Free The Millionaire's Wish by Abigail Strom

felt a twinge of disappointment. What would Allison look like flirting? What would she sound like? She was so straightforward, so genuine and direct, it was hard to imagine her giving a sidelong glance or a sultry smile or using that low, sweet voice to make an innuendo.
    Not that she needed to do any of that. She was taking her first sip of the wine and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She set the glass back down on the table and smiled at him.
    â€œWow. I mean… wow. ”
    â€œI thought you’d like it,” he said, feeling pleased. He was watching her taste it again when he noticed a familiar face a few tables away.
    â€œJackpot,” he said, and Allison started to turn her head.
    â€œNo, don’t look,” he said quickly. “My God, this is perfect—even better than the Gazette reporter who just came in and sat down at the bar.”
    â€œWhat’s perfect?” she whispered, leaning toward him.
    He grinned at her. “My grandmother’s best friendis here tonight, and she just got up from her table. I’m happy to report that we’re between her and the restroom. We’ll be seeing her in about ten seconds.”
    Rick managed to look surprised when the silver-haired woman paused at their table. “Shirley! I didn’t know you were here tonight.” He rose to his feet politely, giving the older woman a quick peck on the cheek. Allison had risen to her feet, as well.
    â€œMrs. Donovan, how nice to see you,” she said.
    Shirley looked startled. “It’s nice to see you, too, Allison.”
    â€œMrs. Donovan is one of the Star Foundation’s patrons,” Allison explained to Rick, who was obviously surprised that the women knew each other.
    â€œFor goodness’ sakes, call me Shirley. I’ve known you for three years.” Her sharp black eyes flickered between the two of them. “I must admit I’m a bit surprised to see the two of you together. Are you here on a—”
    â€œDate? You bet,” Rick said, smiling at Allison.
    â€œWell, well. You’ll pardon me, dear boy, if I say that I admire your taste more than Allison’s. No offense, of course.”
    â€œNone taken,” Rick murmured. He knew Shirley’s opinion of him was about on par with his grandmother’s.
    â€œAllison is a person whom I admire—and whom I’ve tried to fix up with my nephew several times. With no success, I might add. How did this good-looking rascal convince you to go out with him?”
    Rick was about to answer for her, not wanting Allison to feel on the spot, but he never got the chance. “I lost a bet,” Allison said cheerfully.
    Shirley blinked. “A bet?”
    â€œRick said I couldn’t beat him at darts after five shotsof whiskey, and of course I had to take him on. My honor was at stake.”
    â€œOf course,” Shirley said, starting to smile. Rick was looking at Allison with his eyebrows raised.
    â€œAlas, it turns out that Rick is some kind of darts prodigy. If his company ever folds, he could fall back on a career as a barroom hustler. His winnings were a date with me, and the rest is history.”
    â€œI see,” Shirley said, shaking her head but still smiling. “I’ll have to tell my nephew he’s been using the wrong approach. Richard, I trust you’ll treat this young lady well. She’s not like your usual dinner companions.”
    â€œBelieve me, I’m finding that out.”
    Rick watched her walk away, noting that she didn’t make it five paces before she was pulling her cell phone out of her purse. Unless he missed his guess, his grandmother was about to get a call.
    He turned back to Allison, who was grinning at him.
    â€œI didn’t realize you had such a gift for storytelling,” he said as they sat down again.
    â€œWell, now you know.”
    â€œOn the bright side, I take it you still feel relaxed.”
    â€œI do.