Read Online Conflict of Interest by Allyson Lindt - Free Book Online Page A

tempered Kenzie’s inappropriate memories as she followed them through the crowded restaurant. He nodded, waved, or smiled at half the staff. Not only had he been there before, but he was on friendly terms with almost everyone. He was a little loud and under-dressed, but he seemed friendly enough. She still didn’t understand why his board was complaining.
    Their table was near the back, away from most of the din. Before taking his own seat, Scott held out her chair for her and scooted it in while she sat. She tried and failed to ignore the warmth in her chest at how flawlessly he’d done it.
    Their waitress was with them within seconds, filling their water and setting a bread basket on the table.
    “Tanya. New haircut? It looks good.” Scott’s voice was distinct, even in the chatter-filled room, drawing more glowers from around them.
    That kind of attention was bad, and it pushed away some of the lingering lust. Kenzie didn’t know if she should shush him or sink farther in her seat.
    “Thanks.” The redhead fluffed the short bob. “Got tired of the baby wrapping sticky fingers in it.”
    “At least she’s outgrown the spitting up, right?” Scott asked.
    “Totally.” Tanya pulled a pad and pen from her apron pocket. “Getting milk puke out of these black button-downs is murder.”
    Someone nearby coughed, and voices died down, the entire section growing quiet. Kenzie grimaced at the mental image invoked by the conversation and the attention they were drawing.
    “I’m going to take your word for it.” Scott didn’t look fazed. “Is the special any good?”
    “Fresh prosciutto-wrapped chicken with roasted cauliflower. Dessert’s a surprise.”
    Scott looked at Kenzie. “You’re not vegetarian or anything like that, right? You like a good, thick slice of meat every once in a while?”
    She should have seen that coming. Kenzie felt more heads turning in their direction, and the heat in her face grew. She took a long swallow of ice water, intentionally ignoring his second question. “I’m not vegetarian.”
    “Sweet.” Scott looked pleased. “We’ll both have the special, and the calamari to start.”
    Tanya looked at her. “Anything to drink?”
    She’d have the strongest anything in the house if she thought she could get away with it. “A glass of the house white wine.”
    Scott raised an eyebrow, gaze lingering on her as he spoke. “Coke for me.”
    “I’ll be back soon,” Tanya assured them.
    Scott glanced at his phone as soon as she was gone. “It’s noon. I’m already driving you to drink?”
    Kenzie tried to keep her expression neutral. She wasn’t going to let him get to her. “You’re lecturing me on what is and isn’t appropriate?”
    He rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Some of us like people the way they are.”
    Had she wounded him? No, the sharp edge in his stare screamed challenge. She pushed back anything else it made her think, like that stern jaw and hard mouth sliding down her throat. “I like you just fine.” Her voice was firm. “But sometimes you have to play by other people’s rules to get things done.”
    “Right, of course.” He looked like he wanted to say something else, but his clenched jaw kept any words from coming out.
    She needed to change the subject to something he wasn’t dead set against. They could work more on his behavior in public when he wasn’t already on the defensive. “Are you free all afternoon?”
    He relaxed and leaned forward, posture casual. “I’ve cleared my calendar just for you.”
    She didn’t know if that was enticing or just arrogant. Or maybe both. She forced her demeanor to stay neutral. “Great. I was thinking we’d go shopping. Get you something more appropriate to wear to business meetings.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to show me how to dress.” It wasn’t a question.
    She pursed her lips. “It’s not like I’m going to throw out your jeans, though if you’ve got any that are