License to Date Read Online Free PDF

was much more my style “I’m, um, here for dinner.”
    Two doormen flanked the gold double doors and ushered me safely inside. I threw a grateful smile to each of them. “Thank you.”
    As I entered the lobby, I caught my breath. Once again, I admired the hotel’s beauty. It was all polished marble and dark wood and subtle but classy décor. It was a premiere destination in Sacramento, but I’d never had to push through news personnel to get in before.  
    My heels clicked against the lobby floor and I knew there was going to be no getting around it. In order to get to the hotel’s restaurant, I was going to have to go right past the bar. I wouldn’t look for Paul, though. I’d keep my eyes straight ahead.  
    Right.
    Who was I kidding? I wasn’t going to be able to resist taking a peek. But that was okay. Not like I’d stop to chat. Or get his phone number. Although, if I did I’d get my tub caulked. . . .
    Oh, man. What was wrong with me? I barely knew the guy. Maybe I was just fixating on him as a way to get over my ex-Paul (the cheating louse). But that was what my house remodel was supposed to be for. And unlike one flirty incident with a hot bartender, my cozy new house would be keeping me safe and warm for the foreseeable future.  
    As I strode past the bar, I casually turned my head . . . then frowned. There was a blonde female bartender serving tonight. No sign of Paul. Was he on a break? Or had he forgotten he had the night off when he’d written that little note on my napkin?  
    A rush of disappointment flooded me, but I tried to shake it off as I headed to the restaurant where I found Brian waiting for me.  
    He wasn’t as handsome as Chase (or Paul), but he was cute in a sporty kind of way. Plus, according to my mom, he was an architect. And an architect should know a lot about renovating a house, so we could talk about a common interest during dinner. Maybe I’d learn some relevant info for my home.    
    “Hi, Brian.” I held my hand out as I stopped in front of him. “So nice to finally meet you.”
    He smiled in a way that wasn’t exactly revolting and might even be construed as cute. If I were into dating for real, which I wasn’t. “Great to meet you, too,” he said, giving me a gentle hand shake. “How’s your mother doing?”
    “She’s wonderful, thanks.” I shot one last glance behind me. Still only the blonde bartender. Whatever. I forced the corners of my mouth upward. “Have you been waiting long?”  
    He pressed his hands together. “Actually, I arrived a little early as part of the surprise.”  
    I blinked. “Okay, I have no idea what you mean by that. Aren’t we having dinner?”
    “We are having dinner after .” He wiggled his brows, then turned his head away and put his hand to the side of his mouth. “My date is here now.”
    I flinched at the loudness of his voice.
    The dark-haired hostess walked up and gave us a lovely smile. “Would you like to have drinks before you get started?”
    I looked from the hostess to Brian. “Before we get started with what?”  
    “Yes, we definitely need a drink first.” He gave me a mischievous look and started to follow her. Then he stopped when he realized I wasn’t behind him. He spread his hands wide. “Trust me, you’re going to love this.”
    Trust him? I didn’t even know him.  
    “Actually, I don’t love surprises.” I tightened my wrap around my shoulders, finding it difficult to keep my composure. “Would you please tell me what we’re doing?”
    If his plans were short, I might be able to get some wallpaper peeling in tonight.
    “Okay, I’ll spill the beans.” His face lit up, like he’d just won the California lottery, then he raised his arms and made gestures as if he were climbing a rope. “We’re going to rappel down the Geoffries hotel.”
    I burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. It sounded like you said we’re rappelling down the hotel.”
    He nodded enthusiastically. “That’s