Free When Darkness Falls by Jennifer Youngblood, Sandra Poole Page A

two menus. “Your table is ready. Right this way please.”
    She led them to a table by the window and then looked at Garrett. “Is this okay?”
    He rewarded her with a gracious smile. “It’s great. Thanks, Tammy.”
    Chloe thought the woman was going to melt into a puddle right then and there. It was unsettling how much power this man wielded over the opposite sex.
    “Do you come here often?” Chloe said, wondering how many other women he’d brought here before her.
    He winked. “Just when I want to impress someone.”
    Chloe blushed and changed the subject. “Whoever decorated this place did one heck of a job. I love the combination of the rustic with the trendy. This restaurant has a very comfortable feel.”
    Garrett didn’t comment but instead opened his menu. “As I told you earlier, the shrimp remoulade is excellent, and so is the calamari.”
    “Calamari? Isn’t that …”
    “Octopus,” he finished for her.
    Her face must’ve said it all because he started laughing. “It’s really very good. They cut it in thin slices and fry it.”
    “I’m sorry. I just don’t think I could ever eat octopus, regardless of how it’s prepared.”
    He looked disappointed.
    “But you could order some … if you want,” she said, trying to lighten the mood.
    Before he could answer, their waiter arrived, bringing them a basket of aromatic bread with honey butter. He took their drink orders, and Garrett ordered a sampler plate for the appetizer.
    “How is the job hunting going?” Garrett said.
    “I’ve found a couple of interesting looking positions,” Chloe lied. “I’m going to send out a few résumés tomorrow.” The truth of the matter was that she’d been counting on getting the job with Marsh Interiors and was now going to have to formulate a new plan. “How’s your job search going?”
    He gave her a funny look. “My job search?”
    “Yeah, this morning when we ran into each other, you said you were late for an interview.”
    He cocked his head, giving her an appreciative look. “You have an excellent memory.”
    “So, what type of job was it?”
    “I’m sorry, I’m not following you.”
    “What type of job were you interviewing for?”
    He gave her a smooth smile. “Let’s not talk about work tonight.” He reached for a slice of bread. “Tonight we celebrate fate.”
    She lifted an eyebrow. “Fate?”
    “Yes, fate brought us together.”
    She leaned back and crossed her arms. “Really? I thought it was circumstance. I was going one direction. You were going the other. We ran into each other.” She shrugged. “It’s as simple as that.”
    He laughed. “I like you, Chloe Kensley. You’re all right.” His eyes caught hers. “Call it what you will. I’m glad that our paths have crossed.”
    Chloe looked at the man who was approaching their table. For a second, she thought it was the waiter, bringing the appetizer, but it was someone else. He was wearing a polo shirt and black slacks. She guessed him to be in his early forties. He had a stocky build, and it was obvious from his bulging biceps and tapered waist that he spent a lot of time in the gym. His hair was thinning on top, and he had a closely trimmed goatee.
    Recognition instantly lit Garrett’s features as he held out his hand to the man who clasped it in his.
    “When did you get back in town?” the man said, “I’ve been trying to get in touch with you.”
    “The night before last. I was going to give you a call,” Garrett said quickly, “but things have been hectic.”
    “I see,” the man said curtly.
    The tension between the two was sharp enough to cut, making Chloe feel uncomfortable.
    Garrett forced a smile. “Relax, man. I’ll stop by first thing in the morning. How’s that?”
    “Good.”
    Then as quickly as it had come, the stress seemed to fade from Garrett’s features as he flashed a disarming smile in Chloe’s direction. “This is a friend of mind, Chloe Kensley. She’s a new comer to The