Free Marriage of Convenience by Madison Cole Page A

made last minute adjustments to the evening’s plans. Upon reflection of his first experience, he’d determined that he’d left too much to chance. He wanted to get to know the woman as authentically as possible, but he’d realized that an organic process would simply take too long. He had to force the experiences and circumstances and see what response resulted. He wouldn’t do anything out of the ordinary, something the woman couldn’t expect of him later, but he’d have to provide an opportunity for them to see each other in as many ways as possible. Tonight he had been going for surprise, romance, and gratitude.
    When the car had stopped in front of a Queen Anne townhouse Malcolm had taken the front stairs slowly, thinking that if this was his last first date, he wanted to relish the nervous feeling and feed on the flurry of anticipation in his stomach.
    So far he was anything but disappointed. He smiled across the table at her and waved to the waiter.
    To answer her question, one of the uniformed waiters appeared with serving tray in hand. A lid was lifted revealing a steaming dish.
    “Tonight we offer Penne a la Vodka Sauce. The sweet and salty pancetta was lightly sautéed in butter, then cooked in vodka, tomato sauce, and cream to make a rich and flavorful sauce for the al dente penne. Enjoy.”
    The waiter disappeared as quietly as he’d appeared.
    “I should have asked before making the menu for tonight if you’re allergic to anything.”
    “No, I’m not aware of anything. And I eat for a living, so to speak, so I think we’re safe.”
    “Great. Are you comfortable talking over dinner?”
    ****
    Caroline looked across the table and suddenly felt a heated rush. She reminded herself this was like a business meeting over dinner, yet she had to get Malcolm to see her as an asset, how together they could be something special to each other. She knew she had one shot at it, and she was determined not to waste the opportunity.
    “Of course. I’ve had a lovely time already. You’re full of surprises. I love it.”
    “I’ll admit that I’m relieved. I was hoping you’d be open to a little adventure and like surprises.” Malcolm took a sip of wine. “So, Caroline, tell me why you accepted this invitation, understanding the situation I’m in and what it potentially means for us.”
    This is what he wanted to talk about? No small talk? No more getting-to-know-you? He had caught her off guard. She hadn’t expected the question, or at least not at the beginning of the evening. She’d thought it might be something that he’d want to talk about as they parted, leave them something to ponder as they considered the possibility of a second date.
    Caroline put her fork down beside her plate and swallowed a sip of wine. Here goes.
    “Well, to be honest, I’m not completely convinced. I know probably what every other person knows about you. I’m not against marriage, and I want a family one day.”
    “But surely you’ve had other options? Other dates, other men, men you’ve known longer, deeper and with whom you would probably, at least according to conventional theory, have a better chance of building a lasting relationship with?”
    “I’ve had several,” she said, leaning back into her chair. The night stars were twinkling above, and the noise from the street was almost nonexistent. With the wine, the warm food, and a handsome dinner partner she wondered if it could always be like this. “But I don’t have the most successful track record when it comes to choosing a partner, so I didn’t see how this would be any more challenging than what I’ve already experienced.”
    “But it’s something you’d consider?”
    “You’re someone I’d consider,” she said in a warm tone. “You have all the characteristics I look for in a man and those I’d be interested in passing on eventually. I don’t see what I have to lose in coming to dinner.”
    ****
    He didn’t say anything for a moment. Her