Page 181 of The Bluffing Game

“I haven’t been here because of you—you know that, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“The last time I saw you, you asked me not to flirt with you.”

“What?”

“You said that it would be too complicated, and I wanted to respect that boundary. You’re my employee, and I am in a power position over you. So I didn’t want you to think you had to flirt back with me to keep your job or anything. Frankly, I like being around you and seeing you. And there’s just something about you that makes me want to tease you and flirt with you. So, that’s why I haven’t been here, Sage.”

“Oh.” I stare at him, blinking rapidly. “Like I said, I didn’t even notice.” I stop as he chuckles. “Fine. I noticed, but you didn’t have to not come because of me.”

“I wanted to show you that I wasn’t going to cross that line. And, sure, I could have come and just been here, but …” He shrugs. “I didn’t want you to cross that line either.”

“What do you mean, me?”

“Let’s be real here, Sage. You definitely seem as attracted to me as I am to you.”

“I don’t know where you got that from, but it’s not true.”

“Uh-huh. Plus, you’re right. I have a son. He’s my first responsibility. And then I have other obligations and other family members I’m taking care of. I don’t have time for dalliances.”

“Well, lucky for you, there was never going to be a dalliance between you and me anyway.”

“That’s great. So, do you need some help?”

“Help with what?”

“Your dating situation. Do you need a coach? I know you’re looking for a husband, and it doesn’t seem like you’ve had any offers yet.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “I’m good, but I’m not that good, Dalton. Did you seriously think I was going to meet someone, date them, and have an offer of marriage within a week?”

“I don’t know. I’d like to think if I were one of those mysterious men you were after, I could be convinced to propose to you in a week.”

“But you don’t even want to get married.”

“I don’t, but if I were someone else, maybe I would.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

“Maybe not.” He cracks a smile.

“No, I don’t need your advice or help with dating. I think I got this. I think I do pretty well on my own.”

“I’m sure you do,” he says, his eyes lowering to my lips. “I’m sure you have the full package.” His eyes darken as his voice grows huskier. “I should go now. I’m still looking for a full-time babysitter, and, well, Toby wants to go to the park this afternoon, so I suppose that is where I shall take him. You have a good evening.”

“I guess I will.” I’m disappointed that he’s leaving. “Enjoy the park.”

“Thank you. I think we will. You’re more than welcome to join us if you want. I see you’re getting off in a couple of hours.”

Why would he invite me to join him and Toby at the park? There’s no way I would ever want to do that, yet I find myself wanting to say yes.

“Yeah, sure. Sounds like it would be fun.”

“I’ll pick you up from the condo in a couple of hours. Just text me when you’re ready.” He grins, looks down at his watch, and then back at me.

“Okay,” I say. “Will do.”

He walks out of the restaurant, and I wonder what just happened.