Free Caleb (The Unseen Series Book 1) by K.M. Thompson Page A

brought our building to tear it down and build a new one, all for more money.”
    “That’s my job,” I respond.
    “Maybe, but you’re making sixty-six families homeless.”
    “No I’m not. I’ve given plenty of notice.”
    “You may think that, but you could give these people a year’s notice, and most of them still wouldn’t be able to find a home.”
    “That isn’t my fault though. The building was for sale, if I didn’t buy it, someone else would have and they may not have been as lenient.”
    “Look, let’s not spoil our evening. I’m sorry. Let’s just agree to disagree,” she says and I agree, I don’t want to spoil our evening, but I’m finding it hard to let it go.
    “Okay, we’ll agree to disagree,” I respond. I won’t let anyone make me feel bad about what I do for a living, even if I am starting to think it might be the wrong thing to do. Wow, since when did I have a conscience? Damn, this woman is getting under my skin.
    “So, where are we going?” she asks.
    “Taberna Del Alabardero, it’s a beautiful restaurant. I hope you like Spanish food, they have the best tapas,” I tell her.
    “I’ve never had Spanish food, except paella.”
    “They have that too,” I say and receive a heart stopping smile in return. “How’s your week been?”
    “It’s been good, thank you. Made even better by the new bathrooms. I actually relaxed in the bath last night.” She grins like it’s the best thing in the world.
    “You should try my bath,” I say before thinking.
    “Umm.”
    “It’s okay SJ, I meant it jokingly,” I say to try and calm her nerves.
    “You never know, I might take you up on that offer.” She laughs. “I bet you have all sorts of gadgets and stuff on it.”
    I try, but I’m unable to hide my smirk. “Yeah, I have a whirlpool tub and spa shower. I love my tub, I can lay in there and work, read or watch TV until I shrivel up. If I could live in there, I would.”
    “Sounds amazing, I seriously might have to take you up on that offer now. For experimental reasons of course, see how the other half live,” she says, pretending to be uninterested.
    “It’s okay, I’ll stick to your story,” I say as she furrows her brow. “We wouldn’t want anyone thinking you wanted to try my bath for the fun of it.”
    “T-that’s not what I meant,” she stammers.
    “It’s big enough for two, maybe we could try it together? We’d have to be naked to get the full effect of the spa bath, for experimental reasons of course.” I tease and watch that cute pink blush creep in again, she shuffles in her seat and remains silent for the rest of the journey.
    When we arrive at Taberna Del Alabardero, I help SJ out of the limo and hook her arm through mine. This is the bit I like, seeing this restaurant through someone else’s eyes for the first time. I remember walking in and nearly tripping over my feet when I first dined here. It’s like walking into the Spanish royal palace with the rich colors, the attention to detail in all the wood carvings, and the gold accents. SJ’s reaction isn’t exactly what I thought I’d see—she’s fidgety and looks uncomfortable.
    “Mr. Slate, it’s good to see you again.” The maitre d’ grins widely. “Your table is ready, if you’d please follow me.”
    I pull the chair out for SJ, she sits hesitantly with a tight smile as I tuck her back in under the table. I seat myself and take the dinner and wine menus from the waiter.
    “What would you like to drink?” I ask her. She scans both menus before meeting my eyes. I’m not prepared for what I see. “What’s the matter?”
    “There’s no prices,” she whispers and diverts her eyes away.
    “A place like this doesn’t put pricing on their menus,” I say, matching her whisper. “It’s okay, you can order whatever you want.”
    She nods and looks over the menu again. “I don’t know what any of this is.”
    “Would you like me to order for you?” I ask and place my hand