Page 32 of Driven to Love

Addison looped her arms around her and whispered, “It will be fine. I know what I’m doing.”

On a final squeeze, she left the salon.

Her mom meant well, but Addison had listened to her heart—over and over again. That was why she knew Nash was not the man for her, even though every time he was near, her body lit up like the sky on the Fourth of July.

Nope. She needed a nice, stable guy. With any luck, Frank Davis was that guy.

Chapter 10

Addison admired the crystal drops and linen shades of the lighting fixtures. Frank got points for picking an upscale restaurant. A live band was setting up on a stage against the far wall. Windows lined two sides of the dining area, showcasing the evening sunlight on the lake.

Then there was her date. Frank Davis wore a blue suit. His hair swooshed to the right from a strong side part. She bet he’d worn it that way since childhood. Currently, his glasses slid down his straight nose as he perused the menu.

“What are you having?” His gaze flicked from the menu to her and then back just as quickly.

The server placed a steaming plate on the table beside them. Addison’s stomach rumbled. That’s what she got for skipping lunch. “The surf and turf smells delicious. I might have that. You?”

He nodded. “That looks good.”

Their server returned with their drinks and took their orders. Once she left, Addison picked up her wine. “Here’s to a nice evening.”

Frank picked up his glass, took a drink, and set it right back down.

Addison blinked, her glass still held high. So much for a toast. She took a sip. The smooth red wine slipped down her throat. She was tempted to down every last drop, but set the glass down and played with the stem instead. “So, Marti tells me you work in the insurance industry.”

“I’m an actuary.” He focused intently on the linen tablecloth. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was counting the threads.

“What’s your favorite part of your job?”

He looked at the ceiling. “Lunch.”

Addison chuckled.

Frank smiled with a shy tip of his lips. He was handsome when he smiled. She wondered if he ever thought about getting contacts.

“How long have you worked as an actuary?”

“Ten years this November.”

Man, getting him to talk was like pulling teeth. Addison leaned her elbows on the table and cocked her head. What made Frank Davis tick? “Do you have any hobbies?”

“I read.”

Finally. Something they had in common. “Me too. What are you currently reading? I just finished a fantastic psychological thriller.”

“Um, I’m reading a science fiction novel at the moment. But I like graphic novels as well.” He raised his glass to his lips. His cheek color deepened.

“I used to date a guy who made comic books. I don’t know if you’d know his work.” She said the name, and Frank jumped a little in his seat.

“I love his stuff. You really know him?”

“Yup.” They dated for a few months. That was before he was picked up by a publisher.

“Wow.” Frank straightened in his chair. They talked about her ex and his books for a few minutes. Then he asked, “What’s your favorite movie?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” She dated an actor right after college. “I like action movies… and the superhero ones.”

Ding. Ding. Ding. She must have hit a winner because Frank’s eyes sparkled at her answer. “Marvel or DC?”