“No, offense, Oliver. But you’re not very good company.”
“I’m sorry. Some things are going on at work and I’m distracted.” That was true. What was going on at work was the issue between him and Anabelle.
She sipped the martini that was practically all gin. “What do you do?”
“I’m a massage therapist.”
“Aw.” She winked at him. “So you’re good with your hands.”
“Yes, I am.” He faked a smile. “I know all about anatomy.”
“Very sexy.”
“What about you? You fly. Do you like it?”
“I’ve always loved travel. For the record, I won’t be tied down.”
Now that was perfect.
They ordered lobster and asparagus and talked about the restaurants in Rockford. She told him about the places she’d eaten in Europe and Asia. It was kind of interesting.
After he paid the bill, they headed out. His hand at her back, they crossed the room and passed by a table with two people seated at it.
God damn it. Anabelle, on a date with another man!
He stopped in front of them. “Anabelle?”
Her eyes widened like the moon. “Oliver?”
They stared at each other like long lost lovers. Jonathan stood. “I’m Dr. Joanathan Bancroft.”
“Um, I’m Oliver Ricardi.”
When he said no more, his date spoke up. “I’m Eve Keller.”
The jerk eyed her lasciviously. “Hello, there.”
Anabelle’s face reddened when he gestured to her. “This is Anabelle Baxter.”
Eve only had eyes for the doc.
Unable to watch her with another man, Oliver said, “Have a good night.”
“We will.” Jonathan’s tone was lascivious. He wanted to punch the guy.
Anabelle got out, “Nice meeting you.”
Oliver’s hands fisted as they walked to their cars so he stuffed them in his pockets. It was a starry night with a pitch-black sky. Very romantic. When they reached their vehicles, she said, “Want to follow me home?”
This was exactly what he needed.
Which was why he couldn’t believe he said, “No.”
She pouted, then got in her snazzy red car and tore off.
As he drove away, he cursed himself. Eve was offering no-strings sex, but he couldn’t do it.
He would, eventually, he vowed. Once he got Anabelle out of his system.