Sawyer, Rita - Her Mr. Wrong [What Are Friends For 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free PDF Page A

here. The room was pure elegance. From the deep-burgundy tablecloths and white linens to sparking glasses and silverware, everything screamed first-class. Dinner service was in full swing. Waiters and waitresses dressed tastefully in black slacks and white shirts moved from table to table, delivering food or taking orders. Slade followed Elias through the room to a dais where three large tables were set up. Elias motioned to the table and waited for him to sit down before he did.
    “So are you ready to tell me why you asked me here?” Slade snapped open a napkin and laid it on his lap.
    “Why don’t we order first?” He flicked his hand in the air, and a young waitress came to the table.
    Knowing the girl was no doubt trying to impress the owner, Slade sat patiently as she told them about the nightly specials, made recommendations, and took their orders. He leaned back in his chair and looked at his friend, noting his color was a bit off. In fact, he looked a little green.
    “Elias, are you feeling okay?” Whatever he had better not be contagious.
    “No. Yes. Well, physically I’m fine. I have a problem.” He spoke so softly, Slade had to lean toward him just to hear what he was saying.
    The waitress arrived with their drinks, causing them both to hold back whatever they might have been about to say next. Slade leaned back and let the girl put his drink beside his plate. He waited until she was out of hearing distance before he spoke.
    “I can’t help you unless I know what it is.” He hoped Elias knew he’d do whatever he could.
    Elias gave him a brief nod. “I’m interested in a woman.”
    “I don’t see a problem with that,” Slade joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
    “It’s not the woman. I’ve know her for years. She’s perfect.” At Slade’s laugh, Elias’s color came back, and he shot him a look that stopped the laughter. “Really, she is. She’s sweet, sexy, caring, and above all else, she’s a terrific mother.”
    Slade tried to follow his friend’s thoughts. “So are the kids your issue?”
    “No. They like me, and I like them.” Elias paused and took a sip of his water. “In fact, I think I’m almost as much in love with them as I am their mother.”
    “I’m not seeing a problem so far. Has she shown any signs that she’s interested in you?”
    “She’s had me over for dinner a few times.” Slade wasn’t sure why that was a problem, but Elias quickly added, “But just as friends.”
    Slade glance at the waitress heading their way. “And you’d like it to be more?”
    Elias nodded. The waitress delivered their meals. Slade’s steak and mashed potatoes, and broccoli with cheese sauce looked mouth-watering. He glanced over at Elias’s plate of spaghetti and chicken parmesan with garlic bread and thought that it looked pretty good, too. He’d have to take Jenny here one night. She deserved a meal that didn’t include toys and bibs, well, unless she wanted lobster. They both thanked the girl, and she walked away with a smile.
    Slade sliced into his steak, exposing the perfectly pink middle. He started to lift the fork to his mouth, but he raised his eyes for a second and saw the maitre d’ leading a small group of women into the restaurant. That was when he saw her and froze. She wore a fuzzy, short-sleeved white sweater and tight, red skirt, a bit too short for his liking. She also had on a wide, black belt around her tiny waist that matched the sexy high heels she was wearing. Her long, black, straight hair hung just below her shoulders, swaying with each move she made.
    “Slade, is there something wrong with your steak?” Elias followed his gaze across the room to where the women were being shown to a table. “Do you know them?”
    He knew each and every one of them. One much more intimately than the others, but not nearly enough to satisfy him. Amy laughed, and though she was too far for him to hear it, he knew what it would sound like.
    “Yes, I do.” He