Inevitable by Michelle Rowen Read Free Book Online Page B

across the table at her date. Leo was new in town. Thirty-two, gorgeous, a local orthodontist. He drove a Mercedes. If Mystic Ridge had a list of eligible bachelors, there was no doubt Leo would be right at the top.
    They’d met last week at the grocery store when their carts had collided.
    A total small-town love story in the making, she thought.
    They were having dinner at a small but elegant Italian restaurant, newly opened in a converted Victorian house. It held fifteen tables at the most in a dimly lit dining area, red tablecloths and candles decorating each table. There was even violin music. It was all very romantic.
    Even though Emma was dealing with the affects of a potion that made her desperately lust after another man whenever he was close by, she really didn’t see any reason why she should cancel the date. After her confrontation with Ryan, she quickly delivered the bottle of Desidero potion to the PARA potions department, and then rushedhome to get ready—hair, make-up, the works. She picked out a low-cut teal blouse that made her hair look even more vibrantly red, and a black pencil skirt that helped her legs look just a bit longer. Black stilettos, no hose. She was good to go.
    When she’d left the house with Leo, she could have sworn she’d seen Ryan again out of the corner of her eye. Only more proof he was haunting her.
    Now that she was in the middle of the date—despite the care she’d taken in trying to look as good as possible—she knew she wasn’t putting her best effort forward. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Ryan’s face.
    It was annoying as hell.
    â€œHaving a good time?” Leo asked.
    She opened her eyes. “Fantastic.”
    â€œMore wine?”
    She put her hand over her glass. “No, thanks. I think I’ve already drank most of that bottle.”
    â€œI’m driving, so it doesn’t matter.”
    â€œI don’t think you want to deal with a drunk woman tonight.”
    â€œLet me be the judge of that.” He smiled and every one of his teeth were like perfect little white rectangles. Flawless. She cocked her head to the side.
    â€œYour teeth are perfect,” she said, then pressed her lips together. She’d already had too much wine. She was speaking her thoughts aloud without much of a filter. It was more of a sign to shut things down as far as alcohol was concerned.
    Not that she was worried about sleeping with Leo on their first date. He was gorgeous and available, but the last thing she wanted to do was have sex with one man while fantasizing about another.
    Besides, now that she wasn’t anywhere close to Ryan,she felt totally in control of herself. No tingles. No uncontrollable desire. Nothing. Which led her to believe that despite Leo’s good looks and nice résumé, she just wasn’t attracted to him. It happened. It was disappointing, but it happened.
    Just like King Arthur and Guinevere.
    She grimaced at the thought.
    â€œThey’re porcelain,” Leo said.
    She blinked at him. “Excuse me?”
    â€œMy teeth. You commented on how perfect they are.”
    â€œOh, right. Yes. Sorry.”
    He nodded. “They are perfect, thank you for noticing. Your teeth are lovely, but if you want to go that extra step and make them perfect as well, then I could certainly help you out. It’s a very simple process actually and I’ve never had a client who’s regretted their decision to get veneers.”
    Now she felt self-conscious about her slightly less than perfect teeth. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”
    â€œIf you’ll excuse me for a moment.” He stood up from the table. “While I’m gone, why don’t you decide what you’d like for dessert?”
    â€œDessert?”
    â€œYes, of course. Got to finish dinner with something sweet. Just make sure to brush and floss afterward.” He winked at her.
    She forced a smile.