Page 16 of Under the Influence

“My brother likes his wife because she’s hot and thinks he’s smart. She likes him because he has money and thinks she’s smart. They’re too stupid to realize they aren’t in love.”

“They might be.”

“Sure, but they aren’t.”

“Does that mean you don’t think Lola will love Val?”

“I think she wants to, and I assume he wants to love her. Maybe they can break the curse.”

“But you can’t?”

Looking over the restaurant filled with couples, I find myself irritated.Why am I here, tempting myself with what I can’t have?Glancing to my right, I see Edith watching me with a curious gaze.

I consider our current situation. Edith has put her interest out on the table. I can push this thing further. Promises could be made. I would find out how her lips taste. My fingers would feel great sliding through her silky hair.Should I be that selfish?

“I’m interested in you,” I admit. “That’s why I’m here. But I didn’t tell anyone I was coming here, and I won’t share any details about our date when I get home.”

Every bit of Edith’s confidence drops away. “What’s wrong with me?”

“You’re Donovan Mooney’s only daughter. I’m unsure where I stand anymore with your people. And my daughter’s marrying your cousin. Plus, there’s the curse to consider.”

“Do you truly believe in that?”

“Sometimes, sure. I look at my mom and how she never loved anyone. Her husbands didn’t love her, either. But then, sometimes, I find myself feeling too rational to believe in a curse. I decide she’s simply had bad luck.”

“If you weren’t cursed, how would your life be different?”

“For one thing, I would have hung around the engagement party longer and talked with you.”

Edith’s gaze warms. “What would you have said?”

“I would have mentioned I’m financially stable. Then, I might have done pushups to show off my muscles.”

Edith startles me by laughing. She’s a gorgeous woman when grumpy. But holy hell, does her face light up when she laughs! Only a few sights in my life have been more glorious than the expression on Edith’s face right now.

“Those would have been suave moves,” she says, still chuckling at my scenario.

“Here’s what I think,” I say and let my fingers brush the hair from her shoulder. My touch leaves Edith staring with a new neediness. “You and I can see where this thing goes. But we’ll need to keep our relationship quiet to avoid drama on both ends. If we can’t make things work, at least, you’ll have practice dating a man you find appealing. That way, if you meet someone in that fancy beach town you mentioned, you won’t come off grumpy with those men.”

Edith purses her lips. “I’m not grumpy.”

“No, you’re sullen,” I reply quickly. “You’re angry over what you feel has been denied to you. Men will think you’re high-maintenance.”

“Is that whatyouthink?”

“No, because I know your family and understand why you’re agitated.”

Unable to relax, she looks at her expresso and mutters, “No man’s complained before.”

Cocking an eyebrow, I push back by asking, “Why aren’t you with those men now?”

Edith exhales deeply. “They’re not good enough. I should lower my standards. I could be married already if I hadn’t been so nitpicky.”

“That seems wrong to me,” I explain as I notice our waitress moving in our direction. “I saw your family. None of them seems to have settled. You’re a gorgeous, tough woman. Settling isn’t a smart move.”

Edith smiles at my praise. As her gaze washes over me, I feel a little self-conscious under her inspection.

When our food arrives at the booth, I choose to remain on this side of the table. Edith shoves the condiments aside to give us more room. She smiles at me and settles down.

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