Unchained Memories by Maria Imbalzano Read Free Book Online Page B

throat. He had on a charcoal gray suit, white shirt and a navy tie. Oh, so sexy.
    She leaned in, accepting a cordial kiss on her cheek.
    “We have a table in the corner.”
    They followed the maître d’ and Charlotte amusedly watched ladies’ heads turn, following Clay in his wake. How did he do that?
    Sorry, ladies, but for the next two hours he’s mine . She couldn’t help the self-satisfied smile insinuating itself on her lips.
    Candlelight gave the room a soft, romantic glow, and large vases of fresh flowers were strategically placed on tall tables around the restaurant. Very elegant. Clay held her chair, and she eased into it, begging for every feminine charm she might have hidden within, to display itself at the right time. Evidently, her lecture to herself was not working.
    “You look beautiful,” he said as he sat across from her.
    She looked into his gorgeous green eyes and almost repeated the compliment. “Thank you,” she said instead.
    His thick, dark brown hair hadn’t a strand of gray and his expensive looking suit molded itself to his slim, toned physique. Maybe he had a few laugh lines around his eyes, but they made him look even better.
    “So, other than working at Nassau General, what have you been doing for the past ten years?” she asked, steering the conversation toward a more personal exchange.
    He arched an eyebrow. “Are you asking about my love-life?”
    Her face burned at his pointed question. He undoubtedly knew what she was after. And now she was embarrassed to admit it. But she wasn’t going to let on. Staying cool in uncomfortable situations was a trait of a good lawyer, and she had been practicing it since she’d started law school.
    “Is that what you’d like to talk about?” Turning the question back on the questioner always seemed to work.
    He smiled. A perfect smile. “There’s not much to say about that topic.”
    His response annihilated her cool calmness and replaced it with unrestrained curiosity.
    Just then a waiter approached and, after consulting with Charlotte, Clay ordered a bottle of wine. When he left, Clay gave her a knowing grin. “You couldn’t drink when I knew you before.”
    “Must you remind me?”
    “Sorry.” Light sparked in his eyes.
    “Getting back to my question...”
    “Yes, my personal life. Never married, no kids, no girlfriend.” He chuckled. “I guess I have no personal life.”
    “Is this a recent problem, or have you been a hermit since I left?”
    “Not a hermit. But I don’t have time for a relationship.”
    She inwardly sighed. While problematically ecstatic he wasn’t connected to someone, she wanted to know more. Had he been in a long term relationship? Had his girlfriend broken his heart, or he hers? Did he avoid commitment at all costs or was he just going through a dry spell and using lack of time as an excuse? Her desire to pull information out of him conflicted with her need to protect herself. She didn’t want him to think she cared one way or another. More questions would just indicate more interest. She tamped down her innate nature to keep going and opened her menu.
    The waiter came back with their wine, uncorked it and poured, advising them he’d be back in a few minutes to take their order.
    “What about you?” Clay picked up his wine and clinked her glass.
    “What about me?” Two could play this game.
    “I know you were alone a few weeks ago at the Cancer Society Gala, but you never said if you were seeing someone. I’m assuming you’re not married.”
    “Your assumption would be correct.”
    “Engaged? Living with the love of your life?”
    If he only knew he’d held that lofty position at one time.
    “None of the above. I was involved with someone after law school, but it ended when I moved back here.”
    “So, the boyfriend didn’t follow you here?”
    Charlotte laughed. “No, thank God. We were over way before we ended it.” Of course, that was her fault, but no need to point out her