When It Hooks You (It #1) by Nicki Elson Read Free Book Online Page A

I’m also wondering where you manage to get such an interesting palette.”
    “I have poor fashion sense and complete faith in my tailor in Hong Kong. He makes it; I wear it.”
    “You have a guy in Hong Kong?”
    “In London, too. But he’s a bit more sedate in his choices.”
    “So you travel a lot.”
    Adam took another sip and nodded as he swallowed.
    “Where did that tan come from last time you were in?” she asked.
    “When was that?”
    “Near the end of April.”
    “Central America. Honduras and Guatemala.”
    She wanted to ask what he’d been doing there, but figured that might enter into the business talk he wanted to avoid. “So, where’s home when you’re not jet-setting.”
    His mouth tightened before he answered. “Maryland, I suppose.”
    “You suppose?”
    He shrugged. “I’m away more than I’m there, so I’m not really sure it can be called a home, anymore. How about you? Do you travel?”
    “Not as often as I’d like to. I’ve been to both US coasts and to Germany on a family trip during high school. I went with friends on a vacation to Greece after college graduation. That’s it.”
    “How long has Chicago been your home?”
    “Forever. I grew up in the suburbs and have lived in the city since college.”
    “How long have you been with River South Partners?”
    “The same—since college, so five years.”
    “Interesting.”
    “What?”
    “You take a decidedly longer term approach to work commitments than to romantic ones.”
    Trish stopped mid-chew with her eyes slightly narrowed.
    “I’m sorry,” he said. “That’s information from a conversation I wasn’t supposed to hear.”
    She shook her head and swallowed. “It’s fine. I was just trying to recall exactly what you overheard.”
    “I heard that you no longer go on fourth dates.”
    “You’re an excellent eavesdropper…and rememberer.”
    “I don’t often hear women put time limits on relationships, especially women too young to be so jaded.”
    “I’m not jaded. I’m realistic about who I am.”
    “And you’re someone who doesn’t want to be in a committed relationship?”
    “I’m someone who doesn’t believe she’ll ever be lucky enough to meet another someone who’ll make her want to commit.”
    He swirled the olive in what was left of his drink, pursing his lips.
    “What?” Trish asked.
    He lifted his eyes to her, pausing to take her in with a long, appraising gaze. “You sound jaded.”
    “Am not!” She tossed her crumpled napkin at him. It bounced off his shirt and onto the floor. “I enjoy being single, and I’m going to stay that way until someone comes along to change my mind. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”
    “Not at all.” He leaned over the arm of his chair to pick up the napkin, laying it on one of the empty plates as he settled back onto his chair.
    “What’s your story?” Trish asked. “Do you have a girlfriend in one of those ports?” She’d noted he didn’t wear a wedding ring.
    “My story is that I’m nobody to be laying judgment on anyone else’s approach to romantic relationships.”
    “Aha! You have a girl in every port; is that it?”
    “That’s not it.” His expression clouded, and he looked down at the table.
    “You said I’m too young to be jaded about love. Aren’t you a little young to be so morose about it? How old are you, anyway?”
    “Thirty-four. Which I agree is too young to be so morose.” He sighed, scrunching his mouth into a sad attempt at a smile. “But sometimes we have little control over these things.”
    Asking about his life seemed to be a minefield. Trish took a gulp of her martini and switched the subject back to herself. “Tell the truth—you think my three-date plan is nuts, don’t you?”
    “Nuts? No, not at all. I think it’s rather brilliant.” When Trish tilted her head and quirked a disbelieving eye, he continued. “I’m serious. What question do people always ask a couple that’s been