“What do you mean?” He was all injured ego now.
“Have you ever seen Disney’s movieTangled?” When he shook his head, she said, “You ought to watch it then. There’s a charming thief in there called Flynn Rider who tries to pull a similar brooding look on Rapunzel. You remind me of him every time I see you do it.”
“Are you saying I’m a caricature?”
“Notyou. Just this act you put on whenever you’re around women. I’ve seen you with the guys, and you’re totally different. I guess I’m not the kind of woman who’s . . .” Rae couldn’t think how to diplomatically finish the sentence.
“Easily charmed?” he asked.
“Look, Jason,” Rae put her elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “I work full time, and I’m a widow with two young children. They need me to be both mom and dad to them, and it takes everything I have to meet their needs. I have a different set of priorities from what I had when I was twenty. Brooding charmers don’t do anything for me. No offense.”
“All right. I can accept that.” He leaned forward too and turned his head to watch her from the side. “What if I set aside the ‘brooding charmer’ as you call it?”
“I’m not sure about dating someone from work. It has the potential to make things complicated here.”
“You go out with Rademaker all the time,” Jason said.
“That’s because we’re friends, and friends enjoy each other’s company. We’re not dating. Not that it’s any of your business if we were.” Rae had no idea why she’d said that last bit. It was almost like a part of her wanted to leave dating Dylan open as a possibility. Which was stupid.
“I enjoy your company,” Jason said, leaning on her desk, the brooding look returning.
“You’re doing it again.” She gave his elbow a push, and it slid off the desk, throwing him off balance. “Thatparticularbrooding expression was exactly like Edward Cullen in the firstTwilightmovie where he looked constipated.”
That time, it was Jason who burst out laughing. At least he had a sense of humor.
“Oh, love, I do so enjoy talking to you. Do you think your dear friend Dylan would be willing to watch your children so I can take you to dinner Friday?”
Rae considered him for a second. Maybe he thought she was a challenge because she always resisted his attentions. If she went out with him once, he’d think he’d won and would move on to someone else. He always did. And she’d have peace.
“You promise to drop the affectations?”
“On my honor.” Jason crossed his heart.
“All right. If Dylan’s busy, I’m sure Amelia could watch them.”
“Excellent. Seven then.” Jason strode away.
She’d have to find out which restaurant he planned to take her to, since she had no intention of telling him where she lived.
“You’re here early,” Dylan said a few minutes later as he checked his schedule for the day.
Rae explained about Preston’s doctor appointment. “Any word on Nora?”
“No. If it’s like the last time, there won’t be unless it’s bad news.” Dylan took the seat by her desk and lowered his voice. “I talked to my father.” She looked at him expectantly, but he shook his head, saying, “He refuses to release the trust early.”
“Did he say why?” Rae had met Lawrence Rademaker once; he was intimidating. While looking like a silver-haired version of Dylan, the older man was the opposite of his son in every other way. She suspected that was Dylan’s choice.
“I didn’t ask him. I won’t give him an opportunity to tell me once again what a screw-up he thinks I am.”
“I’m sorry.” She covered his hand with hers and gave it a sympathetic squeeze.
“It’s only a matter of time.” Dylan glanced at the clock and jumped to his feet. “I need to get going. See you.” He headed toward the door.
“Oh, before I forget. Can you watch my kids Friday night? I have a date.” Her face went hot. Why was she embarrassed to admit it to Dylan?
He jerked his head around and met her gaze. For a second she saw a flash of something unexpected: Fear. Why would he be worried about it?
“Not Ben . . .”
