Read Online Laina Turner - Presley Thurman 02 - Necklaces & Nooses by Laina Turner - Free Book Online Page B

deserved it after all the physical labor I had done. I got the muscato from the fridge and poured myself a small glass. I had just finished, rinsed out my glass, and put it in the sink when the buzzer rang. He was right on time, and I liked that in a guy. I opened the door and saw he had changed, too. No longer wearing the blazer, he had changed into a soft-looking black silk T-shirt.
    “I see you got my memo about wearing a black T-shirt,” I said.
    He smiled. “You look nice, Presley. Here, these are for you.” He gave me a small bouquet of wildflowers in bold hues.
    “These are so pretty. This is so thoughtful, but you didn’t need to get me flowers.”
    “I know, but I saw them on the way, and I love the colors.”
    “Really, you are full of all sorts of surprises.” I hadn’t met too many men who could appreciate flowers. Maybe he had sisters. That would explain a lot. Willie was just as courteous as Cooper. It was very unusual to find two guys with such great traits.
    Cooper—why did I have to think of him right then? I sighed and shook my head, as if that would shake the thoughts of him right out. I didn’t want these now when I was trying to get to know Willie. That didn’t seem fair.
    “My mom is big into her flowers, and growing up, that’s how I made all my money. Weeding, watering, pruning, all under her watchful eye of course. I bought my first ten-speed that way.”
    “My mother, too. Her favorite time of year is the Junior League flower show. Those ladies are cutthroat. Even if I was a flower person, I’m not sure I could handle the pressure, especially over something like that.”
    “My mom’s favorite time of year is the Oak Park flower show, and same here, it gets tense at my house. My dad and I learned to just agree with anything she says the couple weeks leading up to the show, and if she doesn’t do well, watch out. You don’t want to be around her for a few more weeks.”
    “Wow, sounds like they have a lot in common.”
    “Shall we go? I have reservations at eight.”
    “Yep. Just let me put these in water real quick.” I grabbed a vase, poured some water, and tossed in the flowers, figuring I would cut the stems and add the food when I got home. I grabbed my purse, and we were on our way. The weather had cooled, which was nice.
    “You up for a walk? It’s only a few blocks from here, and it’s nice out.”
    “I think that would be lovely. Then I don’t have to feel as guilty about what I eat.” We walked along just chatting about nothing important, both of us staying away from the murder of my boss. That was something I did not want to talk about that night and was glad he seemed to be good at separating work and his personal life. It was a relief to relax and forget the drama for a few hours.
    “Here we are. I hope the food is as good as I’ve heard. I’m starving.”
    “Me, too”
    “Reservation for Landon,” Willie said to the hostess.
    “Follow me, sir, your table is right this way.” Willie motioned for me to go first in a very gentlemanly manner. I followed the hostess and surreptitiously stared at what the other diners seemed to be eating. When dining at a new place, I was always curious what people were eating and  what looked good so I could order that. My foodie version of keeping up with the Joneses. When we got to our table and sat down, I was encouraged by the fact that everything I saw on the way to the table looked more than edible.
    Our waiter seemingly appeared out of thin air. “Can I get you something to drink?” So far the service was off to a good start.
    “Presley, what would you like?”
    “Can I get a glass of Riesling, and water with lemon please?”
    “I’ll have the same.”
    “Good choice, it will compliment the sushi well. Here are the menus and a of couple pencils. As you can see, the menu is divided into two columns, single serving and double serving. I would recommend trying a sampling of some single serving rolls, a single