AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her body language was casual, casual enough for most people to dismiss her comment, but he wasn’t most people. He was a reader of people, he studied humans for all of their existence. There was an anger under the surface of her composure. She held still, almost too still, like a deer in headlights. “The doctors say I have about three months.”
His dragon demanded answers, but Adam tried to stay calm for the both of them. “I’m so sorry, do you want to talk about it?”
Ella snorted a laugh. “Not really, I’d like to just pretend I’m normal for the next couple of weeks.”
He nodded in understanding. “How long are you in town?”
“Two weeks. There’s a lot of stuff I want to experience in LA.”
Leaning forward, Adam raised his cup to her. “Here’s to new experiences.”
Ella grinned and tapped her teacup to his to-go cup. “Hear, hear.”
His shoulders relaxed and for the first time in ages he felt a genuine peace wash over himself. “So, what’s on the list. I have a ton of connections in town. I might be able to help you out.”
“Really?” A buzz of excitement rippled through the air as she started listing off things she’d like to do. “I’d love to visit a movie set, maybe see a live concert or a comedy show.” She gave a slight smile as if embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m from a small town, everything here is new to me. I really wanted to take a helicopter tour and see this whole town. I’ve never flown before.”
“Consider it done.” Adam declared right before the bell rang to switch partners.
Her eyes widened. “Really? But—”
He stood up as another man approached the table. “No buts. At the end of the night, I’ll come find you, and we’ll sort out the details.”
Ella’s smile spread from ear to ear. “Great, thank you.”
* * *
He foundhis way to the next table and caught a glimpse of Cat watching from the counter. She grinned and gave him a big thumbs up. Adam chuckled and sat in the next seat. A petite human with red hair and bright eyes greeted him, “Hi, I’m Courtney.”
“I’m Adam, it’s nice to meet you.” Before she could start whatever dating spiel she had planned out, he held up his hand. “Let me just let you know that I am just filling in, I’m not actually looking for a date.”
She wrinkled her nose and looked offended. “A seat filler?”
He nodded.
“That’s just rude. Why would you do that?”
Adam leaned forward and patted the back of her hand. “Because no one wants to feel like they weren’t good enough for someone to sit down and have a nice conversation with them for a few minutes.”
Her features lightened. “Oh, I guess that’s kinda sweet of you.”
He offered a small smile.
“Well, what should we talk about then?” Courtney asked.
“What are you looking for in a man?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Someone who is funny, who enjoys the finer things in life, but still likes to spend quiet time and quality time together. Someone who doesn’t call me names and tell me I’m stupid.” Her voice cracked.
“You definitely deserve all that and more. And never let any man degrade you, you are not stupid.”
She laughed. “You don’t even know me. How would you know?”
“I’m a very good judge of character.” The bell was about to ring, so he pulled out a card and handed it to her. “Here, next week, I want you to go visit my good friend Sylvie, she will get you decked out and ready for a night of rubbing elbows and possibly meeting just the man you are looking for.”
“Why, next week, where am I supposed to meet this person?”
Adam stood up and buttoned his suit jacket. “There’s an event at the Chalice Hotel, you know it?” She nodded vigorously. “You will be on the guest list as a personal friend of the owner.”
