Read Online Tempting Fate (The Blake Boys Book 9) by Rhonda Laurel - Free Book Online
Authors: Rhonda Laurel
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enough.”
“I remember the time we came across that Girl Scout troop who was having trouble selling their cookies. You gave those girls a rousing speech, and they sold out within an hour.” She laughed. Those girls were so entranced by him, they would have stolen cars if he’d asked them to.
“They made me an honorary member of the troop.” He grinned.
“It must be nice to have women of all ages fawning all over you. What’s your secret? Besides the obvious good looking package.”
“There’s no secret. People simply respond well when you’re nice, courteous and have a genuine interest in what they have to say.”
“Yeah, I try, but I’m afraid I can’t take all that mental exhaust. Some people like to unload on you and don’t even care if you’re really listening.”
“I agree. But my daddy says that even a person with the worst verbal diarrhea will say one good, useful thing in their lives. And if you’re lucky, they’ll say it the day you’re listening.”
Cassidy let out a giggly snort. “Your daddy sounds like a really funny guy.”
“Funny is the last word anyone would use to describe John Jacob Blake.” Channing scratched at his beard. “My whole life he’s been super serious, but lately he’s been mellowing. I think it’s all the grandkids popping up. It’s been a joy to watch.”
“I’ve got my second wind back. Let’s go see us some awesome horticulture.” She stood and held her hand out to him.
When Channing stood, he kissed the back of her hand. The softness of his lips against her skin felt like he’d just kissed her from head to toe. She wondered if it was the memory of her attraction to him that made her feel the sparks, or if her body was on the mend. He was a live, walking billboard of sexiness, and she was hooked on whatever he was selling.
They spent a considerable amount of time in the Botanical Garden, then walked around until they found a prime spot for a panoramic photo op of the Potomac. Channing was hungry, so they went to a trendy restaurant at Union Station, the intimate atmosphere in the booth on the top floor was just what she needed after a busy day of sightseeing.
“I’m going to have their signature fajitas.” Channing stretched his legs out under the table.
“I’ll have the shrimp Caesar salad.”
The waiter came for their order, Channing ordered the house ale and a white wine for her, but she declined and asked for bottled water instead.
“Not in the mood for wine tonight?” He passed the waiter the menus.
“I’m taking a medication that I can’t mix with alcohol.”
“Oh. I hope it isn’t anything serious?” He touched her hand.
Cassidy’s eyes widened. It was as if time had stopped. Anything serious? She felt like she had a double-barrel shotgun aimed at her head. She could answer his question and turn the entire day into something it needn’t be, or she could play it cool and record this as the one of the best dates ever.
“No, I cut my finger so the doctor gave me some antibiotics for it.” Her shoulders sank as the weight of the lie bore down on her. Suddenly the booth wasn’t intimate anymore. The whopper she just told had wedged itself between them.
“Thank you for giving me another chance after that debacle at the engagement party. Even if you didn’t want to see me again, I wouldn’t want you thinking I was that kind of man. I wouldn’t do that to you or Emma.”
“I can see why she wants to hang on to you. I don’t know the full story, but whatever the reason for the breakup, she seems remorseful about not being in your life anymore. But I also respect your choice to move on, and I’m sure you know if a woman isn’t good for you.”
“So when I come back to town in a couple of weeks, can I take you on another date?”
“I’d like that.” The words, coming from her heart, shot out of her mouth before she could stop them.
* * *
By Sunday afternoon Channing was in such a euphoric state he
“I remember the time we came across that Girl Scout troop who was having trouble selling their cookies. You gave those girls a rousing speech, and they sold out within an hour.” She laughed. Those girls were so entranced by him, they would have stolen cars if he’d asked them to.
“They made me an honorary member of the troop.” He grinned.
“It must be nice to have women of all ages fawning all over you. What’s your secret? Besides the obvious good looking package.”
“There’s no secret. People simply respond well when you’re nice, courteous and have a genuine interest in what they have to say.”
“Yeah, I try, but I’m afraid I can’t take all that mental exhaust. Some people like to unload on you and don’t even care if you’re really listening.”
“I agree. But my daddy says that even a person with the worst verbal diarrhea will say one good, useful thing in their lives. And if you’re lucky, they’ll say it the day you’re listening.”
Cassidy let out a giggly snort. “Your daddy sounds like a really funny guy.”
“Funny is the last word anyone would use to describe John Jacob Blake.” Channing scratched at his beard. “My whole life he’s been super serious, but lately he’s been mellowing. I think it’s all the grandkids popping up. It’s been a joy to watch.”
“I’ve got my second wind back. Let’s go see us some awesome horticulture.” She stood and held her hand out to him.
When Channing stood, he kissed the back of her hand. The softness of his lips against her skin felt like he’d just kissed her from head to toe. She wondered if it was the memory of her attraction to him that made her feel the sparks, or if her body was on the mend. He was a live, walking billboard of sexiness, and she was hooked on whatever he was selling.
They spent a considerable amount of time in the Botanical Garden, then walked around until they found a prime spot for a panoramic photo op of the Potomac. Channing was hungry, so they went to a trendy restaurant at Union Station, the intimate atmosphere in the booth on the top floor was just what she needed after a busy day of sightseeing.
“I’m going to have their signature fajitas.” Channing stretched his legs out under the table.
“I’ll have the shrimp Caesar salad.”
The waiter came for their order, Channing ordered the house ale and a white wine for her, but she declined and asked for bottled water instead.
“Not in the mood for wine tonight?” He passed the waiter the menus.
“I’m taking a medication that I can’t mix with alcohol.”
“Oh. I hope it isn’t anything serious?” He touched her hand.
Cassidy’s eyes widened. It was as if time had stopped. Anything serious? She felt like she had a double-barrel shotgun aimed at her head. She could answer his question and turn the entire day into something it needn’t be, or she could play it cool and record this as the one of the best dates ever.
“No, I cut my finger so the doctor gave me some antibiotics for it.” Her shoulders sank as the weight of the lie bore down on her. Suddenly the booth wasn’t intimate anymore. The whopper she just told had wedged itself between them.
“Thank you for giving me another chance after that debacle at the engagement party. Even if you didn’t want to see me again, I wouldn’t want you thinking I was that kind of man. I wouldn’t do that to you or Emma.”
“I can see why she wants to hang on to you. I don’t know the full story, but whatever the reason for the breakup, she seems remorseful about not being in your life anymore. But I also respect your choice to move on, and I’m sure you know if a woman isn’t good for you.”
“So when I come back to town in a couple of weeks, can I take you on another date?”
“I’d like that.” The words, coming from her heart, shot out of her mouth before she could stop them.
* * *
By Sunday afternoon Channing was in such a euphoric state he
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