Free Sinful (Restless Nights) by Mila Elizabeth Brenton Page B

crazy as I sounded.
    “My buddy decide d to get married and I’m the best man so… yeah, I’m here for a wedding.”
    “What’s wrong with you?” she asked , her smile returning.
    I sighed . Jesus, if she only knew the amount of things that were wrong with me. “It looks weird,” I offered.
    “ Only because you’re acting weird. So, you’re here for a wedding? And you just happen to be staying here?” she asked, her voice etched with curiosity.
    “Well , not exactly. I knew the convention was being held here and I figured since we’re both in Vegas it would be fun to actually meet. I didn’t think it would be so awkward.”
    Or that I’d be so damned blown away by seeing you.
    She shook her head and laughed again. “You mean you didn’t think you would be so awkward?”
    I smiled, she was right and quick to make light of my behavior . Her quick wit had always made me smile.
    “Ms. Davis?” the receptionist called to her again.
    “I need to finish checking in .”
    “Dinner?” I asked.
    She tilted her head at me again.
    “How about dinner? You’ve been driving all day. Do you want to have dinner later?”
    “Sounds fantastic . What time?”
    “How about 7:30?”
    “Perfect.”
    “What room are you in?”
    She smiled. “I don’t know yet.”
    I followed her back to the irritated receptionist so she could get her keycard . Looking down at the black card, she said, “1022.”
    “I’ll be by at 7:30 to get you.”

Chapter Three: Avery
S omething Born Of Romance Novels
     
    Jace Evans, the man I had been thinking about every night for the past year had stood in front of me and seemed so nervous. Which was weird, the man had no need to feel nervous or self conscious or whatever had him stammering like that. He was gorgeous sex appeal in a six foot frame.  His hair was the color of warm chocolate just like his eyes which were sinfully delicious orbs of promise. A promise I had to keep reminding myself was not for me.
    He has a wife.
    He has a wife.
    He has a wife.
    I repeated the mantra as I moved around my room to get ready for dinner. I’d been too shocked and excited to ask where we were going. Meaning I had no idea what to wear. Even with my mantra on repeat I ended up in a black dress and heels.
    I blew out an anxious breath as I looked in the mirror. The dress wasn’t fancy, though it was strapless and clingy. I pulled a light grey cropped shrug on and mulled over the results. It could be casual but could be a little dressier depending on where we went to dinner. The question was heel or no heel? I stared at my pair of glittery Guess flip flops and then down at my super cute peep-toe pumps.
    This is not a date. He has a wife.
    I started to toe off my heels when he knocked. I knew it was him. It was 7:30 and I wasn’t expecting anyone else.
    Still wearing the heels , I made my way to the door and flung it open with a smile.
    “I am almost ready .”
    Jace arched a brow and I could swear I felt heat radiate from his gaze as he gave me a none too subtle once over.
    He has a wife! The thought rang loud and clear as I swallowed hard in an attempt to relieve my suddenly very dry throat.
    “You look ready to me ,” he managed.
    “Well , that depends on where we’re going.”
    He arched a brow . “Why?”
    I pointed to my feet . “Because I need to know what shoes to wear.”
    A wicked grin pulled at his lips . “Stick with the heels.”
    So help me , I smiled.
    Jace opened the door to the Twisted Forest Grill. It was a beautiful restaurant. Most of the interior walls were made of deep paneling and large glass panes that depicted forest scenes in lightly frosted tones. A large fountain and pond graced the waiting area, and at every turn I was greeted with greenery. It was an enchanted forest among the desert.
    “This place is beautiful ,” I whispered as the hostess led us to our table.
    “I hear the food ’s amazing too.”
    After a few minutes of perusing the menu then placing our