Page 108 of Hidden Ties

“Thank God,” he said, taking her by the arm to start moving them to the sidewalk. “I hate eating alone.”

Balking, she started to move away from him. “I actually really should be going …”

Kent sent her a companiable smile. “Too late. You already agreed. Don’t worry; I eat fast.”

Finding herself laughing, she stopped trying to pull away.

“What time do you have to be back at the office?” he asked.

“I’m off for the rest of the day.”

He made a comical face at her. “Lucky you. I wish I were.” Walking slowly by her side, he loosened his tie. “My day has been a bitch. When I got back to my office after the meeting, it seemed like every client I’m representing called and wanted me to call them back.”

She spared him a curious glance as they walked. “You didn’t want to eat in your office and call them back?”

“Are you kidding me? I want to enjoy my lunch, not deal with indigestion.”

Her laughter was cut short when his footsteps slowed at the restaurant Livvy had bullied her to go to. Her steps faltered when Kent opened the door.

“Is there somewhere else we could go?”

His eyes widened in curiosity. “You don’t like Flannigan’s?”

There was no way she was going to tell him about the nightmare lunch she had with Livvy and the other women.Instead, she told him a half-truth. “It’s too stuffy in there for me.”

“Stuffy?”

“I prefer somewhere more relaxed,” she replied, hoping she wasn’t offending him.

He grinned at her. “You’re my type of woman. There’s a place right around the corner.” He resumed walking and took her arm again. “Have you been to Riley’s?”

“No,” she answered, liking the feel of his hand on her arm. Strangely, he made her feel protected as he navigated her through the busy foot traffic on the sidewalk.

Kent had slowed his stride to match hers, placing her on his right so those going in the other direction had to walk by him instead of her.

“I think you’ll like it, though it’s more of a walk.”

“I don’t mind. I could use the walk. Do you go there often?”

“Depends on who I’m with. If I want to impress someone, I take them to Flannigan’s. I hit Riley’s when I’m in the mood for good wings and a cold beer. It’s as far from stuffy as you can get.”

“Now, that sounds like my kind of place.”

Feeling his steps slow, she spotted the restaurant just a few steps away. She had driven past the bar and grill on her drive home but had never gone inside.

Her lips curled into a smile of approval as a waitress led them through the tiny space. Most of the customers were dressed in casual clothing as they stood at the large bar, which took up most of the space.

Taking the paper menu from the waitress once they were seated at the small table, she finally felt the last of the tension Bree caused ease off her shoulders.

“What can I get you to drink?” the waitress asked, as if she were anxious to hurry away.

“I’ll take whatever you have on tap that’s ice cold,” she ordered.

“I’ll take the same.” Kent sent her a glance of approval as the waitress left.

Hooking her purse on the side of her chair, she looked back at him to find him staring at her quizzically.

“You’re surprised I ordered a beer?”