Blaze (Blaze #1) Read Online Free Page A

can’t afford my own dinner.
I mean, I think I can. I looked up the menu online, but they don’t
list the prices, which brings to mind the whole ‘if you have to
ask.’ Anyway, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have to wash dishes or
anything. It’s just that I live on a fixed income and this city is
expensive. I’ve already gone over my going out budget for the
month. Your turn.”
    James opens his mouth and closes it again
while I try to catch my breath. I wonder if maybe I should have
gone with my other answer: The other night, one of the richest
men in the country got me off using only two fingers on top of the
kitchen counter, and I can’t stop thinking about him.
    “Three weeks ago, my girlfriend of five
years broke up with me and moved in with another guy. I haven’t
told anyone but Dave because I’m too embarrassed to admit to our
family and friends back in Chicago. I haven’t told people because
I’m still in love with her and I’m hoping she changes her mind.
Maybe then no one will ever have to know.”
    I watch as James takes a swig of his own
drink.
    “Wow,” I say, “you win.”
    He smiles tentatively and I add, “So, is
that a yes or no on paying for dinner?”
    This makes him laugh so hard he tosses back
his head and his shoulders shake.
    “I haven’t laughed like that in weeks,” he
says, looking directly into my eyes. It is then I realize who he
reminds me of: Matt. I smile broadly and say, “Good.”
    We finally order. Over dinner, Nat and Dave
join us in conversation. We talk about James’ startup, currently in
its second round of fundraising, and my job. When the waiter
reappears and asks if we’d like dessert, James and I decide to
split a tiramisu. Even though we lacked any sexual chemistry, I was
confident we could be friends. I don’t flinch when uses his thumb
to wipe away a spot of chocolate sauce on the corner my mouth.
    I giggle and slide my tongue to spot where
his finger had been. I feel like someone is watching me. I look
around the restaurant. My eyes find his almost immediately, like
I’m being drawn by a magnet. He’s standing on the second floor
balcony, watching my tongue travel across my lips. His own lips
form a frown and those hypnotic gray eyes meet mine.
    Gabriel Call walks down the stairs and makes
his way over to our table.

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
     
    “Hello, Kate.”
    Gabriel doesn’t address anyone else at the
table. His eyes remain fixed on mine. I try to sound casual and
unmoved.
    “Hello.”
    My voice betrays me. I sound breathless,
nervous, and even happy to see him. Damn it.
    “Tim said I had to try this place while I
was in town. Said I’d like it. He was right.”
    He’s standing close to my chair, and I’m
acutely aware of how much space he fills. And it’s not just his
body – it’s his entire presence.
    “Tim?” I ask, trying hard not to think of
those glorious abs I know are hidden beneath his tailored suit, and
only inches from my face. I force myself to maintain eye
contact.
    “My agent,” he replies with a smirk, as if
he can read my mind.
    Everyone in publishing knows Gabriel’s agent
is Tim Keene, but apparently my brain is malfunctioning.
    “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Call.”
Nat’s voice is confident and slightly annoyed. She’s not used to
being ignored. Gone was the flustered girl from the first time
they’d met. At least one of us is behaving like a grown-up. I make a mental note to high-five her later.
    He smiles at her.
    “Likewise. Natasha, wasn’t it?”
    And just like that, all is forgiven. Nat
beams.
    “And you must be Matt.” Gabriel turns to
James, who stares back in confusion.
    “No, I’m James,” he says. “My girlfriend…
ex-girlfriend… is a huge fan, Mr. Call. She has all of your
books.”
    “Ah, does she?”
    He’s talking to James, but looking at me. I
can see the wheels spinning in his head.
    “Why don’t you join us for a drink, Mr.
Call?” Natasha asks, and she completely misses