Read Online An Unexpected Attraction (Love Unexpected Book 3) by Delaney Diamond - Free Book Online Page B

and a charcoal blazer, she talked animatedly to one of the food critics for the local newspaper. She made sweeping gestures with her hands and used energetic nods to agree with the man’s comments.
    At one point she laughed, and even though he couldn’t hear her, his stomach clenched just the same because he knew the sound. Relished it. Missed it.
    When her eyes landed on Jay, her expansive movements stopped. After a brief hesitation she acknowledged him with a faint smile. He smiled back and leaned against the wall to wait for her.
    He didn’t have long to wait. A couple of minutes later, she excused herself and walked across the carpeted floor to his side. Her soft, sweet fragrance enveloped him, and he stuffed his hands into his pockets to suppress the sudden urge to pull her into his arms. Last time that didn’t go so well.
    “Don’t tell me, this is you?” She waved in the general direction of the restaurant and guests.
    “We had a hand in the launch, yes. The investors are our clients.”
    “I should have known.”
    “I thought the same thing when I saw you.” Damn, she looked good up close. Nude-colored lipstick made her already full lips appear plumper and moist. Tonight she’d done something to make her hair wavy and combed it back from her face. He liked the new style.
    “I’ve been getting out more now that I’m settled at the magazine. I guess we’ll be seeing each other more often at events around town.”
    “Probably.” Maledizione , they couldn’t even talk to each other. Their conversation sounded fake and unnatural—nothing like two people who’d known each other for years.
    She clasped her hands in front of her. “Well, it was good to see you. I’d better go.”
    “Brenda,” he said, as she was walking away. She turned back to face him. “Listen, the last time we saw each other…” He sighed. “Do you think we could go somewhere to talk? We’ve known each other a long time, and I—I don’t want to lose your friendship.”
    She eyed him warily, probably suspicious of his intentions. “I don’t want to lose your friendship, either,” she said cautiously. “Where did you have in mind?”
    “There’s a place on Peachtree, not too far from where I work. It’s a little wine bar I visit often to unwind after work. We could go there, have a drink, and talk.”
    “Okay.” She nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.”
    He breathed a little easier. “We could park in the lot near the office.” He took a look at her shoes, black peep-toe pumps. “You’ll be okay walking the three or so blocks to the bar in those?”
    “I’ll be fine,” she said, brushing off his concern with a wave of her hand. “What’s the name of the wine bar?”
    “Vino Luogo,” he answered.
    A hint of a smile appeared at the corners of her luscious mouth. “Surprise, surprise. Of course it’s Italian.”
    “Of course. They have a variety of wines, but you’ll never taste a better selection than what’s available on their Italian list . ”
    Brenda groaned, already loosening up. “You Italians and your food and wine bragging. You actually believe you have the best wine in the world, don’t you?”
    He shot her his best appalled look. “That’s because we do.”
    “Sorry to disappoint you,” she teased, “but the best wine I’ve ever had wasn’t Italian. It was a California red—fruity and textured with hints of cedar and cardamom. Delicious .”
    “You must be joking,” he muttered. “You’re unsophisticated American palate doesn’t know any better, so I forgive your blasphemy.”
    Brenda laughed, cute and sexy at the same time. A sound he would never get tired of, even when she was giving him hell. “Oh please. Italian wines are good, don’t get me wrong—but there are so many good ones out there, I have to say that Italian wine is one among many.”
    “You’ll eat those words,” he promised.
    “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
    “Yes.” Their playful banter had