Page 79 of Fraud
Brian Chapman.
He sauntered through the door, carrying a large bouquet of long-stemmed red roses. Every damn woman in the place nearly swooned, watching, as he scanned the restaurant, looking for her.
My fists tightened.
“Kate!” He grinned, stepping forward.
She rose, and they met, his arms wrapping around her in a giant bear hug.
I was temporarily forgotten.
“These are for you,” he said, presenting her with the elaborate bouquet.
She blushed, thanking him. “Ouch!” she yelped, crying out in pain.
I immediately intervened. “Are you all right?” I asked, grabbing her thumb the minute I saw the blood.
“Thorn,” she mumbled.
“A good florist removes those,” I said, throwing a hard stare toward lover boy.
He was already trying to take my place, reaching out for her hand. Instead, he got a fistful of roses as I handed him back the giant bouquet he’d given her.
“Do you have a Band-Aid or anything in your purse?” I asked as I held her thumb close to my chest.
“Um, yes. A first-aid kit.”
With my free hand, I fished around in her small purse until I found the little white box. Inside were several Band-Aids and a few sanitary wipes. Opening one, I gently cleaned the tiny wound, taking extra time to run my hands over hers.
Her eyes never left mine.
It was as if no one else was there.
Until Brian reminded us otherwise.
“I think she’s fine,” he grunted.
Her eyes blinked several times, as if she were returning to reality. Maybe I was, too.
“Yes, thank you, Killian. I’d better leave you to your lunch. I’ll take it from here.” She took the Band-Aid from my hand and made short work of wrapping it around her wounded finger. Then, she gave me a polite smile.
I was being given the boot.
Brian smiled widely. “Nice seeing you again, Killian,” he said, holding out a hand.
I didn’t bother returning the gesture and instead stepped back. “Call me, Kate. We have some catching up to do,” I said before walking away.
I was sure she was wondering why I wasn’t staying.
But, even if I had planned on eating here for lunch, I no longer had an appetite.
My body was too full of rage.
