I almost stepped inside, but remembered that these days I needed to book months in advance just to have lunch there.
I should book anyway, even if I sat by myself. I should do nice things forme. Things to remind myself I deserved to be taken care of, even if it was only by myself.
"Sable Kohl." A voice spoke behind me, smooth like whiskey over ice with a hint of chocolate.
I turned and pushed my hood off my head.
"Judge Cross."
"I thought that was you. Please, call me Forrest." His bright blue eyes regarded me like he could see into my soul and reveal all my secrets. As if he could see under all of my clothes and knew what would get me going with a glance.
"Forrest," I repeated. His name felt warm on my lips. Sensual.
"What brings you to this part of the city?" he asked.
"I was out for a walk."
Why did I suddenly feel so awkward around him? Like a girl with a crush. I hardly knew the man. I'd seen him here and there at charity events I'd forced myself to attend after Wolfgang's death. We'd exchanged a few words here and there. A glance before stepping away. I usually left once someone noticed I was there. Once I was 'seen.'
Those events were a brief reminder the world outside my apartment existed. People had needs. I had money, more money than I'd ever spend in my life. I might as well do something useful with it.
"I see," he said slowly. "I was just about to have lunch, would you care to join me?"
I hesitated.
"Everyone needs to eat," he said, filling in the silence. "You do eat, don't you?"
Now he was teasing me. The corners of his eyes crinkled.
"I—" I swallowed hard. "I've been known to eat once in a while," I said. Why did my eyes drop toward his groin? That wasn't what I meant.
"I mean food," I said quickly. "I mean…"
My face heated.
He rumbled a laugh. "What else would we be talking about?"
"Um, I can't think of a thing," I said in a rush. "I could go for some lunch." I glanced back toward Angel's Rest.
"Not there," he said. "One of my sons works there. Things are still awkward."
"Right."
If I remembered correctly, he had two of them: Jules and Cass. I'd seen them at the occasional charity event too, along with their girlfriend, Harlow, and her other two boyfriends, Archer and a man who called himself Boner, if you can believe that.
"There's a nice cafe on the corner."
Forrest offered me his arm.
I stared at it.
He lowered it to his side. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be…"
"It's okay," I said quickly. "I'm just—" I shook my head. "I'm still trying to deal."
"Of course you are."
He gestured for me to walk beside him, giving me a comfortable amount of personal space.
