Free Someone Bad and Something Blue by Miranda Parker

myself from drooling through the entire drive into Atlanta. It was a good thing I wore foodie jeans.
    Justus widened the door and smirked. “I’m beginning to wonder whether you agreed to this date because of the burger instead of me.”
    â€œA woman is strongly attracted to confidence and charm, just like that texted invitation, not a cheeseburger.” I cupped his chiseled jaw with my hands.
    His eyes lit up. “Woman, you’ll say anything to get into this restaurant.”
    The way he looked at me melted me. I couldn’t turn off my feelings for him if I tried, but I wasn’t ready for anything more than that. I didn’t want to be in love again. I was still reaping the misfortune of the last great love of my life.
    â€œNot anything.” I removed my hands. “Trust and know I’m glad I’m here with you.”
    â€œGood, because I’ve been waiting for this night since I picked you up from Dekalb Medical.”
    He was referring to the first day we’d officially met. Whitney had asked him to pick me up from the hospital, but apparently I’d picked him up before we got home.
    I blushed. “I knew my tattered peach cocktail dress messed you up.”
    â€œNo, running all over Atlanta with you for the five days afterward messed me up.” He opened the gastro pub’s door for me.
    We laughed and flirted with each other on the way to our table and during appetizers until a chef came from out the kitchen blowing a bullhorn and yelling, “It’s burger time!”
    When the burgers came, all chatting went out the window. It was nothing but the burger and a few crush-worthy glances. I was having the time of my life.
    Our hostess came to our table, but said nothing. I looked up then at Justus. His brow wrinkled.
    He wiped his mouth with his napkin and spoke to the young woman. “Is something wrong?”
    â€œI don’t mean to disturb you two, but I wanted to let you know that your bill has been paid.”
    â€œBy whom?” Justus and I asked in unison.
    â€œThe gentleman didn’t want to disturb your dinner, but he did say that he wanted Miss Crawford to know that he was glad she was feeling better,” she said.
    â€œDid this person leave a name?” I asked.
    â€œYes, Riddick Avery.”
    â€œAre you serious? Where is he?” I stood up. “We don’t want it. Take it off, please.”
    â€œMa’am, I can’t do that. The bill has been paid,” she said.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Justus asked. “Who’s Riddick Avery?”
    â€œHe’s the reason I got this haircut and am on forced vacation,” I huffed. “And now he’s ruined my night.”
    Justus reached over and took my hand in his. “Evangeline Crawford, would you please give me tonight?”
    I stopped searching Holeman’s and looked at him. His eyes were on me. A hot flash ran through me again.
    I sat down slowly. “I’m yours.”
    â€œNo, you’re not, not like I want you to be.” He grinned.
    I lowered my head. “You have got to stop talking to me like that.”
    â€œYou started it with that haircut.”
    I shook my head. “It’s hard to complete a thought when you’re so close to me.”
    â€œSo what do you do when I offer Communion?”
    I gulped. “I pray harder.”
    He laughed. “That explains so much.”
    â€œWell, do you have any more questions? Because I’m giving you tonight to ask away, only under one condition.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œI want some hot apple pie and crème brûlée for dessert without a sarcastic smirk.” I shrugged. “Tonight’s my last night of eating whatever before I begin PI training.”
    â€œWhatever you want, but I need to let you know that I wasn’t going to say anything.” He waved the hostess back to the table. “I just want to make you