My Last Blind Date Read Free Page A

off and my mouth stayed open as I fell back into my chair.
    “Noah?”
    He smiled and those crinkles appeared on either side of his gorgeous blues. “Surprise.”
    To say the least. “Wha…what are you doing here?”
    Instantly, I imagined scenarios that made my heart race. That he had a crush on me, too. That we’d laugh and flirt over dinner, make out afterwards, get married, have babies, grow old together, and—
    “—I’m saving you from the dentist.”
    “The dentist?” Then, I remembered our conversation at work. “Oh.”
    He was just being nice. Any lingering hope leaked out of me.
    Not noticing, he slipped into his seat. “You seemed less than thrilled about meeting someone new, so I figured you wouldn’t be too disappointed if I showed up instead.”
    True. “But how….”
    “Good evening. I’m Marcia.” A tall, dark-haired woman appeared. “Would you care to order a cocktail? Our drink special tonight is Love Potion.” Her voice and facial expression lacked any spark of enthusiasm. “Comes in a Martini glass.”
    “Sounds cheesy,” I blurted.
    “It does.” Noah held up his middle and index fingers. “We’ll take two.”
    “Two Love Potions coming right up.” She nodded and disappeared.
    I guffawed at Noah’s festive beverage choice. “You don’t even know what’s in it.”
    “If we’re going to celebrate the Hallmark holiday together, we should really go all out. How bad can it be?” He winked at me and feather-like flutters tickled my belly.
    Actually, with the turn the night had taken, drinking mouthwash would’ve tasted fine. At least I’d get to spend the evening with Noah even if it was just as friends. “Our waitress doesn’t come across as happy to be here.”
    “Her mood seemed kind of grim, huh? Maybe she has an appointment with the dentist later she’s worried about.” His lips twitched into a grin.
    “I can’t believe you pulled this off.” The red rose centerpiece made me smile. I lifted a rose and breathed in the aroma. Ellen was going to have some serious explaining to do. “What happened to your big plans?”
    He grinned. “You mean watching Duke versus North Carolina with Bubbles? I figured I’d have more fun going out with you.”
    “Bubbles?” With that kind of name, I couldn’t decide whether or not I needed to be jealous.
    “My golden retriever. They named her at the pound before I rescued her. In case you were wondering.” He leaned forward in his chair. “Duke v. NC is a big deal. With March Madness right around the corner, this game could turn out to be a preview of the Final Four.”
    Sports talk. I had no idea how to translate that. If his big plans were to watch basketball with his dog, then that suggested…. “Does this mean you’re single?”
    He nodded and then reached for his water. “Would I be here if I weren’t?”
    “But you’re hot.” Oh, good job, Rachel. Impress him with your intelligence, why don’t you?
    He choked on his sip, coughed into his hand, then set his glass down. “I’ll take that as a compliment, but as long as we’re comparing looks…are you sure you’re single?”
    A zing went through me. Man, he was smooth. Very smooth.
    “Yes, I am.” I smirked. “Single, that is. Like you.”
    He laughed and I could feel the smoldering going on. “Good. Glad that’s settled.”
    The waitress returned with our mystery drinks, took our orders, then left without a hint of a smile.
    Noah eyed his martini glass. “Time to find out if it’s toxic.”
    “Should we take turns in case one of us has to call 911?” I asked, playfully.
    He leaned toward me, his face sobering. “I say we go down together.”
    My skin tingled and I so wanted to get that in writing. I lifted my pink drink. “Here’s to taking chances.”
    He raised his glass. “In more ways than one.”
    I took a sip and the syrupy sweet liquid slid down with ease. I loved it. I loved Ellen. I loved life. Wow, who would’ve thought it?
    Lowering