Free Fallen for Her: Book 2 by Ava Armstrong Page B

me.”
     
    “You have a very nice grandfather.” Ella laughed.  “It’s beautiful.”  Ray watched as she lightly traced her finger along the chrome and steel.  It was as if she was exploring the car with her fingertips almost unable to believe it was real.  “Wow, what year is this?”
     
    “1959.” Ray answered, noticing her response with the car was tactile.  He could still remember her touching his bicep, and immediately knew she liked to explore with the sense of touch.  With that thought in mind, he almost stopped breathing.
     
    “Let’s go for a ride.”  He opened the door and she slid into the bench seat and smiled at him.  Yes, this was going to be a night to remember.  He got behind the wheel and started driving to the restaurant.  Ella was touching the interior of the car amazed at the perfection of the restoration. 
     
    “I love this, Ray.  It’s unique, like you.” Ella smiled.  Every time she smiled and looked at him like that he wanted to slip his arm around her and pull her closer.  If only she knew what he was thinking when she locked her eyes with his, he had all he could do to remain composed. 
     
    Dinner at The Black Pearl was incredibly romantic with candlelight illuminating Ella’s lovely features.  And he self-consciously hoped he looked better in candlelight.  The waiter left them alone for a long while sensing they were having a private conversation or something more intimate than that.  It was for Ray.  He felt like a teenager on his first date.  Everything about Ella entranced him, but most of all he was attracted to her sense of humor and sweet disposition. 
     
    “I miss Boomer.”  Ella murmured as the plates were cleared away. 
     
    “Is he with Bob?” Ray didn’t even want to mention his name, but had to. 
     
    “No, a neighbor girl took him for me.  She’s wonderful.” Ella smiled.
     
    “Do you mind if I ask you a serious question about my father’s estate?” Ella tilted her head.  Damn, she looked so cute when she did that.  He’d solve the mystery of the Sphynx if that’s what she wanted.
    “Sure, what do you want to know?” Ray offered.
     
    “I know my father left something to my mother and something to his mistress.  Have you met with them and disbursed those assets?” Ella queried.
     
    “Yes, I have.” Ray stated, wondering what would come next.
     
    “I’ve never met her, you know, my father’s mistress.  This is going to sound weird, but do you think you can set up a meeting between us?  Someplace neutral, like your office?” Ella asked. 
    “Sure.  Do you want me in the room or out of it?” Ray asked.
     
    “Oh, I’d just like to meet her privately, if you don’t mind.” Ella said.
     
    “Let me know when and I’ll arrange it.” Ray assured her.
     
    “Do you mind if I ask you a serious question?” Ray raised a quizzical brow.  His hand reached across the table and touched hers gently.
     
    “Go ahead,” Ella’s eyes met his and his heart raced.  Here goes, Ray looked into her eyes.
     
    “What about Bob?” Ray spoke in a low soft voice.  “Are you going to marry him?”
     
    “No.” Ella stated without hesitation.  “It’s funny you asked that question.  He proposed to me over dinner a couple of nights ago and gave me an enormous diamond ring.  I said no to him.”
     
    “What was his response?” Ray paid rapt attention to her facial expression, body language. 
     
    Her eyes held his, “I don’t know how to break away from him, Ray.  I want to end the relationship, but couldn’t embarrass him there at The Club with everyone watching.  It would have been an awful thing to do to anyone.  But I’m not in love with him.  I can’t marry him.  That much I know.”
     
    Renewed hope filled his soul.  It was the answer he was hoping for, praying for, and now he would help Ella in any way that he could. 
     
    Ray paid for the meal and looked into Ella’s eyes, “Let’s go for