Read Online Truth or Date by Susan Hatler - Free Book Online

last sentence, his tone seemed a tad friendlier so I relaxed a little. “Thanks for the tip.”
    “Good evening. I’m Marcia.” A dark-haired woman appeared wearing a stern expression. “I’ll be your server this evening. May I start you off with a cocktail?”
    Ethan raised a brow at me.
    “Just because I can’t stay late doesn’t mean we won’t have a great time.” I doubted Chris would make a big deal about a short evening since he’d taken my being late to his business dinner in stride. I turned to the waitress who scowled at me—fine, take Ethan’s side—and asked her to recommend a Pinot Grigio. I ignored the urge to put a fake Italian accent on grigio since Ethan hadn’t realized I’d been joking last time. Ethan ordered a gin and tonic, then the waitress disappeared with one last hostile side-glance. Whatever, lady.
    “I’m going to order the Butternut Squash with Cream Sauce.” Forget low-calorie salads and my new dress size. My taste buds called the shots tonight. “What about you?”
    “The Cajun Jamba—” He stopped mid-sentence and his dark brows came together. “Is that your friend from work?”
    “Huh?” My eyes immediately darted to where Ethan cast his gaze and my heart froze. Solid ice, I tell you, as my pretend boyfriend strolled in looking sexier than ever in dark slacks and a blue collared shirt that made his eyes stand out from across the room. Even my grouchy waitress gave Chris the once-over as the host led him toward the back deck.
    As if sensing me watching, Chris’s head suddenly angled my way and our eyes locked.
    The ice in my chest burst to flames, heating my cheeks, and forcing me to turn away. Why did I care if Chris saw me with Ethan? I was on a date. So what?
    “I got enough of him the first time.” Ethan’s tone was flat. “Did you tell him you’d be here?”
    “No, of course not.” My face burned and had to be bright red even though this wasn’t my fault. “I heard he was coming here with a friend though. I called you several times but you didn’t pick up.”
    “You did?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell. “Ah, I put my phone on mute for a meeting, then forgot to take put the ringer back on. Sorry about that.”
    “No worries.” Feeling awkward, I ducked behind a menu and rolled my eyes to the ceiling cursing The Boat House for announcing their fabulous band on the radio. “Here comes our waitress. Let’s order.”
    After the server left with our dinner selections, conversation was a bit stilted. As if he felt as uncomfortable with Chris being here as I did. This wasn’t fair to Ethan, but it’s not like I wanted Chris to show up here. I mean, what control did I have over where Chris chose to eat lunch and dinner? That’d be none.
    Finally, I asked about the fall of the Roman empire. Desperate times called for desperate topics. It perked Ethan’s mood considerably even though the Italian history rehash made me want to take a siesta . As we ate our salads, I had the strong urge to look out the window for Chris and had to force myself not to. Finally, I excused myself to the bathroom. I needed to get a grip before I completely ruined my chance with Ethan.
    Once I’d fanned myself in front of the mirror, reapplied my lipstick, and calmed my heartbeat down to a dull trot, I headed back out.
    Chris stood outside, waiting for me.
    ****
    “I can’t believe you’re cheating on me.” Chris folded his arms over his chest.
    “I, uh . . .” Was he serious? Because he actually looked kind of serious. “For real?”
    His gorgeous blue eyes squinted. “What can you possibly see in that guy?”
    I bit my bottom lip. Did he really want to know? “He’s nice. Successful. Attractive.”
    His brows quirked together. “And I’m not?”
    “No, you totally are.” My cheeks flushed at how quickly I’d said that.
    “Why then?” He shook his head, reached for my shoulders and bent down so his eyes were level with mine. “When I’d