Second Time Around by Carol Steward Read Free Book Online Page B

do you, Bob? That is bordering on harassment.”
    â€œNo harm in a little flirting.” He shrugged, ignoring her warning.
    She shook her head and closed her door to Bob’s lame explanation. He’d blown any chances of a relationship with her, or any woman in their office. And now Emily was getting a headache, complete with a sudden case of the jitters. The last thing she needed was Bob next to her whining all evening.
    Everyone in the clinic would be there to kick off the renovation. It was critical that she and Kevin be on their best behavior. Neither could take a chance of endangering their positions by revealing their past relationship.
    Kevin’s employees would be there, as would his silent partner and best friend, Bryan Beaumont. At least she would have Laura to visit with.
    When they arrived, Emily walked into the restaurant as quickly as she could to avoid being paired up with Dr. Casanova. She was immediately greeted by Laura.
    â€œEmily, I thought you’d never get here,” Laura exclaimed. “Is this your new boyfriend?”
    Emily turned around to see who Laura was referring to, praying it wasn’t Bob. I can’t believe I ever even considered dating him, she thought. “No, he’s not. In fact, if Bob is any indicator of men these days, I’m through looking. Men just can’t be trusted.” She glanced at Laura, realizing she’d stuck her foot in her mouth already. “Oh, I know Bryan’s different.”
    Laura smiled. “Yes, he is. But he isn’t the only trustworthy man alive, you know.”
    There was a dreadfully long silence before Emily explained the situation with her car, ignoring Laura’s comment altogether. She didn’t need to expose her jaded opinions of men to a woman who’d found another wonderful husband after the death of her first husband. Just because all the men in my life walk out when I need them most doesn’t mean a thing, I’m sure. Who needs them, anyway? “Would you and Bryan be able to give me a lift home?”
    â€œI’m sure Bryan wouldn’t mind. Let’s go find him. Kevin was introducing him to some of your partners. I went to the ladies’ room and haven’t caught back up with him.”
    â€œLaura, I’d rather not…”
    Laura touched Emily’s arm sympathetically. “Kevin brought a date, so there’s no reason to feel awkward. She’s actually pretty nice.”
    A date? Why was she surprised? There was no reason Kevin shouldn’t bring someone. In fact, she should be thrilled. What better way to avoid him?
    They made their way through the crowd and to the hors d’oeuvres, finally finding Bryan at a table near the front of the room. Laura invited Emily to sit withher, which Emily was glad to do, until she realized Kevin and his date were seated at the same table. She glanced around, quickly realizing that most everyone had quit mingling—she had a choice between Bob’s table, or Kevin’s.
    Friends had informed her that Kevin had started dating soon after their breakup. That knowledge was unsettling, especially now that she was sitting across from him and his gorgeous girlfriend. Laura was right: Kristen seemed amazingly likable. If nothing else, Emily would love watching Kevin squirm.
    Emily sat down, and was soon listening as Kristen explained her work as an interior decorator, though her attention drifted to Kevin and Bryan joking together. Emily remembered with fondness their friendly banter. Ignoring the emotion building inside, she distracted herself from admiring how handsome Kevin looked in a suit and tie. The khaki blazer and baby-blue shirt accentuated the color of his eyes and complimented his curly golden hair.
    She turned toward the raucous sound of laughter and the clinking of silverware against china across the room. Toasts were made to a successful project. Platters of shrimp scampi emerged from the kitchen. She