A Moment of Truth: A Complete Bonus Set (A Matter of Trust #1-2) by Q. T. Ruby Read Free Book Online

self-conscious.
    After Bridget forces her hairstyling updo techniques on me, I spend the last few minutes alone at my dresser, attaching earrings and trying not to hyperventilate.
    At eight on the nose, my phone rings. Dan is waiting. Outside. Oh God.
    Breathe . . .
    With my heart pounding its way to his car, I say to Bridget and Camille, “My ride’s here. See you later.” I throw on my long coat. Making my way down the stairs, I sternly remind myself this is just dinner, nothing more.
    It’s only the shock of the frigid March air that holds me upright when I spot a blacked-out BMW waiting for me.
    Breathe.
    I walk toward it, and fiddle with my purse to distract myself from the fact that he’s probably watching me.
    I open the car door and pause for a moment, catching a glimpse of Dan’s right leg pressing on the brake and his strong right hand cupping the gearshift.
    I need a stiff drink.
    “Hi.” I slip into the car as gracefully as possible. The scent of his soap and shaving cream are intoxicating.
    Make that two drinks .
    “Hello,” Dan says, his handsome features illuminated by the dash. “I still feel rude not coming to your door.”
    “Really, it’s okay. It’s better like this—for me, anyway. I hope you understand.”
    He smiles and nods. “I do.”
    As we pull away from the curb, I spy him from the corner of my eye—all drool-inducing in his black blazer, black button-down shirt, and black pants. Normally, black is safe, but on Dan Chase it’s very, very dangerous.
    Game face, Claire!
    “I wasn’t sure if you’d be picking me up or if you’d come with a driver or something. I really don’t know how this stuff works.”
    Dan glances my way and chuckles. “I only use a driver if I have to. I like driving myself.”
    Not a prima donna. Nice . “Is this your car?”
    “No, it’s a rental. My car is on the West Coast. I’ve found that it doesn’t really fit into my luggage.” He laughs.
    I shake my head, grinning. “So, how are you? How was your trip?”
    “It wasn’t too bad. I can’t believe I have to get on another plane tomorrow, though.”
    “Awful jet lag, I bet.”
    “Oh yeah. So, what did you tell your flatmates?”
    “I told them I was having dinner to celebrate a coworker’s birthday.”
    “Oh? Where’s my present, then?”
    “Sitting in your passenger seat.” I tease.
    He shifts his attention from the road and onto me. “Happy birthday to me.” He smirks.
    Oh God. Breathe.
    We arrive at a small Italian restaurant, and surprisingly, find parking on a side street pretty quickly. Hands warm in our own pockets, I follow Dan’s lead into the alley.
    “Where are we going?” I ask, a little concerned.
    “To the side entrance. It keeps things more private. You know, since you don’t want your flatmates to find out.” He winks at me. It’s just not fair.
    “Right, my flatmates.”
    My stomach lurches the moment it hits me that I’m on an official date—one I’m equally excited and scared to death about. For a brief moment, I wish I was home, safe. Yet, as he holds the door open for me, smiling his beguiling smile with the cool breeze blowing his hair a little, the doubt and fear simply vanish.
    We follow the host to a very private area, one they probably use for small parties. The lights are appropriately dim, and there are no other customers around.
    I place my purse on a table that’s situated in the corner of the room and begin to unbutton my coat.
    “Let me help you,” Dan says from behind me, waiting to take my coat.
    Wow, this guy has manners.
    I let the coat slip from my shoulders. When I turn to thank him, there’s a stupefied expression on his face.
    “Are you okay?”
    Dan nods. “Yeah . . . yeah, I’m fine,” he mutters as he rubs the back of his neck and places my coat gently over an empty chair.
    Once we’re seated and examining the menus, Dan leans close. “You look . . . amazing in that dress.”
    I blush like crazy. “Thank you,” I say,