Read Online Tempting by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online Page A

that Dani wasn’t worried.
    She rounded the corner and was halfway through her “Hi, I’m Dani Buchanan. How may I help you?” when she recognized the lone diner. The power suit was familiar as were the dark eyes and stubborn jaw.
    â€œThis is a surprise,” she told Alex Canfield.
    â€œI heard the food was good.”
    She glanced at the menu in his hand. “I take it you haven’t ordered. Would you like a few suggestions?”
    â€œAre you going to spit on my food before they bring it to me?”
    She grinned. “It depends on why you’re really here.”
    â€œMaybe I just want to get to know you.”
    â€œOh, please. I may not have gone to law school and lost my humanity, but I’m not an idiot.”
    â€œYou went to Cornell, which is tough to get into, and I never said you were an idiot.”
    As she stared down at him, it occurred to her she wasn’t disappointed he’d shown up at the restaurant. Interesting. She also noticed she sort of enjoyed bantering with him. They were both verbal and quick.
    But he hadn’t answered the question—why was he here?
    â€œBeing an idiot was implied,” she said.
    He motioned to the chair across from his. “You could join me.”
    â€œOr I could not.”
    He glanced around at the dining room. “It’s after nine. Your dinner crowd has left. Have dinner with me. We’ll get to know each other. I’ll even let you pick the topics we discuss.”
    Somehow she doubted that. He’d been less than friendly the last time they’d been together. She was ambivalent—understanding his need to protect his family and hating that she was considered the enemy. Still, she pulled out a chair and sat down. “I want to order the food,” she told him.
    â€œWhy am I not surprised?”
    â€œAnd the wine.”
    â€œWill you cut my food into tiny pieces and feed me, as well?”
    â€œOnly if you have bad table manners.”
    Eddie walked over and looked at her.
    â€œMr. Canfield and I will be having dinner together, Eddie.” Dani placed the order, picking her favorites, then chose a bottle of Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese.
    â€œNice,” Alex said when Eddie left. “The wine’s a little pricey.”
    â€œIt’s worth it. Besides, you’re rich. You can afford it.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “You’re assuming I’m buying.”
    â€œYou did the inviting.”
    â€œThis is your place.”
    â€œFine. You can take advantage of my employee discount.”
    He nodded. “I appreciate that.” He passed her the bread basket. “How are you enjoying your job here?”
    The implication being it was a new job. She wasn’t surprised he knew that—no doubt dragon-boy had investigated every aspect of her life.
    â€œI like it a lot. Bernie and his mother are great. I know Mama Giuseppe makes everyone crazy, but I think she’s very entertaining. The kitchen staff are terrified of her. I like the food, the staff and the regulars. I hope to be here a long time.”
    â€œWhy the restaurant business?” he asked.
    â€œI never thought about doing anything else. I grew up as a Buchanan. I want to say it’s in my blood, but I guess that isn’t true. It’s what I know. Why did you go to law school?”
    â€œMy soul was getting in the way of being a ruthless bastard. I knew they’d suck it out of me.”
    She glared at him. “I answered your question seriously.”
    â€œFair enough. I wanted to do the right thing. Be on the right side of the law. For that, I needed to understand it.”
    That surprised her. “You consider yourself an idealist?”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œYou’re in corporate law and you’re working on a presidential campaign. Is there idealism left in either place?”
    â€œDemocracy is alive and well.”
    â€œSo is the need to raise millions of