Free Spirit [New Crescent 2] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Mary Lou George Page A

immediately. She didn’t like what he was suggesting but she wasn’t having much success contacting Constance on her own and Chase’s idea had merit. It was dangerous for her peace of mind but it just might work.
    “Constance likes to see us together. If she thinks she’s made some progress, she won’t be able to resist giving us another push.”
    Reggie raised an eyebrow at him. “Devious, but not bad.”
    “Good. So we have a date?” He put his hand out to her.
    She nodded and put her hand is his. He stood and pulled her with him. Bending his head toward hers, he kissed her lips quickly. As he walked away, over his shoulder, he said, “Thanks for the tussle.”
    In a loud voice, she said, “Damn it, there’s never a hammer around when you need one.”
    His full-bodied laughter echoed as he descended the grand staircase.
     
    He was a good cook. As if it were a real date, they’d both showered and dressed in “date” clothes. Reggie wore a cream-colored dress with matching heels, and Chase wore a dark blue dress shirt and slacks that fit him just right. He left off the tie and Reggie was glad of it. She liked to see that little hollow at the base of his throat.
    He’d turned the lights low and lit candles in the dining room. Reggie had to remind herself that this wasn’t an actual date. The music he’d turned on after he’d seated her didn’t help either. In an attempt to distract herself, she looked around the beautiful room. She was proud of what she’d done so far. It wasn’t complete, but with the lights low, it didn’t matter. An evening such as this in Bennett House was just what she’d always dreamed of, but with sadness, she reminded herself that tonight it wasn’t for real. It never would be. Bennett House wasn’t hers, and neither was Chase. She took a sip of the wine he had poured. It was delicious, damn him.
    In a bright voice, she said, “Everything is so beautiful, Chase. When did you find time to do all of this?”
    “When you do something, it’s always more satisfying to do it well. I’m glad I took the trouble. The room almost does you justice.” He smiled at her over his wine.
    She wanted to be seduced by his words, to forget the charade, but in that direction, danger awaited, so she said, “Good line, Chase. The candlelight provides just the right ambience.”
    He feigned a hurt look and shook his head at her. “Aren’t you going to tell me that I look good too?”
    “You don’t need to hear it from me.”
    He leaned toward her and in a low voice said, “Maybe I do.”
    She forced a laugh and leaned back. “Oh, that was really good. I’ll have to remember the soft voice and earnest look. Very effective.”
    For the first time in her life, Reggie wasn’t hungry. Using a fork to push food around the plate, it dawned on her that she couldn’t finish the wonderful meal because her stomach was filled with butterflies. There was no room left for food, no matter how well prepared.
    Chase looked at her with concern as he took the dishes away, “Are you okay, Reggie?”
    “Yeah,” she said, lying. “I wasn’t sure if you could cook, so I had a burger before dinner. Sorry.”
    He shook his head. “Bet you’re sorry you misjudged me now, huh? Leftovers won’t be nearly as good. Did you want some brandy?”
    “Sure.” She hoped the alcohol would help her to relax. Of course, just like everything else, it was excellent, and she closed her eyes as her first sip warmed her from the inside. Glasses in hand, they rose from the table and walked out of the dining room.
    Without a word, they judiciously skirted the library hallway and made their way out to the garden.
    Awkwardly, Reggie sat beside Chase on a bench. Her heart pounded. Would he now pretend to want her? The thought made her sick, and for a second, she was glad she hadn’t eaten much.
    From the side of her mouth, she whispered, “What now?”
    He leaned back and looked up at the moon. “Now we relax. Come