Page 15 of Declan
“Good decision. So, if you weren’t talking about Stephen, who were you talking about?”
Elise looked at her, then away, and back again. “Declan Cavanaugh.”
“Oh, my. He is gorgeous.” Elise raised her eyebrow, making Brandy laugh. “Just because he’s not my type doesn’t mean I can’t see how good-looking he is.”
“True. I’ve tried talking to him when he’s been here to pick up Frankie, but it’s like pulling teeth to get him to talk to me. I do know that he and Stephen don’t seem to like each other. I have no idea why. I asked Declan, but he just told me to ask Stephen when he took me to dinner, then he left with Frankie.”
“How did he know you were going out with Stephen?” Brandy frowned.
“Stephen made sure to mention it when he was leaving with his daughter. Now that I think about it, I’d bet he did it on purpose.”
“Sure sounds like it.”
“Well, since everyone is gone, go home, Brandy. I’m heading to my tub then I have to get ready for my date.” Elise smiled.
“Okay. I’ll see you Monday.” Brandy picked up her bag, then headed out the door.
Elise locked it behind her, then made her way up to herapartment.
Later, as she dressed for her date, she sighed. To be honest, she wasn’t really looking forward to this date. He seemed like a nice man, but there was just something about him that bothered her, and she couldn’t put her finger on it.
“It’s all in your head because you want Declan and Stephen doesn’t come close to him in any way,” she muttered, then shook her head. “Your mother would tell you to trust your gut.”
She tried to convince herself that tonight would be fun and if it was, she’d go out with him again, if he asked. If she didn’t have a good time, it would be their last date. Shaking her head, she knew this would be the last time she went out with him. She was going to trust her gut and make her mama proud.
When he picked her up, he didn’t say anything about how she had dressed this time. She had decided on black slacks and a red blouse with red shoes with flat heels. He smiled at her, asked if she was ready, then walked out the door ahead of her, making her clench her jaw.
Chapter Three
The hostess led them to their table, placed menus down, then walked away to get their drinks. Elise wanted to be anywhere but here. Maybe she should say she didn’t feel well and ask him to take her home. No. She didn’t like to lie, so she’d stick it out.
After they placed their orders, Elise glanced around the restaurant, then looked at Stephen.
“This really is a nice restaurant.”
“Yeah. It’s expensive though,” he said as he picked up his glass of whiskey and drank it all in one gulp, then waved to a server to get another one.
“I’m sure that whiskey’s not cheap,” she murmured.
“It’s not. Nothing here is, but I can afford it.” He shrugged.
As Elise traced the rim of her water glass, her fingers cool against the condensation, she saw Declan Cavanaugh strolling past their booth. His hand rested possessively on the lower back of a statuesque blonde whose golden waves caught the amber light. A sharp twinge of jealousy jabbed at Elise’s chest. She blinked, trying to banish the feeling. Of course, a man that devastatingly handsome would have someone by his side. She smiled as she took in his attire, blue jeans and a black long-sleeved dress shirt. On his feet were distressed cowboy boots and he looked better than any other man in here. He held his cowboy hat in his hand, and she wanted to run her fingers through his thick, soft-looking hair.
“So, you told me you worked in real estate. You must have been out when I was there looking for a place for the studio. Lydia is a wonderful person.” She smiled.
“Lydia Griffin? I don’t work out of that hole in the wall. I work out of a big office here, in Hartland.”
“Oh, I see. I thought it was a nice place.”
“My office has over ten real estate agents. I think Clifton Realty only has two or three.” He shrugged.Did he have to be so condescending?She thought as she glanced over to Declan and his date again. “Lydia was very professional.”
“She does well for herself.” He grinned. “But I do so much better.” Then he glanced over his shoulder and back to her. “Do you know anything about him?”
Elise looked at Stephen and raised a brow. “Who?”
Stephen allowed a sardonic smirk to curve his lips. “Cavanaugh. I saw you looking at him.”
She tilted her head, curiosity stirring. “Why are you asking me? How would I know anything about him?”
