Ray of Love (Lifestyle by Design Book 3) Read Free Page B

that report took me longer than I expected. I can't believe how this place is getting more and more popular."
    "I know. Maybe it's time for us to find somewhere new, anyway. For a change."
    "So what does everyone feel like? There's an Italian place right there and a Japanese place next to it. They're both on the expensive side but that's probably why they're not full," Victor commented.
    "I vote for the Japanese. I have to watch what I eat or I won't look good in that wedding dress I want," Clarise responded.
    "I agree. Japanese for me, too," Jessa said.
    "Listen to you two. As if you're the only ones who have to look good on both your weddings. We bridesmaids and groomsmen have to watch our figures, too, you know," Faye said with a laugh.

    "So, Faye, how did your date with Kevin go last Saturday?" Clarise asked as they settled in the intimate and comfortable environment of the restaurant they selected. Yes, the food was pricey but the atmosphere was so much more conducive to a private conversation.
    "He didn't take it too well when I told him I'd like us to see other people."
    "Oh, I thought you liked him."
    "Sure, kind of. But he was getting too serious. That's why it's time to start dating other men."
    Kevin was a genuinely nice guy Faye met on a speed date a couple of months ago. After four dates, she could tell he was already more than halfway in love with her and was keen on officially being her boyfriend. The thought didn't excite her.
    "You didn't want to continue giving him a chance? You might develop something deeper for him."
    "No," Faye responded.
    "Still wanting to play the field to test yourself to make sure the guy's really 'the one' before getting serious?" Victor asked.
    "Yes. As you know, I'm taking a different tack this time."
    "What if someone you're really into loses his patience and won't wait for you to be ready for something more serious?"
    "Well, if I don't run after him, then that means I don't want him enough. It was like how I knew Steve wasn't for me. He had to move interstate and I didn't want to follow him. I thought we loved each other enough but when the test came, it became obvious it wasn't the case," Faye explained with a shrug. "All I know is I got this crazy idea in my head that to find 'the one' I have to date casually for a while."
    "So this means it's time for you to find a new date then, huh?"
    "Actually," she answered as she traced the flower pattern on the placemat with her finger, "I bumped into this guy in the food court last week —"
    "It's Ray!" Jessa gasped.
    Faye's head snapped towards Jessa in shock. She didn't think any of her best friends knew she had lunch with Ray.
    "Sorry for interrupting, Faye. I just saw Ray enter. I don't think he's seen us yet," Jessa continued as she looked towards the doorway.
    They all turned their heads, and Ray had indeed entered the restaurant with another man who made Faye groan softly.
    "What?" her friends asked in unison.
    "That guy with Ray is a bit of an asshole," she hissed. "He was a client of ours and I used to work on his account. I remember telling you guys about him before. He was the dirty, egotistical pig I almost reported for sexual harassment. I hope they sit far away from us. Don't attract their attention," she pleaded, not only so she wouldn't have to say two words to Ray's friend but also so she could get control of her reaction to Ray. Her heart was already galloping and she could feel the temperature of her body rise with the knowledge he was around.
    "Uh-oh, too late," Clarise whispered.
    "Hello, ladies and gentleman, fancy seeing you here." Ray had a warm smile for all of them with his greeting. His smile disappeared when his companion spoke.
    "Hello, Faye, fancy seeing you here. If I was a betting man, I'd bet you knew I was going to be here and you followed me," the pig drawled with a sleazy grin. He ignored the rest of the people on the table and planted himself right next to Faye.
    Faye's eyes slitted. "Arnold, you