Read Online Forged in Stone by Alyssa Rose Ivy - Free Book Online Page A

we’d even be talking when spring came was presumptuous. But then again if he spent time with Grace I’d probably see him again.
    “Did you have dinner?”
    “Yes. Grace brought me some sushi.”
    “Nice. She’s great, isn’t she?”
    “Most of the time.”
    “Are you still upset with her over the blind date? It worked out in the end.” He smiled.
    If working out meant I got pushed into seeing him again, then sure. I went with the half smile again. I regretted telling James ten o’clock. I should have said nine-thirty. We were getting all the small talk over with now, so what was going to be left to talk about over coffee?
    “You don’t have to sit here.”
    “I don’t mind. I’d be waiting around to see you anyway.”
    “But this is pretty boring.”
    “No it’s not. I like talking to you. I also like looking at you.”
    “Yes, because I look so fabulous in my Yogurt Love shirt.”
    “It’s cute.”
    “Thanks.” I glanced longingly at the back room, but that was against policy when a customer was present, besides Brad would probably follow me which would get me in trouble.
    “Come sit with me.”
    “I can’t.” That was also completely against policy.
    “Why? No one’s here.”
    “It’s against the rules.”
    “Your boss isn’t here.”
    “So? That doesn’t mean I’m going to break the rules.”
    “Wow.” He rocked back in his chair. “You are uptight.”
    “If you don’t like my personality, you’re welcome to leave.”
    He grinned. “Don’t think you’re going to get rid of me that easily.”
    I checked my watch. It was 8:45. At least in the midst of all the annoyances time was passing. Only a little over an hour until James picked me up, and I got to go home. Pajamas and my warm bed sounded good. Who was I kidding? Seeing James sounded good too. Maybe what I needed was some fun. He’d mentioned taking his car out into the country. I loved fast cars, and I knew that an Aston Martin would deliver top speed. James Bond had driven one for a reason.
    “Are you still interested in getting coffee?”
    “Was this enough of a date for you?” I tried to keep the hopefulness out of my voice.
    “No, I meant want to do something else?”
    “What else is there?”
    “Maybe drinks. A re-do of last night.”
    “Coffee sounds good.” Coffee was safe and simple. I wasn’t interested in doing anything more than that.
    “You’re uptight. A drink would help.”
    “Yeah, I don’t use alcohol that way.” Totally untrue. I used it to unwind all the time, but that didn’t mean I wanted to unwind with him.
    “I want you to have fun tonight.”
    “Won’t your presence be enough?”
    “I hope so.” He grinned, probably because he thought I was flirting.
    “There’s a great coffee shop down the street. Coffee House.”
    “I’d prefer the Starbucks in the other direction.”
    “Why?” I glanced at the clock again.
    “I’m picky about my coffee.”
    “I have to go to Coffee House. My ride is getting me there.”
    “Your ride? If you don’t have your car I’d be more than happy to take you home.”
    “It’s fine.” Even if I had a way to contact James, I wouldn’t have wanted to accept a ride from Brad. That would only make getting away at the end of the night more difficult. And it would cut out another ride in the Aston Martin.
    “No really. Why should a friend come get you when I’m already with you? Besides, it could be late.”
    “He’s getting me at ten.”
    “He?” Brad stood up. “This is a male friend?”
    “Yes.” James wasn’t actually my friend, but I wasn’t going to bring up that detail.
    “Isn’t that a little odd?”
    “What?”
    “Asking another guy to pick you up from a date?”
    “I didn’t ask him. It worked out this way because he drove me.” I straightened my shoulders. “If it’s a problem, you’re welcome to leave.”
    “Stop it. Why are you trying to sabotage us before we’ve even started?”
    “Why do you care? Why bother