Truth or Date Read Online Free PDF

Ethan. “Hi. Chris Bradley. Gina and I work for the same company.”
    “Not for long, I hear.” Ethan accepted Chris’s outstretched hand. “Ethan Harrison.”
    If Chris had noticed my date’s icy tone, his face didn’t show it. “Sad but true.” His quick retort made it unclear if he was answering Ethan’s question or commenting on his name. Why had I chosen a restaurant so close to work?
    The sudden tension at the table felt thick, but I couldn’t stop myself from peering up at Chris. “I hear you and Cyndi broke up. Who’s the new girl?”
    Something odd passed through Chris’s eyes, then the corner of his mouth lifted. “Tina’s the Human Resource Manager for my new company. She’s explaining my benefits over lunch but I’m guessing dating her is not included in the package. I can ask though, if you’re curious.”
    Now my cheeks were on fire. “I’m not.”
    Chris glanced back at his table. Tina had returned and was watching us with obvious curiosity.
    “Well, I’d better get back.” He took a retreating step. “You two enjoy your lunch.”
    “We will.” Ethan’s voice was firm. After Chris left, he lifted his fork. “Former flame?”
    “Chris?” My eyes bulged as if the thought were ludicrous. Which it was since his gig was playing the field—with everyone but me, that is. “No. Not even close.”
    He raised his brows as if surprised. “Interesting. He seemed a bit territorial over you.”
    “I don’t think so.” Although Chris had given me an intense look, which made no sense. Those blue eyes were hard to stop thinking about but I managed to finish the last bite of my salad, which did not leave me satisfied. Just like I wasn’t satisfied not knowing what Chris’s look meant. But when Ethan asked for the check I decided not to order anything else. “You’re nice, Ethan. I’m glad Kristen introduced us.”
    “Me, too.” He leaned forward, wearing an easy smile. “She met you because you’re both in the same wedding. Is that right?”
    “Yes.” My neck went stiff as female laughter echoed from the direction of Chris’s table. “We’re actually roommates now.”
    “That’s what I heard.” He reached for the check as soon as the waiter set it down. “How’s living with Kristen?”
    “It’s . . . a lesson in compromise.” I laughed, realizing how true that was. “But we’re having a good time. Thanks for lunch.”
     “Anytime.” He set a few bills in the check folder, pushed it to the side of the table, then leaned on an elbow. “What about dinner Friday night? If you’re free, that is. I know it’s short notice.”
    My insides glowed at the invitation. “Actually, we have the rehearsal dinner Friday night.”
    “I see.” He kept his eyes on me as the waiter took the bill. “Saturday night?”
    “Is the wedding.” The reason Kristen had introduced us in the first place. Here was my chance. I’d screened him. Charming. Considerate. And apparently eager to see me again. I’d been quite comfortable with him all evening, with the exception of his bacon comment. I bit my lip, but for some reason couldn’t pull the trigger on inviting him to be my date to the wedding. Suddenly, Chris’s intense blue eyes invaded my mind, warming my belly. I frowned. “How about dinner tomorrow night? I know it’s not the weekend, but—”
    “I’d love to,” Ethan said. We both smiled at the same time, then rose from the table. He came up beside me, his arm shadowing my lower back as we strolled toward the exit.
    Every ounce of me ached to scan Chris’s table to see if he and the gorgeous brunette were indeed discussing business, but I refused to look. It was time for me to make the hard decisions and grow up, which included ignoring the same impulses that had led me wrong last time.
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Standing in front of the three-way mirror at Blissfully Bridal for my second dress fitting, I stared at the elegant red gown which, this time, was way too big on