The Perfect Dish Read Online Free PDF Page B

strength of his arm, and smiled. “I’ll be sure to stay close by then.”
    “Why’s that?”
    He winked. “In case you need catching again.”
    She inhaled hard, in need of more air. He pulled out a seat at the bar for her, waited until she’d sat, then took the one beside her. He nodded to the bartender. “Charlie, two champagne sangrias.”
    “Sure thing, Chef.”
    “I’m really more of a beer man but champagne seems better for celebrating...” Kelly shrugged.
    “I don’t drink much,” Meredith said. “But you should have a glass at your own party.”
    The bartender set the flutes in front of them. Kelly picked his up and held it in the air until she’d raised hers as well. “To you for agreeing to meet my sister. Means a lot to me.” He clinked his glass to hers.
    She took a sip. The cold, fruity bubbles tickled her throat. “Mmm, that’s good. And you’re welcome. This is a beautiful place. I’m impressed for the second time.” She smiled a little. “Speaking of which, don’t you owe me something?”
    After a second sip of sangria, he nodded. “Yes, ma’am, I do. Charlie, get me that plate from the walk-in, will you?”
    “Sure thing, Chef.” Charlie disappeared around the corner.
    Kelly leaned in. “I made a box for you to take home, too. I’ll give them to you when you’re ready to leave.”
    “That was very kind of you.” Now I’m impressed a third time. “So you’re from Texas?”
    He laughed. “Accent gives it away, huh?”
    She glanced at the walls, her mouth curving. “That, the Texas belt buckle, the boots, the stars...”
    Charlie slid a small platter of chocolate pepita clusters between them. “There you go.”
    Meredith reached for one but before she made contact Kelly picked up the plate and his drink. He gave her a spine-melting grin. “Grab your glass and follow me.”
    With careful steps, she followed him to a roped off alcove. A server moved the rope out of the way as they approached. Kelly stepped aside and motioned with his glass to the velvet banquette. “Much comfier over here.”
    A new heat spread across her skin. Was he flirting? Or was it just a southern hospitality thing? He’s a bed-hopping playboy. Probably flirts with every woman he meets. Wines them and dines them until they melt into puddles of willingness. Meredith stiffened her spine.
    Time for Kelly the Cowboy to meet Meredith the Unmeltable.
     

Chapter Four
     
    Kelly set the chocolates on the table then slid onto the banquet. He couldn’t believe he was sitting next to the same woman he’d met at the book signing. Had that twisted hair really held those whiskey-colored strands? Had her eyes been that big? He’d thought the suit had been hiding a wild woman but damn if that dress and those shoes didn’t beat all.
    He forced himself not to stare at her cleavage, but her pale skin made him think of mounds of freshly whipped cream. His mouth watered. He pinched his leg, hoping a little pain would refocus his thoughts. “You look real nice. Red is definitely your color.”
    “Thank you.” She stared at her drink, now almost half gone.
    He got the attention of one of the cocktail girls and pointed to their glasses. The girl nodded and headed for the bar.
    Meredith’s cheeks looked flushed, but in the muted lighting it was hard to tell. “Am I embarrassing you?” he asked.
    She looked up then. “No, of course not.” She sipped her drink. “This is really good. I don’t drink very much, but I like this.” Her flush deepened. “I mentioned that already, didn’t I?”
    “Thanks. It’s my own personal concoction.” He tried not to laugh but her sudden loss of cool tickled him. He scooted closer. “Hey, have you eaten? There’s tons of food.” The sangria was strong stuff. Wouldn’t do to have her tipsy before Shelby got here.
    She wet her lips with her tongue and shook her head. “The only thing I want is right in front of me.”
    Her words sent a warm jolt through him until she