Page 103 of Shadow

“Sorry. That was probably an odd question.”

Olivia put a hand on his arm. “It’s fine. I recognized the restaurant as one of Tyson Vance’s. He’s powerful in the restaurant industry. And you’re friends with him. Impressive.”

Ripley shrugged. “We crossed paths a number of years ago, and I have a standing invitation to dinner at any of his restaurants.”

They reached their table—a half circle booth with one large bench seat—and he waited for her to slide in on one side before he slid in opposite of her, keeping some distance even though they could sit hip to hip if they wanted.

“You crossed paths? What does that mean?”

He shook his head. “Can’t answer that.”

Thankfully, the chef himself appeared before she could push him further.

“Boomer, don’t tell me this is the famous Olivia. When you talked about her, I did not know it was the same Olivia who married that bastard DeBarr. Dreadful man.”

To Olivia he said, “I’m glad you got away from him. You’re entirely too gorgeous for an ogre like him.”

Olivia’s blush was bright and instant, and she ducked her head for a minute before meeting Tyson’s gaze.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Ripley said, not bothering to scowl at Tyson for calling him Boomer or for bringing up Olivia’s ex.

“What brings the two of you to my city?”

“I wanted to take my girl on a proper date.”

Tyson eyed him skeptically, and Ripley knew he didn’t buy it. They were more than just passing acquaintances.

“Are you going to check out Serendipity?”

Olivia raised an eyebrow. “That sounds intriguing.”

“We don’t have a membership.”

Tyson grinned. “I have some guest passes. Let me know if you want me to hook you up.”

Ripley turned to Olivia. “It’s the London equivalent of Exposure or Solitaire. If there’s time, would you like to go?”

Olivia grinned. “Yes, please.”

“I should get back to the kitchen. Welcome. I’m going to cook you something very special. Tomato free,” he said, winking at Olivia before he walked away.

Her mouth fell open, and she stared at Ripley. “You talk about me enough that someone you ‘crossed paths with’ knows I’m allergic to tomatoes?”

Ripley just shrugged. “What can I say, Liv? I’m crazy about you.”

“Have you ever been to this Serendipity before?”

He nodded. “Once, about four years ago. I didn’t play so don’t get jealous.”

Olivia frowned. “I wasn’t even thinking about that. Have you played with anyone other than me since we hooked up?”

Ripley hesitated a moment too long, and she ducked her head. “Oh.”

He reached for her hand and squeezed. “It’s not like that. Once, during an operation, the mark was a woman, and I had to pretend to be into her. I didn’t sleep with her, but we made out and she… tried to go down on me before I was able to get out of the situation. And aside from that, I’ve just done a lot of flirting.”

She seemed to think about his answer for a moment before she looked at him again. “OK. Thanks for telling me.”

He’d never really seen Olivia insecure before, and he wasn’t sure what to do with it.

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