Read Online The Relationship Coach by Sylvia McDaniel - Free Book Online Page B

life together, and I should be focused on you.”
    He pulled the Jeep out into traffic on the freeway, and then gazed at her. “That’s what I love about you. Even when you’re at your worst, you realize the problem and accept your part. You make me feel good.”
    She smiled at him. “You’re welcome. Now where are you taking me for dinner? I’m starved, and I promise to think only of us.”
    “How about the—”
    Her ring tone started playing, and she grabbed her cell phone from her purse. “Hello.”
    “Reed Hunter.”
    Immediately, she felt a sense of relief. Finally, he was calling, and she could make some decisions. “Hello, Mr. Hunter. How are you this afternoon?”
    “I’m well, thank you. Your marketing director, Amanda, called and said you wanted to meet again. Can I ask what this is about?”
    “Mr. Hunter, I’ve reconsidered. I’d like to discuss the possibility of doing your documentary. But before I make my decision, there are some things we need to discuss.”
    “How about dinner tonight?”
    Lacey glanced at Dean. His forehead drew together in a frown. God, she wanted to go, but how could she go off and leave Dean? Yet, how could she wait another day without knowing or making a decision?
    Dean mouthed at her, obviously hearing their conversation. “It’s okay. Go if you need to.”
    “What time?”
    “How about seven thirty?”
    Lacey glanced at her watch and realized that would give her two hours to get ready and get to the restaurant. “Where?”
    “I’ll meet you at Brucelli’s.”
    “I’ll see you at seven thirty,” she said almost giggly with relief. Either way, at least a decision would soon be made.
    “I’ll be there,” he said and disconnected.
    Lacey glanced at Dean, a smile on her face. “Thanks, honey, I really appreciate this. I promise you once I get this settled, we’ll find that apartment, and soon we’ll be together all the time.”
    He reached over and patted her on the thigh. “You go get the guarantees you need to make this film.”
    “I will,” she said, but she didn’t feel as certain as she sounded.
    She was about to wage her business and her career on a man who did documentaries for a living. Who exposed people? How would he expose her?
    A chill rippled through her, and she felt like she stood on the edge of a cliff. One wrong move and she’d tumble over.
     
     

Chapter Five
     
    L acey strolled into the dimly lit Italian restaurant; the romantic ambience greeted its patrons at the door. Elevator music played softly, while candles flickered in the darkened dining room. Fragrant oregano drifted in the air with the sweet smell of fresh bread.
    A seduction restaurant and she wondered at Reed’s choice. Everywhere she looked, couples engaged in the dance of courtship, leaning in close to one another, talking softly with desire reflecting in their gazes.
    This hardly seemed the place for a business dinner. A dinner over which she would commit her business and her career to a man she knew very little about. Yet, if she wanted the television show, what choice did she have?
    Standing in the entryway, she scanned the area and observed Reed sitting at a booth, waiting for her. When he saw her, he jumped to his feet.
    “Hi,” she said, as he waited for her to take a seat before sitting across from her in the booth.
    “Did you have any trouble finding the restaurant?”
    She admired his appropriate business casual attire of a suit coat and dress jeans. Most women would consider Reed Hunter a hottie, and Lacey had to admit she liked his style.
    “No, not at all. I’ve driven by it before, but I’ve never eaten here.” This was not the type of restaurant Dean and she frequented.
    The waitress appeared, and Reed ordered a bottle of wine, while Lacey gazed at the menu.
    “Do you eat here often?” she asked.
    “Sometimes. The food is excellent. I use to bring my girlfriend here,” Reed said, his expression reflected no emotion at the mention of his