License to Date Read Online Free PDF Page A

want to go out with Brian—”
    I shook my head. “No way. I want to go out with him.” And I did. Just like I’d go out with Ellen’s husband’s softball buddy tomorrow night. That left me with only two more dates to plan until she and Kristen would be at my command. “I’m getting these five dates done this week, so prepare yourself to paint my house this weekend.” Yes, that’s where I needed to focus my thoughts. Back on my house. Back on my new, beautiful start without having to worry about a man who was going to hurt me eventually.  
    My cell rang and I glanced at the screen. A call from my dad? Weird, I’d just talked to him a couple weeks ago when I’d closed escrow. We had a good relationship but didn’t talk often, which could only mean he had a purpose. Since I didn’t have time for a full conversation, I let it go to voicemail.
    I put away my makeup, grabbed my sparkly wrap to wear over my silky black dress, then picked up the evening bag that matched my pink heels. “Well, I’m off.”
    She stepped back as I opened my office door. “Where are you and Brian meeting?”
    “The Geoffries.”
    Ginger’s eyes rounded. “Seriously?”
    “I know what you’re thinking, but it was Brian’s suggestion.” It was also not my fault that during my date last night with Chase, the waitress had brought my drink and passed me a napkin with a note scribbled on it. Sorry if I made things difficult for you. Come back tomorrow and I’ll give you my phone number. Promise. Paul.  
    That had been the most exciting part of the evening after Chase had arrived, even though I still couldn’t understand why. Chase had been gorgeous and a decent date—even though the guy didn’t know squat about texturizing a wall.
    Mel had warned me about Brian Burnside and his lack of employment, but surely my mom knew otherwise since she always pressured me about nabbing a corporate guy who could “provide a good life” for me. Which, please, I could take care of myself.  
    But Brian Burnside should be good company for an evening. I’d find out at the Geoffries. Knowing how Paul was occupying my thoughts, I should have done the smart thing and made reservations somewhere else. Too late now, though, because Brian said he had something special planned there. Maybe a yummy dessert?
    My stomach rumbled thinking about it.
    I’d just have to avoid the bar, that was all. Should be easy since I was meeting Brian directly in the restaurant. I gave him a quick text, confirming our plans. He texted back: Sure. Looking forward to seeing you!
    ****
    While strolling several blocks to the Geoffries, I checked my voicemail: Hi, Kaitlin. This is your dad. I’m going to be in Sacramento Friday for a business meeting. If it works for your schedule, I’d enjoy seeing your house before I fly out. Get back to me as soon as you’ve glanced at your calendar. Bye.
    Tension crept up my spine as I hung up the phone. Ever since Ginger had brought up my dad giving me the down payment for my house, niggling questions had lurked in the back of my brain. Why didn’t my dad and I ever talk about anything deep? It’s not like he was bossy or judgmental like my mom. I should’ve been able to tell him how abandoned I felt when he’d moved to Seattle. And how my break-up with my ex had devastated me. Pasting on a smile had always been my family dynamic, but I was starting to wonder if that was such a good thing. I mean, I’d started opening up to Paul so easily and I barely knew him.
    Paul. Why was I thinking about him again?  
    When I arrived at the hotel, a mob of reporters greeted me outside the door and one shoved a microphone in my face. “Good evening, miss. Are you here to participate in Descending for Diabetes?”
    “No,” I said, remembering the advertisement in the lobby. Although I wondered what the event was about, I concentrated on squeezing past the reporters because I so didn’t love being in the spotlight—poised in the background