Too Little, Too Late by Victoria Christopher Murray Read Free Book Online

cannot call me sweetie.”
    “I know,” she whispered. “It’s not professional.”
    He shook his head, then moved toward the door. “I made reservations at the Bistro.”
    “Would you mind if we changed that? I made reservations at Tavern on the Green,” she said, brushing past him. “I’ve never been there.”
    He followed her into the hall. Tavern on the Green—it was just a restaurant.

    “Good evening, Mr. Bush.”
    “How’re you doing?” Hosea asked as the young man poured water into their glasses. He grabbed his menu and studied his choices even though he almost knew this menu by heart. Taking a quick glance at Natasia, he wondered if she knew this was the place where he and Jasmine had their wedding reception.
    “So, the fact that the staff is calling you by name means that you’ve been here before, huh?” Natasia grinned.
    “Yes, quite a bit.” He put down his menu. “In fact, this is where Jasmine and I celebrated after our wedding.”
    She stared at him. Said nothing at first. Then, “So, what’s good here?” as if anything that had to do with his marriage was not worth mentioning.
    He let a moment go by. “Just about everything. Guess it depends on your mood.”
    Without looking up, she said, “I’m in the mood for a lot of things. But I’ll settle for the seafood cocktail and a salad.”
    Hosea gave their orders to the waiter and when they were alone, she asked, “I guess we’re having the early dinner that you wanted.”
    “Yeah.” He spread the napkin across his lap. “Like I said, I want to get home to my family.”
    “A few drinks wouldn’t have stopped you from going home.” She gave him a half-smile. “Or would they?”
    It was hard to turn away from her gaze. “I don’t drink.”
    “I haven’t forgotten that.” She leaned on the table, closer to him. “I haven’t forgotten anything.”
    Hosea cleared his throat. “So how have your first few days been?” he asked, taking them straight back to business.
    “Great. I love New York, but I’m looking forward to L.A. I think that’s going to breathe new life into the show.”
    He nodded. “I still can’t believe we’ll be working together.”
    “Believe it. The network wanted a top producer and I’m one of the best.”
    “The best and so modest.” Just like I remember.
    She shrugged. “Tell the truth, shame the devil.”
    He chuckled. “I just never imagined that our paths would cross like this.”
    “Really?” She took a long sip of water and then leaned back in her chair. “Come on, Hosea. You didn’t think I’d give up that easily, did you?”
    He raised his eyebrows. Was this an admission that this reunion had been planned? “Give up? You sound as if there’s something you can get back.”
    Her lips curled into that smile that he remembered. That smile that used to melt him. The waiter broke through their silence, laying their plates in front of them.
    Natasia reached for her fork, but Hosea took her hand, bowed his head.
    “Sorry,” she whispered.
    He began. “Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Lord, we thank you for this food we’re about to receive. May it be used for the nourishment of our bodies in order for us to do Your will. We give You thanks for this meal and for so much more. In the name that is above all other names, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
    Even when they opened their eyes, she held onto his hand until he pulled away. And he turned right back to business. “So, where were you working when they found you?”
    “At NBC. On the nightly news, and I was producing some specials.”
    “And winning Emmys.”
    “Seven over the years, but who’s counting.” She slipped a shrimp to the edge of her mouth, sucked on the cocktail sauce. “I’m most proud of the Emmy I got for my series on adoption in Africa.”
    He raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t know that was you.”
    “It was me. All me. From the idea straight through to production. I even got to take a