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

together for a long enough time? ‘How did you meet?’ They may eventually inquire about the things beyond third dates, but that’s not what they’re most curious about. By limiting every romantic relationship to its tingling beginnings, you’re keeping the sweetest part and sloughing off the tedious, difficult, heartbreaking aftermath. Like I said, it’s genius.”
    “You said brilliant, actually.”
    “So I did.” His eyes stayed steadily on her as he lifted his glass to his lips.
    Under his scrutiny, Trish showed an uncommon instance of shyness, dropping her gaze to the table. It wasn’t normal for her pulse rate to increase this much from just a look.
    “There’s one element missing from your plan, though,” he said. “Assuming I heard correctly.”
    “What’s that?” she asked, watching her fingertip circle the rim of her glass.
    “Sex.”
    Trish let out a shocked squeak as her eyes snapped up and onto him.
    He flushed immediately. “I’m sorry. That was too bold.”
    “No, no. I’m impressed. I’m usually pretty tough to embarrass, yet you’re shockingly good at doing it.”
    “Since you’re smiling, I guess I’ll push my luck.” Eyeing her cautiously, he ventured forth. “Are you serious about not sleeping with any of the men you date?”
    She nodded. “I know my hiatus won’t last forever, but I’m not interested in racking up a big number while I figure this out, so I consider myself revirginated for the foreseeable future. It’s freeing in a way. The decision’s automatically made for me, none of that nagging questioning: should we? Shouldn’t we?”
    He pressed his mouth into a small smile, seeming pleased by whatever assessment he was making of her. Sitting back, he looked more relaxed than he had since emerging from the corporate wing.
    Noticing his glass was already empty, Trish drained the rest of hers. “Have I successfully helped you unwind from your horrible day, Mr. Helms?”
    “Yes, I believe you have.” He pulled out his phone and looked at it. “Now it looks like it’s time for me to turn into a pumpkin. Where’s our waitress?” He slid the phone back into his jacket and pulled out his wallet.
    “Nope. This is on me.” Trish hopped off her chair, not giving him a chance to stop her from going to the bar to pay their tab. When she returned to the table, he was standing with his blue jacket back on and his hands in his pants pockets. He stuck out his elbow in invitation, and Trish accepted, looping her arm through. “Will you be back in Chicago anytime soon?” she asked as they moved toward the escalator.
    “My business here is nearly wrapped up, but I’ll likely have to return next month.”
    “Give me your phone,” Trish said, stepping next to him on the descending step. When Adam raised a skeptical eyebrow, she explained, “The way I figure it, we’ve got two dates left. I want to add my number to your contacts so you don’t have to send me smoke signals from behind the giant plant.” In case he wasn’t catching her drift, she added, “It’s probably best for me to be covert around the office about spending personal time with clients.”
    He hesitated, but when they emerged onto solid flooring, he pulled out his phone, pressing the screen a few times before handing it to her. It was open to a blank contact form.

Chapter 6
    T HE P ROSPECT O F A B LIND D ATE no longer carried the same level of anxiety it used to for Trish. As she and James stepped into the cramped entryway of the Turkish restaurant where they’d arranged to meet Cliff, she didn’t worry about how her side of the date would go. There were no long-term ramifications, either way. She was more interested in how Cliff and James would hit it off.
    A beaded length of fabric shielded the rest of the restaurant from view. “Reservation for Walsh,” Trish said to the hostess.
    The woman smiled. “The rest of your party has already arrived.” Holding back the curtain, she gestured them