“Are you ready to get going?”
“Yes, just let me grab my purse.”
“Already got it!”
Mal pushes my bag, keys, and phone into my hand and shoos us out the door like she owns the place. Ash and I step out into the thick night air, and as we walk down the driveway toward his car, a sleek Audi convertible, his hand finds its way to the small of my back. I hold my breath, waiting to feel something besides the weight of it. A zip of electricity. A tingle of awareness. Something to indicate an underlying current of attraction between us, but there’s nothing.
Ash opens the passenger door for me, and I slide in. The inside of his car smells nice—like sandalwood and vanilla. It’s a good mix, but it doesn’t compare to the warm spice and buttery leather of…Don’t do that.Ash rounds the car and gives me an easy smile as he slips into his seat and watches me secure my seat belt.
“All set?”
“Yes. I’m good to go.”
“Perfect.” He runs a hand over his hair, and I wonder if he’s nervous. “I made reservations for dinner at Hill House. Have you ever been?”
Fancy.Hill House is one of the best restaurants in town. My parents like to go there for special occasions, and I think the last time I ate there was on my mom’s birthday a couple of months ago. They don’t require reservations, but I appreciate Ash going the extra mile to make one. It’s a thoughtful gesture, especially for a first date.Who needs sparks and electricity when you have thoughtfulness and intention?
“Yes.” I smile at him, surprised to find it’s genuine. “I love their truffle fries.”
“Ah. A woman who likes to eat. I think we’ll get along just fine.”
And we do. The ride into downtown flies by with us talking about my work and his. We discover that we have some mutual friends beyond Mal and his hideous ex-girlfriend, who I don’t dare bring up because talking about past relationships isn’t a smart thing to do on a first date when you’re a widow. Ash is friendly and open, talking to me like an old friend rather than a virtual stranger, which helps the conversation flow easily. By the time we reach the restaurant, I’m relaxed and happy I didn’t cancel on him.
Hill House is busy—even for a Friday night—so despite our reservations, we have to spend twenty minutes at the bar waiting for our table. Ash orders water for himself and a glass of white wine for me. I’m wrestling with my feelings about him ordering for me when I hear a familiar voice call my name from somewhere over my shoulder.
I turn around, surprise stamped across my face, and find my parents standing behind me. My mother’s angular features are alive with delight as she takes in the picture of me standing next to Ash. I haven’t seen or talked to her since that awful dinner last week, but you would never know it from the tight hug she envelops me in while my dad shakes Ash’s hand.
“Darling,” Mom purrs in my ear. “You didn’t tell me you were seeingAsh Strickland. The man is even more handsome in person.” I curb the urge to roll my eyes and paste on a fake smile as I disentangle myself from her arms.
“There’s nothing to tell, Mother. We’re on our first date.”
Ash and my dad are beaming at each other like two old friends, and I can’t tell if it’s because they’re both overly friendly people or if they know each other.
“Mom. Dad. This is Ash Strickland,” I say, wondering if there’s a point in making introductions when my parents already know who he is. “Ash, these are my parents.” My dad smiles as he pulls me into a quick hug.
“No need for the introductions, Bean. Ash has been a client of mine for the last year.”
Huh.I guess that makes sense. Dad’s been a highly sought-after real estate lawyer for most of my life. His firm works with most of the major real estate developers in the state, including James’s parents. And Ash, apparently.This is rich. Running into my parents on my first date in years only to find they knew the man before I did.
“Mark—” Ash clears his throat. “Uh, your dad, recommended this place for our date tonight.” My skin prickles and heat blooms in my cheeks at the idea of my dad inadvertently choosing the location for my date tonight.
“But I didn’t know the lovely young lady you were taking out was my Sloane.” Dad looks between us, his face stretching into a wide grin.
Ash laughs. “Yes, well, with the different last names, I didn’t put two and two together.”
The comment has my stomach twisting with panic, but I don’t know why. I know Mal told Ash I was married before, so it’s not like I need to explain why my last name is different from my father’s.
“Here’s your drink, miss.”
The bartender places a glass of white wine at my elbow. I smile thinly and thank her for it before taking a long sip. Everyone’s eyes are on me, so I force myself not to chug the entire thing. My mom shoots me a pointed glare. It’s a nonverbal warning.Don’t screw this up.
“Mark, we should get going. I’m sure Sloane and Ash want to get back to their evening, and you owe me dessert.”
She links her arm with Dad’s and gives him a dazzling smile. The kind he’s always helpless to resist, and for the first time, I’m thankful she knows all of his weaknesses. Dad smiles down at her. “Of course, my love. Sloane. Ash. I’m afraid this is where we’ll have to leave you. Enjoy your dinner.”
Thank God.
We say our goodbyes, and the panic bubbling in my chest doesn’t subside until they’re out of the building. Ash is quiet beside me, sipping the glass of water the waitress just slid his way, while I attempt to gather my thoughts.
