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A partner! She’d made it sound like he needed a wife in order to coue

His parents weren’t exactly throwing potential mates his way, but they’d let it be known that they were hoping he’d get h not to become involved in a lifetime relationship just to satisfy his parents’ wishes

Whatever craziness had pro the night He’d awakened sane and in command of his usual common sense

As the day went on he found hi the date The two of theh with this, Jason decided grimly, because he was a man of his word Since he told her he’d be there by six, he would be, but snoould fall at the equator before he gave in to an i, Charlotte realized as soon as Jason arrived Not knohat to wear, she’d chosen a navy blue suit, not unlike the one she’d worn to the office She’d atteht turquoise-and-pink scarf and a quarter-size silver pin of a colorful toucan Jason arrived in jeans, sweatshirt and a baseball cap with a University of Washington Huskies logo on it

"Hello," she said, forcing herself to sreeing to this date Jason had caught her off guard when he’d phoned She hadn’t knohat to say Hadn’t had ti by his expression, Jason didn’t seem any more pleased than she was He frowned at her until she was so self-conscious, she suggested changing clothes

"Don’t worry about it," he ers into his back pockets They definitelythe amusement park, and she looked like a student of Eone to the library with a friend The other ive Charlotte a convenient excuse to hurry home

"Where would you like to eat?" Jason asked once they were outside the apartment

"Wherever you want"

"Mexican food?" He didn’t sound enthusiastic

"Fine" Especially since there was a restaurant close by "How about Mr Tah He was probably thinking the saot there, the sooner they’d be finished and could go back to their respective lives instead of dabbling in this nonsense

For the short tiht as well enjoy herself The restaurant was little reasy spoon, but the food had earned its excellent reputation

The place apparently did a brisk business on week-nights because there was only one spot available

"I never would’ve thought we’d need reservations," Jason said, looking as surprised as Charlotte

The hostess, wearing an off-the-shoulder peasant blouse and black skirt, smiled and escorted them to the booth The waitress followed close behind She handed theht water, tortilla chips and salsa Charlotte read over the choices, made her selection and scooped up a jalapeño pepper with a chip

"You aren’t going to eat that, are you?" Jason asked, staring at her as if she’d pulled the pin activating a grenade

Charlotte grinned "Oh, that’s another thing I forgot to ht--women can eat chili peppers better than a man"

"Not this time, sweetheart I eaned on hot peppers" He took one, poising it in front of his ed

They bit into the peppers simultaneously The seeds and juice dribbled down Charlotte’s chin and she grabbed a paper napkin, dabbing it against her skin

"You weren’t kidding," Jason said, obviously i in her mouth, but she smiled and reached casually for another chip and so, but she s

"Rich and I used to eat these peppers right out of Dad’s garden"

"I take it Rich is your brother?"

"I’m one of five," Jason went on to explain, and she noted that his eyes brightened with pride "Paul’s the oldest, then there’s me, followed by Rich My sisters, Taylor and Christy, round out the family"