harmless flirting, and then go home-- alone.
I pick up my menu and begin scanning it. “They’re known for their Russian dishes. I’ve never had any of them, but it might be worth trying.”
“Relax, Madison. I come here often for the good Russian cuisine. You chose well.”
I clasp my hands together. “Oh, I’m so relieved.”
“Perhaps, you’ll try some Russian tonight,” he says with a wolfish grin.
I gulp in a dry throat. “I’ll try anything once.”
“It’ll only take once.”
“Oh yeah, and then what?”
“We fall for each other.”
A warm frisson of desire creeps up my spine. I force a laugh. “Remember, I’ve no time for a social life.”
“We’ll see about that,” he says flatly.
Jeez, the balls on this guy. “I’m sure there are plenty of other lovely ladies out there who’d only be too happy to drop everything for you.”
“None, like you. Not that I’ve met.”
“Like me?” I look askance at him. “What’s so special about me?”
“You saved me.”
