Keeping His Promise: A When It Happens Novella, Book 2 by Rhyannon Byrd Read Free Book Online Page B

delicious sip, she found herself asking him about his work, even though Sophie had already mentioned that he was a successful sportswriter.
    Though she would never admit it, Natalie had even looked him up online and read more than a few of his articles, enjoying his voice, and glomming over the gorgeous photos that the press had taken of him with various high-profile athletes. She’d been stunned to learn that he played golf with the MVP of the last Super Bowl, and was involved in several charities.
    But despite his success, he didn’t come across as arrogant or cocky as he answered her questions. Instead, she could tell just how passionate he was about what he did, and how lucky he felt for having the opportunity to do it.
    Hmm. For a manwhore, he wasn’t at all what she’d expected. And, yeah, she might have started to feel just a “tad” bit guilty for expecting him to be as shallow as most of the playboys and two-timers she watched coasting in and out of Manolo’s every week.
    Not that his lifestyle was something she could ever accept. For instance, it hadn’t escaped her notice that the phone in his pocket kept vibrating to signal a text message. He’d checked to see who was trying to reach him the first few times, then started to ignore them, and in his defense, he hadn’t texted them back in front of her, which would have been rude, seeing as how they were most likely from another woman…or women .
    But, then, it wasn’t like he even needed a defense. He wasn’t in a relationship, and he sure as hell didn’t owe her anything. He was young and single and gorgeous, not to mention intelligent and fun to talk to, so she really couldn’t blame him for being such a successful bachelor as well.
    It just sucked that he was so clearly not a settling down kind of guy, seeing as how she found him one of the most compelling, sexy, interesting men she’d ever met.
    Somehow, by the time his steak and her seafood linguine were being set on the table, he’d gotten her to admit that her dream was to someday open a classy sports bar by the beach. One that catered more to women and couples, than men who were simply looking to get rowdy with the guys.
    After wiping his mouth with his napkin, he said, “You know, I have some great contacts that I could put you in touch with when you’re ready.”
    “Ready for what?” she asked, swirling another bite of pasta around her fork.
    “To open your bar.”
    She froze as she stared at him across the table, as stunned as she was embarrassed. “That…that’s really awesome of you, and nice, but I wasn’t…I wasn’t trying to suggest that you should—”
    “Hey, I know that,” he said in a low voice, flashing her a disarming smile. “But I’d like to help.”
    “Thanks. That’s…honestly, that’s super sweet of you. But this isn’t something that will happen anytime soon. I’m sure it’ll take me years.” And by that time, Sean Cartwright probably wouldn’t even remember her freaking name, much less his incredible offer.
    Nodding his head in understanding of the nerves he could no doubt hear in her voice, he told her, “I know something like this can feel like it’ll take forever, but I’d put my money on you getting there a lot sooner than you’re expecting.”
    “You would? Why?”
    He finished off his scotch, and set the glass back down on the table, his dark gaze locking hard with hers in the soft light. “Because you’re the kind of woman who goes after what she wants and doesn’t take any bullshit from anyone.”
    The corner of her mouth twitched with wry humor. “Um, thanks. I think.”
    “It was a compliment.”
    She looked down, surprised to find that she was still twirling that damn bite of pasta around her fork. Flushing, she lifted it to her mouth, and they finished off their meals without any further conversation. The server showed up only a moment later, clearing away their plates, and asking if they’d like to see the dessert menu.