A Secret to Keep by Railyn Stone Read Free Book Online Page B

behind her and tossed the pig back to Sloane.
    “He is so arrogant and so, so…ugh!”
    “Gates?”
    “Who else?” Sloane slumped in the chair and leaned her head back. She was so frustrated, but at the moment she wasn’t sure if she was more frustrated with Gates hanging up on her or the fact she’d created this entire mess.
    “So? Did he postpone our meeting because you hung up on him?”
    “Yes. No. I don’t know, but I plan to find out. He wants me to meet him at Elijah’s at seven.” Sloane’s eyes popped open and she sat forward noticing Liyah’s eyebrows inching their way up her forehead. “What?”
    “Dinner, huh?” Liyah sat down across from Sloane and giggled.
    “Stop it. There’s nothing between Gates and me anymore but a whole lot of animosity and a huge secret. I don’t need this right now, Liyah.” She groaned, throwing her head back again and looked at the ceiling. She wondered if this was her punishment for keeping such a sordid secret.
    “You sure about that?”
    “Liyah, I’m serious. Gates does what he wants. He always has. I hate the fact he can push my buttons.” Sloane was trying her best to show Liyah she had no interest in pursuing a relationship with Gates anymore. He was over her and had moved on and she was doing the same. At least, she was trying.
    Laughing, Liyah stood and walked to the door. “I know. No one gets you more riled up than he does, but you should probably get a move on. I want you to look really good so you can convince him to build our hospital.”
    Looking down at the outfit she had on, Sloane bit her lip. Liyah was right. If she left now, she’d have just enough time to shower and change and make sure Brayden was settled before meeting Gates. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to change. Look, I’ll call you later tonight.”
    “Hopefully you’ll be too busy letting him push a few other buttons. Just call me tomorrow.” Liyah winked as Sloane shook her head.
    “Whatever.” Picking up her purse and keys, Sloane followed Liyah through the doorway.
     
    ###
     
    Making sure she wouldn’t be late, Sloane hurried into Elijah’s. She’d gotten Chase to watch Brayden for her since her Aunt Avery had returned home to Charlotte. She looked around and realized she’d beaten Gates to the restaurant and she breathed a sigh of relief. As she followed the hostess to a table, she tried to quell the nerves building up inside of her. She was glad she took Liyah’s advice to change. The little black tunic dress hung loosely on her svelte figure, stopping above her knees to show off her beautiful legs. The sheer kimono split sleeves left her beautiful arms half exposed. Taking a breath, she took a quick glance at her make up in her compact before putting it away and sipping her water. “Okay, this is crazy, Sloane. Stop fidgeting.” She was about to go to the restroom and check her make up again in a bigger mirror but stopped when she caught a glimpse of Gates crossing the restaurant toward her. She lost all ability to move and just stared at his gracious presence. Damn. His tailor-made suit fit every inch of his body perfectly and she couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he sauntered to the table. The man commanded attention without trying and it seemed all of the action in the entire restaurant had stopped.
    “Sloane.”
    “Gates, hi.” Cursing inwardly at her nervousness, she blinked and took a deep breath to calm herself.
    “Can I get you something to drink, ma’am, sir?” The waiter asked as he visited their table, pouring a glass of water for Gates.
    “Uh, no.” Sloane said, looking at the crystal glass that was the only thing sweating more than her.
    “No, this is fine for me.” The waiter nodded and headed off as Gates took a seat across from Sloane, never taking his eyes off of her.
    “You haven’t changed.” Sloane noticed Gates still didn’t drink alcohol.
    “Some things never need to change.” She was uneasy and his unwavering glare