Not Looking for Love: A Cowboy Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

cautiously.
    “Simone?”
    “Yes.”
    “It’s Richie Warren. We met last weekend at Lola’s Den. Do you remember?”
    Did she remember? Hell, yes, she remembered. She let out a little laugh. “Of course. Hi.”
    “Hi.”
    After a moment of awkward silence Richie said, “So listen, I’m in town on business through the weekend and was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight.”
    “Oh,” She was stunned. “Mind if I ask how you found me.”
    Richie chuckled. “Not at all. A mutual friend.” When she didn’t respond he continued. “I’m friends with Craig, the manager of Lola’s. He’s friends with Poppy Tate.”
    “And you asked about me?”
    “Yeah, I’d love to see you again.” After a little pause he added, “Say yes and I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
    “Anywhere?” She threw off a flirtatious laugh.
    “Anywhere. Just say yes.” A sensation coursed through him and ended at the tip of his cock at hearing her little laugh.
    “Okay.” She knew she should be cautious, but she really did want to see him again.
    “Great! Where do you want to go?”
    “Anywhere would mean that little Italian restaurant by the beach I’ve been dying to try. It has a wonderful view of the Pacific. But it being hard to get into on such short notice, we could go—”
    “Bella Donna’s. I know the place. Okay.”
    “Ha! Really? You’ll need reservations at least a month in advance.”
    “Two. And where shall I pick you up?”
    Simone didn’t answer quickly. She didn’t really know him and didn’t feel comfortable giving him her address.
    He picked up on her uneasiness. “Would you feel better if we met there?”
    “If you wouldn’t mind.”
    “Not at all. How will you get there?”
    “I’ll probably call a cab.”
    “Call Elegante Limousine service and give them my account number.” He rattled off a short number.
    “Thank you.”

Chapter 5
     
    Richie was in front of Bella Donna’s, a few inches away from the building, with his hands in his pockets, absently watching the cars and people go by as he actually questioned his attire. Blue blazer, gray slacks, and a white long sleeve button-down was rounded out by a pair of burgundy loafers. Oh, man, was he really questioning his clothing hoping Simone liked it? What was he, sixteen? He even had to adjust his boner he always seemed to get when thinking about her. He just hoped she didn’t pull up while he did.
    He watched as a black town car pulled up to the curb and waited to see if she was in the back. When the door opened he spotted her and went over to the car and offered a hand. She took it and he gently pulled her out of the car. Then he lowered his head and nodded to the driver before shutting the door.
    “I gotta find another car service. I called them and told them to send you a limo,” Riche said once they were on the sidewalk.
    “Oh, this was fine, thank you.”
    He dipped his head once and smiled. “You look beautiful.”
    She wore a white body-hugging tank top and a long white gypsy skirt with white ribbons. Her feet were encased in jewel strapped flat sandals. Large diamond-cut hoop earrings sparkled when the gentle breeze picked up her long wavy hair.
    “Thank you. So do you.”
    He nodded. “Thank you. Shall we go in?”
    “Did you really get reservations?”
    He just smiled as he opened the door for her and soft piano music filled the air.
    Even before they got to the hostess desk, a host came up to them. “Mr. Warren, it’s a pleasure to see you. How have you been?”
    “Fine, Jonathan. How bout you?”
    “Good, thank you.” The host smiled at Simone than brought his gaze back to Richie. “Right this way. Your table is waiting,” he said as he pulled two menus from the top of the desk.
    Richie looked to Simone whose mouth remained opened, and raised the corners of his mouth as he placed a hand at the small of her back and ushered her toward the host. They walked past many tables, all occupied,