Leather and Lace (Tempered Steel Book 2) by Maggie Adams Read Free Book Online

a business dinner. The last thing she wanted was to send the wrong signal to the wrong man. She sighed. This was getting so complicated. Maybe she should call the whole thing off. But if Sam saw her with Bob and grew jealous …
    The doorbell rang. She gave up second guessing and went to answer it.
    The gleam in Bob’s eyes as he escorted her to the car made her feel the extra care she had taken with her appearance was worth it. She wished Sam would look at her that way. With Sam, she’d settle for just plain looking ‘at her’ instead of ‘through her’.
    The restaurant was crowded. They waited at the bar for a few minutes. Angel glanced around, but she didn’t see any of the Coalson brothers. Since the place really was an old mansion, there was dining available in several rooms. Wouldn’t it be ironic if, after all this trouble, they were seated in a different part of the house away from Sam?
    After requesting a white wine, they were shown to their table. As Angel rounded the corner of the bar, she saw Sam. He was seated with his brothers at a corner table. She felt Sam’s gaze on her. She faltered a step, but pride and determination kept her going on.
    Perhaps, it would have been better to be in a different area of the restaurant she decided as they were seated directly across from the Coalsons. Opting not to have Sam staring daggers at her all evening, she chose to sit with her back to him. Hopefully, Bob wouldn’t notice.
    “So, Angel, why did you decide to have dinner with me tonight? Don’t get me wrong. I’m delighted. I’m just curious.”
    Angel looked at his earnest face. He was a handsome man with a slim build and dark hair, slightly graying at the temples. She pegged his age at mid-forties. He was always a gentleman to her and Frankie, even helping to move boxes and mannequins to the basement. She liked him immensely in that “friends only” way and felt bad about deceiving him. She put her hands on the table and decided to confess all. Before she could, he forestalled her.
    “The reason wouldn’t have anything to do with the man sitting directly behind you who looks ready to kill me, would it?” He smiled and took a sip of wine.
    Angel was completely embarrassed. Well, now, she was definitely going to tell all. So much for Dottie’s great plan. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I’m sorry, Bob. I never meant to deceive you – no, that’s not true. I told you it was a business dinner, but I really wanted to …” she trailed off, ashamed of her conduct.
    “Make old stone face over there, jealous?” Bob finished for her with a grin. “Personally, I think I’m better looking. So, let’s dance and you can make him simmer in his own jealousy, and I’ll get to hold you in my arms.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Just between you and me, I think I’m getting the better deal.” He winked at her.
    “Why are you doing this?” Angel whispered as Bob drew her up and headed for the dance floor.
    “Maybe because the man’s a fool and deserves what he gets for not grabbing you up when he could have. And this is definitely better than spending another night watching Seinfeld reruns,” he murmured as he pulled her close. He whispered in her ear. “And maybe, I was once a jerk like that and lost someone as precious as you. I hope he will wise up and treat you right.”
    Angel stared at his tie. “Thank you, Bob. For everything.” She smiled up at him.
    “Then again, maybe he’ll continue to be an ass and you’ll decide I’m the better bet.” He pulled her closer and she stiffened.
    “I’m joking,” he whispered. “He’s looking over here. Let’s give him something to think about.” He twirled her around the dance floor until she was out of breath and laughing.
    Angel noticed that Sam did nothing but sit and stew.
    After a surprisingly enjoyable evening, Bob lead her out into the night and drove the few miles back to town. “I hope our little dinner date helped. Feel free to call