Read Online The Better Man by Cerian Hebert - Free Book Online Page B

say yes.”
    The girl’s face
softened a little. So, she was also a bit of a romantic. “I’ll see what I can
do. There is a nice table. Usually it’s reserved for special occasions, like
honeymoons or anniversaries, but it’s not being used tonight.”
    “You are
awesome. Thank you.”
    Will turned
away from the front desk and looked down at his clothing. He hadn’t packed
anything more than a pair of jeans and a couple casual shirts. He only had a
few hours to play with, but remembered passing a small mall on his way to the
inn. Maybe they carried men’s clothing, something a little dressier than what
he was wearing.
    By the time he
got back, forty minutes later, people were already gathering for dinner. The
girl who’d been at the front desk was now in a black dress and stood at the
entrance to the restaurant. She winked at Will as he walked by.
    “You went
clothes shopping?” Lori asked with a laugh when she let him back into the room.
    “Couldn’t
escort you to dinner wearing jeans and a polo shirt, could I? Give me a few
minutes and I’ll be ready.”
    It took less
than ten minutes to shower and change into the dress pants, charcoal grey
shirt, and black tie. When he came out of the bathroom, Lori was dressed too.
He stopped dead and stared. Longing raged inside him once more.
    Her dress was
calf-length, but hugged her body to show off her generous feminine curves. The
deep red fabric screamed both elegance and seduction.
    Her hair
flooded loose in luxurious honey waves to the small of her back. At her neck
hung a thick gold chain holding a red stone the size of a quarter. A ruby. The
one her parents had given to her for her twenty-fourth birthday.
    Suddenly he
didn’t want to share her with anyone. “Maybe we should have dinner in the
room.”
    Lori pouted and
sauntered over to him. In four-inch heels, she stood nearly eye-to-eye with
him. “Oh, come on. Dressed like this, we can’t hide up in the room.” She kissed
him on the jaw, softly.
    The effect was
overwhelming. Will shoved down the desire to sweep her off her feet and take
her back to bed. “You’re right. Come on.” They started for the door, but he suddenly
stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.
    “What?”
    “You look
absolutely stunning.”
    The smile that
spread across her ruby-red lips was one of pure pleasure. “Thank you.”
    The hostess’s
eyes nearly popped out of her head when she greeted them in the dining room.
She repeated Will’s sentiments with genuine delight.
    Lori slid her
arm around Will’s waist. “Have you officially met Will?”
    “No, but I’d
like to.”
    “Tina, this is
Will Draper, my best friend. Will, this is Tina Howell.”
    Will shook the
girl’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
    “And you too.
I’ve got your table ready.” She picked up two menus and led them into the
dining room, to a corner table for two. Plenty of privacy. It overlooked
the patio, empty due to the fall weather, but the view was impressive. Tea
lights strung from the trees outside glittered into the night.
    The overhead
light was low and two candles on the table added to the romance, as did the
bouquet of flowers in the center of the table.
    “Enjoy.” Tina
laid the menus down on the table and left.
    Will kissed
Lori lightly before he helped her into her seat and took his own. Her eyes
sparkled as she looked around their surroundings.
    “Did you do
this? You are full of surprises tonight.” She returned her gaze to him.
    “I aim to
please.”
    “And so far
you’ve been right on the mark on all accounts. Oh, what I’ve missed.”
    Both
satisfaction and sadness filled Will’s heart at the frustration in her voice.
Had it really been so bad with Brian they hadn’t even managed a romantic dinner
or two? Probably. He knew on the occasions they did go out, it was usually a
group affair.
    Firmly, he put
Brian out of the picture. The man didn’t deserve to share any space in his mind
with Lori. Not anymore.
    After